Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous standard routes among Colorado's 14ers, defined by a notorious rockfall-funnel gully known as the Hourglass.
The approach shares Blanca Peak's Lake Como Road — one of the most difficult 4WD roads in the country — with passenger vehicles parking at its base and most climbers walking or driving as far as conditions and their vehicle allow. From Lake Como, follow the road/trail toward Little Bear's west ridge rather than continuing to the Blanca-Ellingwood saddle. The route's crux is the Hourglass, a narrow, steep gully that funnels rockfall from anyone climbing above and often holds a fixed rope (of unknown and unverified condition) left by previous parties; above the Hourglass, continue to the summit at 14,037 feet.
Downclimbing the Hourglass is widely considered more dangerous than the ascent. Never climb it with another party above you in the gully, and do not rely on any fixed rope found there without inspecting it yourself.