Blanca Peak

Blanca Peak is an legendary, extreme four-wheel-drive trail designed for highly experienced offroaders seeking Colorado's ultimate test of vehicle capability and nerve. Spanning approximately 4.9 miles, this daunting route climbs over 3,200 vertical feet, starting around 8,973 feet and peaking near 12,181 feet at the scenic Blue Lakes. The terrain consists of unrelenting rock crawling, loose scree, and massive, off-camber boulders that demand a highly modified rig with a minimum of 33-inch tires (though 35-inch or larger are highly recommended), at least one locker, and high ground clearance. Along the route, drivers will face four infamous obstacles—known as Jaws 1 through Jaws 4—with Jaws 2 posing the greatest danger due to its history of rollovers down a steep, unforgiving embankment. Beyond the technical trial of the Jaws obstacles, the route treats visitors to stunning alpine vistas as it snakes past the shores of Lake Como and up toward the high-altitude cirque of Blanca Peak. Due to the extreme difficulty, many drivers choose to end their motorized journey at Lake Como, avoiding the perilous Jaws 4 obstacle altogether, and instead use the area as a basecamp for hiking, fishing, or camping. The trail is highly popular on summer weekends, which often leads to long wait times and backups due to the tight, single-vehicle-wide track that makes passing nearly impossible. Offroaders in highly capable SxSs and built four-wheel-drive vehicles should prepare for self-recovery by bringing winches, spare parts, and adequate safety gear, keeping in mind that the trail is typically only snow-free and accessible from late June through September.