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Blanca Peak Ellingwood Ridge

3A | AD | III Edit route
Ellingwood Ridge is a classic alpine route on Blanca Peak and is widely documented in mountaineering references. It follows a long, exposed ridge with a mix of scrambling and technical climbing. The route is known for loose rock, exposure, and complex route-finding in places. Conditions can vary significantly with snow or ice on the upper ridge. It is a serious alpine objective rather than a simple scramble. Parties often need to manage time carefully because the route is long and committing.

Route Outline

Lake Como Road / Lake Como Trailhead -> Lake Como basin
Approach to the base of Ellingwood Ridge
Ellingwood Ridge -> follow the ridge crest and mixed climbing terrain
Summit of Blanca Peak -> descend by the ridge or by a standard descent route

More routes on Blanca Peak

Blanca Peak Northwest Face Route

3A | AD | III
This is the best-known technical mountaineering route on Blanca Peak and is documented in climbing sources for the mountain. It ascends the northwest face, which is a steep alpine line involving snow and loose rock depending on season. The route is not a hiking trail and is generally treated as a technical climb rather than a standard walk-up. Objective hazards include rockfall, unstable talus, and rapidly changing snow conditions. Route-finding can be important, especially in poor visibility or when snow covers the upper face. Descent is commonly made by reversing the ascent route.
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