Colorado 14ers: Little Bear Peak, Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point
This challenging hike ascends steep gullies and traverses serrated ridges for a chance at three peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range.
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-Little Bear Peak mapped by Lisa Heckel
Trail Facts
- Distance: 30.1
Waypoints
LBP001
Location: 37.5505905, -105.5590973
From Lake Como Rd., head NE, then N on 4WD road that switchbacks through Chokecherry Canyon
LBP002
Location: 37.5625496, -105.549202
At the top of the switchbacks, follow Lake Como Rd. to the NE
LBP003
Location: 37.5685616, -105.539299
Pass the infamous rock formation known to 4-wheelers as “Jaws 1”; head E
LBP004
Location: 37.5692902, -105.5342026
Rock hop across stream. Note: If stream is running high, follow carins on the R to find alternative route
LBP005
Location: 37.5699501, -105.5313034
Pass “Jaws 2” rock formation and continue E
LBP006
Location: 37.569809, -105.5264969
Walk past “Jaws 3” and “Jaws 4”; head E toward Lake Como
LBP007
Location: 37.5700302, -105.5154037
Follow trail around Lake Como’s glassy waters, then head S
LBP008
Location: 37.5682907, -105.5121002
To climb Little Bear, turn R and leave the main Lake Como trail; head to the S through forest toward rocky gully to gain access to Little Bear’s W ridge. To reach Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point, stay straight on trail toward Blue Lakes
LBP009
Location: 37.5641289, -105.509697
At the top of the gully, turn L and start E trek across the rock-covered ridge
LBP010
Location: 37.5650635, -105.4994125
Scramble up steep rock gully on Little Bear’s SW face; route-finding required; watch for loose rocks that may fall into gully
LBP011
Location: 37.5666046, -105.4972153
Little Bear Peak (14,037 ft.): Reward yourself with hard-won views from Little Bear’s rocky summit; Ellingwood Point and Blanca Peak dominate the NE; retrace route
LBP012
Location: 37.5774269, -105.4856796
Blanca Peak (14.345 ft.)
LBP013
Location: 37.5824661, -105.4925537
Ellingwood Point (14,042 ft.)