Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Most every hike I underestimate the amount of time it takes. This trip was no different. What I didn‘t realize about this hike is that most people do this as a backpacking trip. This was my 3rd 14er this year and neither of the previous 2 have been under 12 miles, so I thought this wouldn‘t be that bad. We left Denver at about 11:30pm Saturday night. Bill‘s description of "hideous" of the Lake Como road is pretty accurate. We parked at about 8800‘ and started hiking up the road.
The first views of Little Bear were incredible.
There was no snow below Lake Como. We brought crampons but never used them. There were some snowfield we had to cross but nothing too bad.
With some snow, it was easy to get off route, but we always found it quickly again. There was lots of loose rock on the wall leading to the summit ridge. Some hikers above were kicking down loose rocks, so we were glad we had brought our helmets. The rock became a little more stable as we hit the summit ridge, but the drop off the edge was quite dramatic.
Finally we hit the summit and soaked in the views of the Sangres.
We had a couple of nice glissades on the way down to shave off some time.
The LONG walk down the road back to the car seemed to never end. I tipped my cap to all of the backpackers who had the right idea to make this a 2 or 3 day trip. It‘s amazing how much food you can eat after a long hike. We devoured huge plates of food at the Olive Garden in Pueblo!! We made it back home at about 10:45pm. We had been awake for over 24 straight hours! I would not recommend this as a day trip, especially if you have to work the next morning!!!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Thanks for the TR and good pics. We did Blanca from 8,100 ft. on the 19th, and had to pass on Ellingwood for lack of time. Looks like the snow is receding fast. You‘re right: Either one of these peaks (or both!) makes for a long day trip, but it certainly can be done if your legs are sturdy enough.
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
