California Peak sits on the long north ridge of the Blanca massif, straddling Alamosa and Huerfano counties on the divide between the Rio Grande and San Isabel national forests. Largely Class 1 trail and ridge walking make it one of the more approachable thirteeners in the area, and it makes a fine introduction to the upper Huerfano valley.
Most people start at the Lily Lake trailhead at the head of the Huerfano River road, where the last stretch is rough enough that a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is the safe choice. The north ridge route is a Class 2 day of about 8.7 miles and 3,815 feet of gain, crossing a series of humps on tundra and rubble. The south ridge route leaves the Lily Lake trail, climbs a steep, loose pitch above 12,600 feet, and passes over Unnamed 13,577 before reaching the summit, for about 10.5 miles and 4,500 feet round trip. A loop is possible by descending past rock glaciers into the basin that holds Lost Lake.
The summit looks across to Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point. There is no trail above Lily Lake, so expect talus and some route-finding. The access road has suffered landslide damage in past years, so check conditions with the San Carlos Ranger District before driving up.
