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- Ellingwood Point
14,057 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Ellingwood Point
Ellingwood Point is a 14,057 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the South Face: 18 mi, 6,374 ft of gain, Class 2.
Ellingwood Point at a glance
- Elevation14,057 ft4,284 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 2
- Distance18 mi6,374 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the South Face
From Alamosa, Colorado, take US-160 east to Route 150, then turn onto the rough Lake Como Road (high clearance 4WD required). Ellingwood is often linked with Blanca Peak via the south ridge traverse. The summit involves airy Class 3 moves near the top with significant exposure that can be intimidating for less experienced climbers. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms on this high, exposed terrain. Start very early (3-4am) if combining with Blanca. The approach via Lake Como is scenic but the road is notoriously rough. Helmets recommended. Snow lingers into July on north-facing slopes.
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
Helmet
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Ellingwood Point on Yak
Climbers have shared 8 climbs of Ellingwood Point on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Ellingwood Point
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Ellingwood Point
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Ellingwood Point?
Ellingwood Point is 14,057 feet (4,284 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Ellingwood Point rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,057 feet, Ellingwood Point is the 42nd highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Ellingwood Point?
The South Face is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 6,374 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Ellingwood Point?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the South Face, covering 18 miles with 6,374 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Ellingwood Point?
The South Face needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 18 miles with 6,374 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need a helmet for Ellingwood Point?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Ellingwood Point?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Ellingwood Point reaches 14,057 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 Ellingwood Point?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Ellingwood Point?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Ellingwood Point?
The South Face starts at about 11,750 feet, roughly 2,307 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Ellingwood Point?
The standard route is the South Face. Other routes include the Combo: Ellingwood Point and Blanca Peak.
Climb Ellingwood Point 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