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- Blanca Peak
14,350 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Blanca Peak
Blanca Peak is a 14,350 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 20 mi, 6,738 ft of gain, Class 2.
Blanca Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,350 ft4,373 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance20 mi6,738 ft gain
- Time12 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
From Alamosa, Colorado, take US-160 east to Route 150 and follow signs toward Great Sand Dunes. Turn onto the rough Lake Como Road which requires high-clearance 4WD for the full approach (saves 6 miles of hiking). The standard northwest face route is Class 2 with loose rock, steep terrain, and significant exposure near the summit. Snow and ice can persist into July. Start by 4am to avoid dangerous afternoon lightning storms. Often combined with Ellingwood Point via the connecting ridge. Helmets recommended for rockfall protection. One of Colorado's most challenging standard 14er routes.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Rockfall
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
Blanca Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 6 climbs of Blanca Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Blanca Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Lower 48 Ultras
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Blanca Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Blanca Peak?
Blanca Peak is 14,350 feet (4,373 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Blanca Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,350 feet, Blanca Peak is the 4th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Blanca Peak?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 6,738 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Blanca Peak?
Most people take 12 – 16 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 20 miles with 6,738 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Blanca Peak?
The Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 20 miles with 6,738 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Blanca Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Blanca Peak reaches 14,350 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Blanca Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Blanca Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Blanca Peak?
The Northwest Ridge starts at about 11,750 feet, roughly 2,600 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Blanca Peak?
The standard route is the Northwest Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Ellingwood Point and Blanca Peak and the Combo: Little Bear Peak to Blanca Peak Traverse.
Climb Blanca Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list