Backpack to Lake Como and Climb Blanca Peak

This hike begins on the Lake Como/Blanca Peak off-roading trail off Colorado 150. You can drive up the road with any vehicle until you get to a second parking lot, but after this you will need a high clearance 4WD to proceed. After parking, continue hiking on the narrow dirt/rock road until you get to Lake Como which is just below tree line. You can camp here for the night. Be aware that the occasional 4WD truck or Jeep may pass you along the way to the lake, so be mindful of this and be sure to give them space; remember to be courteous on the trail. 

The next morning, I recommend rising early and beginning the final hike to the summit of Blanca Peak before the sunrise. This will give you a spectacular photo opportunity as the sun begins to rise and you are treated with the view of Blanca's summit shadow across the San Luis Valley to the West. Hike East from the lake along the narrow hiking trail. As you go further up the valley, you will pass multiple alpine lakes and tarns. The terrain becomes steeper as you start to climb up the West side of the Ellingwood Point/Blanca Peak ridge. Blanca Peak is to the South, and Ellingwood Point is to the North. Once you reach the crest of the ridge, stay on just to the West of the ridge-line and follow it to Blanca Peaks summit. The final section of the trail requires following cairns, but should not go beyond class 2 hiking and is relatively easy to follow.