Blanca Peak Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The approach to access the three 14ers in the Blanca group is long and best done as an overnight in order to get Blanca, Ellingwood, and Little Bear. There is camping at Lake Como and this makes a good spot as it's pretty central to the peaks. The hike to Lake Como is over 6 miles, depending on how far your vehicle makes it up the gnarly 4x4 road. You'll probably see OHVs along this road so be on the lookout.

Once you reach the lake, the trail continues north on a rocky, woodsy trail. Eventually, the trail turns to singletrack and continues up a steep headwall with a cascade. Crater Lake sits atop the next bench.

Once past Crater Lake, the trail turns to Class 2+ switchbacks up the steep talus and scree to approximately the center of the saddle between Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point. This can be a super windy spot with the wind shooting over the ridge. Turn right to head up the Class 3 ridge-line to the summit (14,326').

After you summit, you can make your way back to the lake, or head over to tag Ellingwood Point.

Many marmots out on rocks.