Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Venable-Camanche Loop, aka Phantom Terrace, is a bucket-list hike in the fantastic Sangre de Cristo Range. It has everything one can ask for in a hike, including beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and incredible views of the Crestone Group on the back side of the loop. The Phantom Terrace section, which this loop is known for, is a narrow ledge cut out of sheer cliffs. The trail is unnoticeable from a distance, hence the name. We found it to be pretty chill actually, and the view of the valley from the ledge is something else. Anyone without significant fear of heights should be able to do it. As an added bonus I also tagged 13er Comanche Peak while my wife waited at the pass, and enjoyed the panoramic views on top. The best part is that we only encountered one other hiker with her dog until we arrived at Camanche Lake. One of my favorite hikes this year so far
Music:
Omni, by Punch Deck (youtube.com/watch?v=LycDoVvJIgU)
0:00 Intro and Venable Trail
05:33 Phantom Terrace
13:40 Camanche Peak
16:40 Camanche Lake and Descent
Venable-Camanche Loop, aka Phantom Terrace, is a bucket-list hike in the fantastic Sangre de Cristo Range. It has everything one can ask for in a hike, including beautiful alpine lakes, waterfalls, and incredible views of the Crestone Group on the back side of the loop. The Phantom Terrace section, which this loop is known for, is a narrow ledge cut out of sheer cliffs. The trail is unnoticeable from a distance, hence the name. We found it to be pretty chill actually, and the view of the valley from the ledge is something else. Anyone without significant fear of heights should be able to do it. As an added bonus I also tagged 13er Comanche Peak while my wife waited at the pass, and enjoyed the panoramic views on top. The best part is that we only encountered one other hiker with her dog until we arrived at Camanche Lake. One of my favorite hikes this year so far
Music:
Omni, by Punch Deck (youtube.com/watch?v=LycDoVvJIgU)
0:00 Intro and Venable Trail
05:33 Phantom Terrace
13:40 Camanche Peak
16:40 Camanche Lake and Descent
