San Isabel National Forest
Shafer Trail #1391 (Formerly Chaparral Trail)

While this 3.5 mile trail (one way) is rated easy, it ends at private property. And it's not so easy to regain that 2,700' in elevation back to where you left your car... Anyway, the best seasons on this trail are spring, summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 11,900'
• High Point: 11,900'
• Trail ending: 9,200'

Access: Take State Highway 12 to the top of Cuchara Pass. Turn east on FR 46, go about 4 miles to the trailhead on the north side of the road.

Notes: The top of the trail is on the connecting ridge between the West Spanish Peak and the Sangre de Cristo's. The trail descends into the valley east of the White Sisters, three igneous intrusions formed about the same time as the West Spanish Peak. There's also some sections of Dakota Wall sticking up along the way.

USGS Maps: Cuchara