Blanca Peak is the fourth-highest in Colorado at 14,345 feet and the centerpiece of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The Lake Como approach is one of the most challenging 4WD roads in the state — most climbers walk the 6 miles up the road as part of their hike.
Standard Route
The standard route follows Lake Como Road from Highway 150 to Lake Como (4WD road, very technical), then climbs the southwest ridge to the summit. From a low car-camp, the full route is 16.5 miles round trip with 6,600 feet of gain. With a serious 4WD vehicle, you can drive partway up the road and shorten the hike considerably.
What to Expect
The road walk is brutal — bring patience and good shoes. Above Lake Como, the route is class 2 with some loose rock. Many climbers add Ellingwood Point (a class 2 traverse from the Blanca-Ellingwood saddle) for a two-summit day.
Related Reading
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