| About San Isabel National Forest |
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| Blanca Peak |
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Beginning Elevation:
7,800 Feet
Difficulty:
Difficult
Elevation Gain:
6,545 Feet
Ending Elevation:
14,345 Feet
Length, One-way:
8 Miles
USGS Map:
Blanca Peak, Twin Peaks
Reservation:
No
Season:
July - September
From U.S. Highway 160, From U.S. Highway 160, turn in the Great Sand Dunes National Monument entrance. This is Highway 150. Travel north approximately 3.2 miles and turn right on a dirt road that travels northeast toward the mountains. Follow the road approximately 1.5 miles to the point where the road begins to climb and becomes rocky. If you do not have 4WD, this is the place to park. With a 4WD you can continue to Lake Como, but it's an awful 4WD road.
Location Information
Travel north on Highway 150 (the road leading to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument) approximately 3.2 miles and turn right on a dirt road that travels northeast toward the mountains. After about 1.5 miles there is a spot where the road begins to climb and it becomes rocky. This is where most vehicles stop. Most people attempting an ascent of one of the fourteeners camp at Lake Como.The road is officially closed to motorized traffic just above Lake Como. However, very few choose to drive the whole road. The tread resembles a rocky, dry stream bed more than a road. It is rough to drive and rough on vehicles. The last mile is the worst and only the possessed complete the road. The road is so rocky that it can even be wearing on foot travelers. The hike from the parking area to Lake Como is a rather monotonous grind. However, the alpine landscape and views above lake Como are outstanding. The crosses easy alpine tundra to Blue Lakes. It then climbs a steep slope to the Crater Lake Basin. The route above Crater Lake climbs through barren rock toward the saddle between Ellingwood Point and Blanca Peak. It is fairly well marked with rock cairns. From the saddle, follow the ridge to the right and take it to the summit. The foot trail is almost entirely above timberline. The first half of the trail is fairly easy. The last half becomes quite steep and rocky. The upper trail is difficult and can be dangerous if care is not given. Although it is quite a hike to the top, the vistas from way up there are spectacular and well worth the effort. The trail requires a full day, and many places are difficult. Get an early start unless you like the challenge of coming down in the dark. It is also not recommended that you try this trail alone. To avoid having to rush through the best part, it is suggested that three days be planned for the trip: The first day for traveling to timberline just above Lake Como; the second day for the ascent to the peak and descent back to timberline; and the third day for the return trip.
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