Tanner Peak

Tanner Peak is a mountain located in the Wet Mountains near Cañon City. The peak is most commonly accessed via Tanner Peak Trail. This out and back hike is 12.9 miles long and gains 3,891 feet of elevation. 

This hike starts from Tanner Trailhead near the San Isabel National Forest. There are no amenities at the trailhead. Begin hiking west on Tanner Peak Trail. You will be hiking uphill immediately. This portion of the trail is on private land but access has been granted to hikers. You will be hiking amongst small coniferous trees and various cacti. After 0.1 miles of hiking, you will enter the San Isabel National Forest and continue hiking uphill.  As you continue on Tanner Peak Trail you will enjoy periodic views of Cañon City, Pikes Peak, and the Wet Mountains. Another 1.8 miles down the trail, you will notice the trees getting big and you will see fewer cacti. 

Continue hiking uphill. Along the way, you will encounter rocky cliffs on the slopes of the Wet Mountains. Continue hiking gradually uphill for the next 2.8 miles. Now, you will start hiking downhill. Enjoy this brief 0.3 mile section of downhill before beginning uphill again. After 0.9 miles, you will come to a junction with East Bear Gulch Trail. Go right to stay on Tanner Peak Trail. The trail goes gradually uphill for the next 0.3 miles before getting steeper. After 0.1 miles, you will see a large cairn marking the summit. On a clear day, you will have great views of the Wet Mountains and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. If you continue 0.1 miles past the summit, you will come to another great viewpoint. Once you have taken ample time to enjoy the views, turn around and retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. 

The San Isabel National Forest is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash.