East Spanish Peak Ascent

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

An amazing run with an intense climb to the top of the 12,683 ft East Spanish Peak in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area.

There are three creek crossings all fed by melting snows from the high country.

This run begins at the Wahatoya Trailhead #1304 in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area and proceeds for three miles to the "saddle" area (the point between the two peaks). At the saddle area, turn left and proceed on the East Spanish Peak Trail. The next mile is a series of switchbacks and steep climbs to the timberline. There are no trail markers but the trail is easily followed through the pine and aspen forest.

Once at timberline, the trail is only marked by cairns. The track follows the ridge line on a scree field with large volcanic stones with a steep climb to the summit. The views are incredible. Especially looking west toward the sister peak (West Spanish Peak) and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range just beyond. Also visible is Greenhorn Mountain and Pikes Peak to the north and Fisher's Peak to the south. The view to the east is the Colorado prairie as far as the eye can see.

Wildflowers abound in the summer. The fall colors of the aspen trees are one of a kind. Elk and deer are common in the area.