Take A Hike: Blue Lakes Trail

I’m not alone when I say that Blue Lakes Trail is one of my all-time favorites. Not only has it been touted as one of the top hikes in the San Juan Mountains, even Colorado as a whole, but it is rated as highly as some of the best hikes in national parks around the country. Three turquoise green lakes in a glacial basin surrounded by 14er Mount Sneffels, and 13ers such as Dallas Peak, Gilpin Peak and Wolcott Mountain, make for a jaw-dropping adventure.

Blue Lakes Trail follows the Dallas Creek drainage within the 16,566-acre Mount Sneffels Wilderness area of the Uncompahgre National Forest in Southwest Colorado. Located close to Ouray, Ridgway and Telluride, the plural Blue Lakes Trail is not to be confused with the also stunning Blue Lake Trail above Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride.

WHEN TO GO

Photos by Melanie Wiseman.

The best time to hike Blue Lakes Trail is midto-late June (depending on snowfall, July to be on the safe side) into October (again depending on snowfall). Muddy spots, rushing water crossings, snow and ice are all things to consider when planning for this hike.

Because of its beauty, Blue Lakes Trail’s popularity has made it a busy destination. Hike during the week if possible, and start early to beat the traffic and possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.

If you’re a wildflower fan, this trail will entice you with a plethora of columbine, larkspur, lupine, Indian paintbrush, alpine avens, red queen’s crown and pink moss campion, to name a few. The best times for viewing wildflowers are typically mid-July to mid-August.

Hiking Blue Lakes Trail in the fall is my personal pick for crisp, stunning views. Golden aspen and rust and crimson oak brush mix with evergreens, and the possibility of freshly whitetipped peaks make the hike postcard perfect.

GETTING THERE

The trailhead is located off Colorado Highway 62 between Ridgway and Telluride. Turn south onto Dallas Creek Road (CR7/FR851) and drive 9 miles. The drive itself is gorgeous. You will pass some open dispersed camping areas before coming to the end of the road where the trail begins, and camping is available but limited. The road is considerably rough and washboardy. High clearance vehicles are recommended but 4x4 is not required. There is a restroom at the trailhead, and no fees are required.

THE HIKE

The hike is 8.7 miles round trip with 2,509 feet of elevation gain. This may seem like a moderate hike, but with a starting elevation of 9,500 feet and a steady incline as soon as you hit the trail, it can be considered challenging.

Shortly after the trailhead, continue ahead southwesterly, where the Blaine Basin Trail forks east (left). For 3.5 miles to the first of the Blue Lakes, you’ll wander in and out of Engelmann spruce forests while being gifted with expansive views of the Sneffels Range in open valleys. Lower Blue Lake sits at an elevation of 10,980 feet and is the largest of the three lakes. It is considered to be the most beautiful of the lakes from its majestic color perspective, but continue on to lakes two and three for the most spectacular panoramas.

Lower Blue Lake is a great place for a recharge break or to take advantage of shoreline camping. From here, hikers ascend more than 500 feet in a little over a half mile to reach the middle lake at 11,500 feet. Overall, the trail is very well maintained and easy to navigate. However, this is one section that can be confusing and irregular. Stick with it, and carry on upward.

Once you’ve popped out at the second lake, the trail to the third lake, 11,720 elevation, is an easy to follow trail just a quarter-mile long. Leaving plenty of time for relaxation and soaking in the views, allow six to seven hours for the hike.

If you have the energy, hike an additional steep, rocky, switchback slope to Blue Lakes Pass for a close up “peak” of Mount Sneffels. (It’s worth it!)

NOTE: Leave No Trace principles ensure the area’s beauty for years to come. Sturdy shoes are a must for this rugged terrain, as are layers and rain gear due to elevation, temperature and weather changes. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of Spoke+Blossom.