Lake Como Road - Large Rock at 10.1k

[Ssgustafson]

So, I parked at the switchback at 10.1k' in July because of the large rock in the middle of the road as you head up the subsequent hill.... Turns out that that one rock is the only real obstacle between 10.1k and Jaws 1, so ideally, I want to get over it and save the extra mile next summer when I'll be back for my finisher (LB). Wondering if anyone has a picture of that rock and / or got over it this summer (and how you did it!). Thanks!

[mtree]

You can't be serious?

[durkan]

Pretty sure this obstacle is no longer one. Went up that road once early Oct 2021 and 3 lifted wranglers and dirt bikes got up no issue.
My experience with my 2017 stock 4runner SR5 only got me to 9800, not a bad walk from there at all.

[CaptainSuburbia]

You can't be serious?

I know, it's a great road to walk.

[Will_E]

You can't be serious?

I know, it's a great road to walk.

Beat me to it!

[CheapCigarMan]

Pretty sure this obstacle is no longer one. Went up that road once early Oct 2021 and 3 lifted wranglers and dirt bikes got up no issue.
My experience with my 2017 stock 4runner SR5 only got me to 9800, not a bad walk from there at all.

As of a couple of moths ago, Yes, it's still there.

....I want to get over it and save the extra mile next summer when I'll be back for my finisher (LB). Wondering if anyone......got over it this summer (and how you did it!). Thanks!

If you are having a hard time getting past that rock you might have a hard time climbing LB, that's considered the 2nd hardest climb amongst the CO 14'ers.

[Ssgustafson]

Thanks, guys. My wife has some severe back probs and wants to be at my finisher - so shaving off that extra mile to jaws 1 would help a lot. I think I can ge5 over that thing if it’s still there, but as I remember it was near the centerline….. I wish I would have paid more attention!

[Trotter]

Thanks, guys. My wife has some severe back probs and wants to be at my finisher - so shaving off that extra mile to jaws 1 would help a lot. I think I can ge5 over that thing if it’s still there, but as I remember it was near the centerline….. I wish I would have paid more attention!

A mile of road walking vs climbing little bear....

[Skimo95]

Hey Scott,

Those road miles suck, especially on Lake Como road. From my past experience, if you are comfortable handling the "rock obstacle" it should be smooth sailing to Jaws 1. I've spoken with numerous guys who were bummed they parked prior, just to realize it's smooth sailing like you said. For the above-average hiker, LB can be done from the lake in 3 hours or so. I can see why you'd want to eliminate those unnecessary road miles for your disabled wife. I think she'd have a great time hanging out at the lake, while you plan for a 3-5hr RT. Lifted jeeps, (stock control arms/struts, etc, w/ 35's and 2-4" lift) have been known to make it to the lake. I'd recommend linking up with somebody who has done the drive before and would give you a ride. If you're still on the forum next Summer, send me a PM and I'll get you a ride up there. I'll be doing the traverse this Winter, and will let you know how the road stands.

Cheers

P.S it's actually quite an easy hike/climb, granted you've trained and done the research

[Ssgustafson]

Thanks! Appreciate the help and good luck on the traverse!

[two lunches]

Lifted jeeps, (stock control arms/struts, etc, w/ 35's and 2-4" lift) have been known to make it to the lake.

curious how to accomplish 2-4" lift with "stock control arms/struts". just shove some hockey pucks in there and call it good? or are you throwing 37s on a dana 30/35?

[Candace66]

This is an interesting discussion. In September 2014, I drove my modified* Xterra (RIP) up to a parking/camping area at about 37.5624,-105.5492. This is above 10,200', to the right as you're going up the road.

My notes mention that the stretch of road before that was challenging, steep and covered with large loose rocks. This is probably the "hill" mentioned in the OP.

So I'm not sure if this particular large rock at 10.1K is something new (i.e., rolled down from above, or was exposed by erosion or wheel spin).

Even in 2014 it would have taken lots more upgrading than I had, to get a full-size vehicle past Jaws 1 and up to the lake. And it's not something to attempt solo. I'm sure the road is no better now. Perhaps consider a small ATV, such as a side-by-side?

* Mods were a modest 2-3" suspension lift and Schrockworks front bumper/bull bar, skid plates, and rock sliders. Rims were stock with stock-size E-rated BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2's.