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- CFI Seasonal Job Announcements Posted
– February 7, 2012
CFI is looking for 12 enthusiastic, hard-working seasonal staff leaders/members to complete our most ambitious project season in years. If you think you have what … Read More
- Endowment Gift to Support Adopt-a-Peak Internship Renamed in Memory of Fourteener Enthusiast Kimberly Appelson
– February 3, 2012
A $50,000 gift from Larry and Barbara Appelson of Naperville, Ill. will seed an endowment designed to support Colorado Fourteeners Initiative’s summer internship for aspiring … Read More
- Ben Hanus joins CFI’s staff as Sustainable Trails Project Coordinator
– January 14, 2012
We are excited to announce that Ben Hanus, an employee on CFI projects the past three seasons, has joined the core staff as the coordinator … Read More
- 2011 Year-end Summary, 2012 Season Preview
– December 19, 2011
Take a quick look back at this past summer’s record accomplishments. Or, take a sneak peak at next year’s planned projects. Both can be found … Read More
Ellingwood Point
- Elevation:14,042 feet (43rd highest)
- Maps:USGS Quad: Blanca Peak & Twin Peaks
Trails Illustrated® – TOPO Map (none). Optional would be the Rio Grande National Forest or County topographical maps. - Contact:US Forest Service, Conejos Ranger District (719) 274-8971
Recommended Route
Como Lake route—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. For detailed route information including pictures, maps, and elevation profiles, click here.
Route Information and Additional Resources
Lake Como Trailhead is approximately five miles north and northeast of the junction of Colorado Highway 150 and US 160. This junction is seven miles west of Blanca, CO. The route follows Lake Como Road (County 975) from the trailhead, five miles to Lake Como. You start to hike where you chose to park your vehicle. Como Lake Road is considered one of the most challenging four wheel roads in the country. Passenger cars must park at the base of the route.
Limited camping is available east of the lake. From Como Lake follow a jeep trail northeast to its end near Blue Lakes. Stay on the clear trail to its end. The route gains the saddle between Blanca (right/east) and Ellingwood (left/west).
Blanca can also be climbed in conjunction with Little Bear Peak. The connecting ridge is considered by many to be one of the toughest connecting ridges between two Fourteeners in the state. Only experienced climbers should attempt this ridge.
The above information does not replace the need to consult additional maps and Colorado Fourteener Guidebooks for more detailed route descriptions. We suggest checking multiple resources before departing on any hike. Keep in mind that not all guidebooks list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly.
Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns
Minimize Campfire Impacts. Users are encouraged to use camp stoves and minimize wood fires. The Como Lake area gets very heavy use, is close to timberline, and there is a shortage of available firewood.
Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces. There is a shortage of campsites in the limited area around Como Lake. It is in a narrow canyon with limited room and suitable locations for campsites.
Be Considerate of Other Users. Como Lake Road is very popular with 4wd clubs and individuals, and that multiple uses of the area co-exist.