Blaine Peak
Date: 10/22/2025
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Blue Lakes
Distance: 9.2m
Elevation Gain: 3750ft
Duration: 5hrs 20min
GPX
The primary reason I climbed Blain Peak (unranked 12er) was to get my eyes on a handful of towers at the base of Sneffel's northwest ridge. The Hand, The Penguin, The Thumb and Number One have been on my radar for over a year now.
Regardless of your interest in the towers, the hike to Blain Peak offers spectacular views of Sneffels and it's surrounding peaks. In fact Blain's summit has undoubtedly the best view of Sneffels I have seen. So it is well worth the trip.
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9.2m - 3750ft - 5hrs 20min
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The drive to Blue Lake TH has some spectacular views. Sneffels front and center. Blain Peak just below and on the left
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From the TH I hiked below treeline on a cruiser trail until I reached this opening in Blain Basin
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The trail splits and I crossed the creek and headed up towards the apron of Sneffel's Snake Couloir
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Looking up to Blain Peak
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A cool perspective on Reconnoiter
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Steep grass to the upper basin
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Towers and couloirs on Blain Peak's south face
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After the steep grass there was a short section of somewhat tedious scree before more grass that lead to the summit ridge
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My primary reason for hiking Blain Peak was to get my eyes on these four iconic towers. The Thumb (5.4), The Penguin (5.7+), The Hand (5.2). Not sure of Number One's rating.
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The north face of Sneffels!
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Western views to S4 and friends
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Southeastern views of Cirque
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Blain Peak's summit. I didn't know which high point was the summit so I climbed them all on solid blocky terrain
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Blain Peak's actual summit
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A fun little excursion to the north of Blain's summit
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Southwestern views of Dallas, West Dallas, T0 and the S group. Penguin and friends on the left
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Cirque Mountain behind Blain's blocky summit
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Blain's summit
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Dallas Peak behind the towers from Blain's summit
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Thinking this is the best view of Sneffels I have experienced
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An appropriate place for a selfie... I was in awe!
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After taking in the views my plan was to retrace my steps... until I saw this couloir and couldn't resist dropping it. The dirt was surfy and soft and while not perfect near the bottom... I would probably take this descent route again.
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Looking back up the couloir. While it looks kinda bad, I could always find terrain that was reasonable. From here I retraced my footsteps back to the TH
