4:19 p.m. on July 9, 2007 (EDT)
MTB416
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 15, 2007
Posts: 119
Mt. Blanca, CO
A group I know is planning a trip to MT. Blanca. Anyone here ever been there? I'm wondering about conditions in late September and how strenuous it is. Any information would be useful, thanks.
11:29 p.m. on July 11, 2007 (EDT)
MTB416
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 15, 2007
Posts: 119
Re: Mt. Blanca, CO
6:51 p.m. on July 16, 2007 (EDT)
speacock
Full Member
Joined: Mar 14, 2001
Posts: 68
Re: Mt. Blanca, CO
http://www.sangres.com/mountains/blancapeak.htm
Usually done from Como Lake (about 6 miles and 3000 feet up). It is a 4x4 road to the lake that arguably is one of the worst 4wheeler roads in the area. If you go that way, you will probably see several 4x4 trying to show they have enough testosterone to get up there.
In September expect temps to the 20's at night. September is getting to be late fall for the rockies. By mid Sept most of the trees have turned - its about a month ahead of east coast.. Probably not going to get any snow, and the daytime temps might be in the 70's.
All 14ers should be considered a thought full experience. Plan for eventualities and get off the top at first sign of weather. Plan on being off the top before 1PM.
It is fairly strenuous. It is best that you are fit. You will be walking uphill for the better part of 12 hours, possibly split over two days. It can be a one day hike, but plan on a long day of it and about 15 miles round trip. In the 'Blanca group' are Mt. Blanca Little Bear Peak, Ellingwood Point, Mt. Lindsey. Plan a base camp and get them all.
Amazon.com sells Colorado 14r book that covers most of the popular 14r hiking trails in Colorado. or use this:
http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=blan1&peak=Blanca%20and%20Ellingwood
