by Joseph King
Located in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo range stands Trinchera (Trench) Peak (13,517 ft.), one of Colorado’s lesser-known 13’ers. When viewing the peak from the east, it’s easy to see how the namesake originated. Dipping into the side of the peak are a main cirque and a mini-cirque, the larger cirque a thrust fault from mountain building episodes during the late Miocene.As the cornerstone of three counties, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Costilla, the western slope is entirely on private land and is not open to the public. The eastern slope, however, is accessible from the Blue Lake area as well as the Purgatorie Campground.
To access the trailhead from the north, take US 160 west from Walsenburg or east from Fort Garland, and take CO 12 through La Veta and past the village of Cuchara about 4 miles. From the south, take CO 12 west from Trinidad over Cucharas Pass and down 2.35 miles to Forest Road 422 leading to the Blue Lake/Bear Lake Campgrounds. Continue four miles to Trinchera Peak Road aka FR 436, which lies adjacent to Blue Lake campground. The campground is open from Memorial Day at the end of May until Labor Day in early September. Bear Lake campground (1 mile further) is typically open until November. Camping is available at Blue Lake Campground at $13/night which includes the first two vehicles. Third vehicles are an additional $5/night unless it’s a towed vehicle. Day use parking fee is $5/day. If you park in a campsite for day use, you must pay the $5 fee.At the start of the trail (FR436) is a small area where you can park if you decide to hike the almost eight-mile round trip, or you can continue driving on what will be a moderate 4-wheel drive trail.
Once out of the treeline, the peak comes into view. Continue up the switchbacks and past the old mine to the saddle between Teddy’s Peak and Trinchera. This is where the trail ends and the scamble up the rocks begins.
Trinchera offers stunning views of the San Luis Valley, West Spanish Peak, and plenty of wildlife. Wildflowers abound in the spring and early summer months. Be cautious of the quick changes in weather that occur here throughout the summer. FR422 is closed around November due to heavy snowfall, but the area is still accessible to snowshoeing in the winter months. Trinchera is a less-traveled 13’er in the area, but an absolute must experience for those seeking a moderate hike with amazing views.
