San Isabel National Forest

San Carlos Ranger District

Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Motorcycling
Length: 10.5 mi (16.9 km)
Season: 7/1 - 9/30
Trail Beginning: Alvarado Campground
Trail Ending: On Rainbow Trail (#1336) l/2 mile north of Alvarado Campground
Use:Very Heavy
Difficulty: More Difficult
USGS Map(s): Horn Peak, Rito Alto Peak

Access
The Alvarado Campground is located about nine miles southwest of Westcliffe. Colorado on County Roads and Forest Road #302. The Campground is heavily used during the summer and the trailhead facilities serve as the focal point for a network of trails as shown on the area map The campground has 44 family camping units with tables fireplaces and drinking water. A campground user fee is charged. Persons using the trails only should park in the trailhead parking lots rather than the campground units. The trailhead is suitable for moderate sized trucks and horse or trail Vehicle trailers.

Attractions and Considerations
The Comanche-Venable Trail No. l345 makes a loop of about 10 l/2 miles from Alvarado Campground past Comanche Lake to the crest of the Sangre de Cristo Range across Phantom-Terrace and back down Venable Creek past Venable Lakes to the Rainbow Trail (#1336) a half-mile north of the starting point. This is a very popular and heavily used trail throughout the summer.

Hiking
For hikers, the trail is moderate to more difficult because of sustained grades and steep pitches. Al-though the average grade is l4% on the south section and 17% on the north. some short sections reach 23% The trail is in good condition and offers outstanding scenery and views of the valley below. Hikers Should plan a full day to make the round trip. Many hikers continue the hike over the divide to the west side of the Sangres on the Rio Grande National Forest for extended trips.

Horses
Horse use is common on the trail, especially for extended trips. Special care should be taken, how ever, because of the frequent motorcycle use. There is little forage available and overnight users Should pack adequate feed. Phantom-Terrace and other sections are narrow with very steep sideslopes and the rider should use caution.

Motorcycles
Motorized trail vehicles are allowed on this trail as well as the Rainbow Trail. The Phantom-Terrace section however, at the top of the divide is closed to motorized use because of the danger from steep side slopes and narrow tread. Because of this, it is not possible to make the loop trip. Many trail riders enjoy the trips to Comanche Lake or Venable Lakes for fishing or the outstanding scenery. Because of the heavy trail use -- please use caution.

Camping
The area receives heavy overnight use particularly around the lakes. Your help is needed to keep the area clean and attractive. Please pack out your trash and any other you may find. Avoid camping on the lakeshore or Stream banks. Be especially careful with fire. Small camp stoves are recommended. Horses should be tied away from waters' edge and other campsites.