The Most Scenic Hike We’ve Ever Done: Colorado’s Blue Lakes
Hike to 3 picturesque blue alpine lakes on Colorado’s Blue Lakes Trail with this complete trail guide. This guide features everything you need to know before you go, including, when to go, what to bring, all about the trail, and much more.
If you are looking for an unforgettable, magnificent, and thrilling adventure in Colorado this summer, look no further than the challenging 8 mile hike to the Blue Lakes.
This scenic trail showcases a thriving mountain landscape, blooming with wildflowers, and picturesque blue alpine lakes. Of the 150+ miles Mike & I have hiked, this trail is by far our favorite.
The trailhead itself starts at 9,300 feet, so those visiting from lower elevations may have some difficulty on this trail. Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protectant, and take your time.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 8.7 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 2,509 FT | Time: 6 Hrs
GETTING TO THE BLUE LAKES TRAILHEAD
The Blue Lakes Trail is located in southwest Colorado in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It’s surrounded by the Mount Sneffels Wilderness area with countless mountain peaks towering over 13,000 feet. The trail is located 30 minutes from Ridgway off CO 62 and then down CO Rd 7, a 9 mile gravel road, suitable to most vehicles. However during the winter months the road many require 4WD vehicles.
Ridgway - 14 miles or 30 minutes
Ouray - 24 miles or 45 minutes
Telluride - 44 miles or 1 hour
Grand Junction - 100 miles or 2 hours
Colorado Springs - 275 miles or 5.5 hours
Denver - 336 miles or 6 hours
WHEN TO VISIT
The Blue Lakes Trail is open year with seasonal temperatures varying greatly. Summers can reach the 70’s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters hang out below freezing with possibility of avalanches. Snowshoes, microspikes and 4WD vehicles are recommended if hiking this trail during the winter months. Always check for current conditions before hiking.
Another great resource we love using when we hike is All Trails. All Trails is a hiking app that provides important updates about the trail such as the current conditions, wildlife activity, and much more.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using our insulated water bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
Sun Protectant
Most trails and overlooks in the park are completely exposed so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while hiking. Cell service doesn’t really exist on the trail so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Crampons
In case there’s snow on the trails, it’s a good idea to carry a pair of crampons so you don’t slip on ice or snow.
Jacket
Temperatures at higher elevations can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler so its not a bad idea to carry a warm jacket with you.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Hiking Shoes
To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support.
AMENITIES NEARBY
RIDGWAY
A small town located 30 minutes from the Blue Lakes trailhead. Known for its art galleries, historic landmarks, and local shops.
LODGING
Chipeta Lodge
MTN Lodge Ridgway
RV PARKS
Ridgway State Park
FOOD
The Market at Ridgway
Family Dollar
Eatery 66
Lazy Dog Saloon
True Grit Cafe
The Ridgway
GNAR Tacos
Thai Paradise
Land & Ocean
OURAY
A small town located on the north side of the scenic Million Dollar Highway and known as the Switzerland of America.
LODGING
Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs
St. Elmo Hotel
Hotel Ouray
Ouray Main Street Inn
Beaumont Hotel & Spa
Ouray Inn
Matterhorn Inn & Suites
RV PARKS
4J + 1 + 1 RV Park
Ouray Riverside Resort
Ouray KOA Holiday
FOOD
Brickhouse 737
Colorado Boy Southwest Pub
Mi Mexico
Thai Chili
FullTilt Saloon
Maggie’s Kitchen
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 8.7 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 2,509 FT | Time: 6 Hrs
The trail to the Blue Lakes starts in the lush Uncompahgre National Forest with a smooth gradual climb along the East Fork Dallas Creek. Instantly, the trail is stunning with the most rich abundant plant life I’ve ever experienced.
Due to recent rain, there was a mudslide on the path that trail maintenance was working on all day, so it’s a good idea to check for current conditions on AllTrails before setting out on this hike.
A mile and a half into the trail and 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the trees will part and you’ll enter the Mount Sneffels Wilderness area with Wolcott and Mears Peak towering over 13,000 feet.
There are two water crossings, both are fairly easy. However, hiking sticks will help a lot in providing support and stability with obstacles all along this trail.
3.3 miles and 1,700 feet later you’ll reach the first blue lake, also known as lower lake. The view is absolutely gorgeous with clear blue water and Dallas Peak soaring in the background, providing a quintessential mountain landscape.
This is a great spot to sit, have lunch, and enjoy the view. For overnight hikers, the Blue Lakes Hut and several campsites are available.
The trail continues on up and around the first blue lake, crossing large rock boulders over the East Fork Dallas Creek. This is the steepest and trickiest part of the hike with 600 feet of climbing in half a mile.
The path becomes hard to follow so we recommend downloading AllTrails or follow some hikers that know the way. Once you get to the top the view is breathtaking.
After a short and steep half mile climb you’ll arrive at the second lake also known as middle lake. At this point in the trail, you’ve hiked 3.9 miles and climbed 2,200 feet. The path continues along the middle lake passing colorful blooming wildflowers with unbelievable mountain views.
Not long after you pass the middle blue lake will you reach the third lake or upper blue lake at 11,700 feet. You’ll notice the upper blue lake feeds the middle blue lake which meets with the lower blue lake and feeds into the East Fork Dallas Creek. Mount Sneffels is off to the left towering 14,000 feet with Gilpin Peak reaching over 13,000 feet.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever hiked the Blue Lakes trail.
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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