Take US 160 west from Walsenburg or east from Alomosa. At the CO 150 Junction go north 3.2 miles, turn right (west) on a unmarked dirt road. Follow this road until it becomes to rough to pass, park and start your climb. There is limited parking midway through the switchbacks but I wouldn't recommend parking any higher on the trail.

Your starting point is dependant on how much you like the underside of your car or truck. This is a four-wheel-drive road but is still not passable for most 4x4's. It is widly known as Colorado's roughest four-wheel-drive road.

You will find some primitive camping just east of Lake Como. Campsites are first come - first serve, no reservations and no fees. Lake Como is private property, so respect the land owners and camp in designated areas further up the trail.

In my opinion, the first mile or so of the trail is the worst both going up and coming down, Its just boring, hot and never seems to end. It is a Class 1 all the way to the Crater lake and a Class 2 to the summit. Due to the low trailhead it is best if you break it up into a two day trip. If you are a flatlander you will need the extra day to acclimate.

• Take a good pair of Mid-Weight Boots.
• Get an early start. Its a long trail and extremly hot at the lower elevations.
• Bring Mosquito repellent. Trust me on this, I still have nightmare's