Blanca Peak, Ellingwood Point, Little Bear Peak - Sangre de Cristo Range
Available exclusively in paper format (waterproof & tear-resistant)
Explore three of Colorado’s most impressive and challenging fourteeners with this detailed hiking and climbing route map for Blanca Peak, Ellingwood Point, and Little Bear Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range.
Rising above the San Luis Valley, these neighboring summits offer rugged alpine terrain, sweeping views, and routes ranging from strenuous hikes and scrambles to highly exposed technical climbing. The map includes detailed route, terrain, trailhead, elevation, and waypoint information to help experienced hikers and climbers plan their ascent.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Blanca Peak
At 14,350 feet, Blanca Peak is the highest summit in the Sangre de Cristo Range and one of Colorado’s tallest fourteeners. Its commanding summit provides expansive views across the San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo peaks.
The standard Northwest Ridge route is a long and physically demanding climb, beginning with the rugged Lake Como approach. Blanca is frequently climbed in combination with nearby Ellingwood Point.
Trailhead Included:
- Lake Como Trailhead and Lake Como Approach
Routes Included:
- Northwest Ridge
- Ellingwood–South Face
- Ellingwood/Blanca Combination
____________________________________________________________________________________
Ellingwood Point
Ellingwood Point rises beside Blanca Peak and offers a rugged mixture of alpine hiking, scrambling, and route-finding. Its position along the crest of the Sangre de Cristo Range provides outstanding views of Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak, the San Luis Valley, and the surrounding high-country basins.
Ellingwood Point can be approached from either Lake Como or South Zapata Creek. Many climbers combine Ellingwood Point and Blanca Peak into one extended outing, although the connecting routes vary considerably in difficulty.
Trailheads Included:
- Lake Como Trailhead
- Zapata Falls Trailhead
Routes Included:
- North Ridge, South Zapata Creek
- Southwest Ridge
- South Face
- Ellingwood/Blanca Combination
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Little Bear Peak
Little Bear Peak is widely regarded as one of Colorado’s most difficult and dangerous fourteeners. Its steep slopes, loose rock, serious exposure, and demanding route-finding make it appropriate only for highly experienced climbers.
The West Ridge route includes sustained scrambling and climbing through consequential terrain. Rockfall is a significant hazard, and a mistake on the upper mountain can have severe consequences. Climbers should carefully evaluate their experience, equipment, weather conditions, and the condition of the route before attempting Little Bear Peak.
Trailhead Included:
- Lake Como Trailhead
Route Included:
- West Ridge/SW Face
__________________________________________________________________________________________
For additional information about these fourteeners, including photographs and videos, CLICK HERE.
Detailed Route Information
Each map in the Pocket Pals Colorado 14er Series includes the following information for every mapped route:
- Clearly delineated climbing routes displayed on a detailed base map that includes roads, public-land boundaries, streams, lakes, and contour lines at 80-foot intervals
- Route difficulty, rated by class using the Yosemite Decimal System
- Exposure rating
- Snow steepness
- Route length
- Elevation gain and loss
- Starting elevation
- Elevation profile
- Waypoints and landmarks, with mileage shown along the route
- Detailed directions for locating the trailhead
These maps are designed to help hikers and climbers understand the terrain, compare possible routes, identify important landmarks, and prepare for the challenges they may encounter along the way.
Durable and Convenient Trail-Map Format
When folded, the map measures approximately 3⅝ inches wide by 4¼ inches high, making it easy to carry in a pocket or pack. When unfolded, it measures 17 inches by 11 inches.
The map is both waterproof and tear-resistant, making it suitable for the rugged terrain and changing weather conditions commonly encountered in Colorado’s high mountains.
This map is a planning and navigational aid and is not a substitute for proper climbing experience, current route information, appropriate equipment, or sound judgment. Mountain conditions can change quickly, and climbers should verify current trail, road, weather, snow, and route conditions before beginning an ascent.
