Blanca Peak Northwest Ridge

This route begins and ends on Lake Como road, typically from the trailhead located at 8,800', and reaches the summit of Blanca peak at 14,350'. The type of vehicle you are driving will determine from where you should start; most cars can drive about 1.5 miles up, while 4WD SUVs and trucks can slowly make it 3.25 miles to several pull-offs at 8,800', where this route begins. This is a popular parking spot and almost gets you to within 4 miles of Lake Como. From parking, follow Lake Como Road east through the national forest boundary near 8,800' and progressively rougher terrain toward 10,000. Reach Lake Como itself at 11,750', follow the road around the lake and through forest to treeline at 12,000', then continue to road's end near Blue Lakes at 12,200'. A trail picks up here and climbs a headwall just beyond the lake, staying left of a waterfall and switchbacking roughly 300 feet up. Above easier ground, pass a small lake at 12,600' and another at 12,650', then round a corner to Crater Lake at 12,800'. A second headwall rises near 13,000'; follow trail through talus to its base, swing right, and zigzag up through ledges beneath cliffs before turning left near 13,300' toward its top. Just above 13,400', reach a cairned junction — Ellingwood Point's traverse trail splits left here, while Blanca's route continues right. Zigzag up deteriorating trail, then traverse northeast to gain the northwest ridge, following cairns and rocky trail segments across the face. Turn right and climb on or near the ridge crest, working around large boulders that keep the difficulty at a hard Class 2. Crux: near the top, a short, steep pitch where a loose bypass trail has formed on the right — stay on the ridge instead, and continue a short distance to the 14,350' summit. Retrace the route to the trailhead.