Blanca Peak
Blanca towers over the San Luis Valley, in the southern, central portion of the state. This massive "valley" covers 8,000 square miles, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Sangres) to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the west. If you visit Alamosa or Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, it doesn't matter which part of the state you drive from because once you reach the San Luis Valley, you'll be able to see the might Blanca Peak.
Climbing Blanca is no small feat. While the standard route has a trail almost all the way to the top, it still requires over 6,000 feet of elevation gain because the trailhead is quite low. Blanca is not a 14er you start out with — there are over 30 easier Colorado 14ers. When you do get to Blanca, be sure to include Blanca's little brother, Ellingwood Point but be careful of the dangerous Little Bear Peak.
The first 4.5 miles of the Blanca Peak Trail is over an extremely rough, rocky jeep road. A very specialized four wheel drive vehicle is required to climb this road. Walking up the jeep road is an option that most visitors choose. Adequate parking is available along the first 2.5 miles of road.
The formal Blanca Peak trail begins at Lake Como and is almost entirely above timberline, the trail ends at the ridge leading to Blanca Peak. The first half of the trail is fairly easy. The last half becomes quite steep and rocky, with the trail disappearing and turning into a scramble over rocks. The upper trail is difficult and can be dangerous. The overall distance from Como Lake to Blanca Peak is 2.5 miles.
The weather in this area is subject to sudden changes and thunder storms can be expected at any time.
The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking and backpacking.
Plan Your Trip
Directions From Highway 160, proceed 3 miles north on State Road 150. Turn right onto dirt road. It is approximately 3 miles from 150 to the start of the trail. The first 4.5 miles of the trail is a very rough jeep road, requiring a specialized high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. Most visitors hike up the road.
Statistics
Elevation 14,350' (LiDAR) 14,345' (Previous)
CO 14er Rank 4 of 53
Range Sangre de Cristo
Forests Rio Grande San Isabel
Lat/Lon 37.57753, -105.48569
Counties Alamosa Huerfano Costilla
Towns Fort Garland, Blanca, Alamosa