Another great backpacking trip of 2012. This time was with seth and he as become a strong hiker over the summer. This was a beautiful route and full of adventure. It was a bit busier as far as people goes but its also a very popular route. The highlight of course is the terrifying Phantom Terrace. The Phantom Terrace is a small ledgey trail along side a high alpine cliff next to Venable Peak. It last for about 200 yards or so and most of the way offers terrifying exposure! Check out the video and writeup below. Try not to laugh at the video.
phantom terrace from Jaydude on Vimeo.
Getting to the trail head we stomped our way though the dark, to above treeline, camping at Comanche Lake. It was a tough hike but Seth and I made short work of it.
Here is me having a cup of coffer on a grassy strip by the shore. It was as calm as heaven.
Getting ready to head out of our first nights camp spot.
A look back at the lake before we leave.
Seth is the man!
This has been a great year down in the Sangre’s. This will be my third trip of 2012.
We start to hike up to the Comanche saddle.
Views of the lake below.
A good shot of the valley floor before leaving it behind.
Reaching the saddle I was a bit anxious to get to the Phantom Terrace!
Following the contour of the trail heading toward the Venable Saddle.
The start of the Phantom Terrace! It lived up the the hype!
Seth wasn’t scared! The Phantom Terrace trail gets its name since it can only be seen from above. Down below, looking up, you have no clue where it is….
Looking back at what we just crossed.
The upper Venable lake was good sized and above treeline.
Dropping down to the lower Venable lakes where we plan to camp.
After some rain and hail we found a really nice camp spot.
Nice spot to get water, huh?
Time to pack up and leave.
AND down we go….
Different climate zones.
And this wraps up another killer adventure in the Sangre’s!
~
journeyvision 