Hiking on Blue Lakes Trail, a Stunning Journey Close to Telluride - Comprehensive Insights Provided
Adventure awaits at the mind-blowing Blue Lakes Trail nestled outside Ridgeway, Colorado – a short hop from Telluride and Ouray, but a world away from ordinary. This hiking gem, positioned within the staggering San Juan Mountain Range, boasts a mesmerizing trio of alpine lakes, each offering their unique shade of turquoise and jaw-dropping vistas of towering mountains.
While the first lake sets the color focus, think twice before you call it quits at the first rest stop – the real visual feast doesn't start until you reach the final lap. Be warned, this hike demands effort, but the breathtaking vistas and serene waters are beyond compare.
Prepare for a challenging ascent, ranging from 6.4 miles (round-trip) for a casual stroll to the first lake, to a monumental 10.8 miles (round-trip) if you're feeling hardcore and decide to conquer Blue Lakes Pass. The climb sends your elevation skyrocketing by up to 2,500 feet.
Don't let the distance discourage you – this hike is a kaleidoscope of enchanting sights, from the lush forests that blanket your initial ascent to the heart-stopping vistas that open up as you climb higher. Wildflowers paint the landscape with dashes of vibrant colors, and fishing enthusiasts may just land a cutthroat trout or two.
Get ready for a scenic drive as well – the trailhead is situated deep in the wilderness. Two-wheel drive vehicles can make it to the trailhead, but a four-wheel drive vehicle with higher clearance is recommended, as the final 2 miles can be a bit like a "pothole city." Arrive early and avoid holiday weekends to snag a parking spot, and camp overnight close by for an even more unforgettable experience.
So gear up, embrace the challenge, and get ready to be blown away by the stunning beauty of Colorado's Blue Lakes Trail. Just be warned, once you've experienced this hike, ordinary trails may never cut it again. Happy trails!
Hiking to the Third Blue Lake: The Inside Scoop
- Distance: Ranging from 6.4 to 10.8 miles round-trip depending on your journey's end
- Elevation Gain: Up to 2,500 feet to the upper lake
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with steep terrain and potentially icy or slippery conditions
- Features: Lush forests, rocky slopes, wildflowers, stunning mountain vistas, fishing, and three heart-stopping alpine lakes
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.035852, -107.806819
Heading to the Trailhead
Nestled just outside Ridgeway, Colorado, the Blue Lakes Trail is conveniently positioned near Telluride and Ouray. From Ridgeway, journey west on 62 for 4.3 miles, then take a left onto CR-7 (also known as Forest Service Road #851.1). This unpaved road can be rough in parts, so a four-wheel drive vehicle with higher clearance is recommended. For the most part, the road is passable, but be prepared for a few potholes in the final 2 miles leading to the trailhead. Enjoy the scenic drive – it's a sneak peek of the breathtaking sights to come!
Camping at the Trailhead
Arrive early to stake your claim at a coveted campsite close by. Dispersed tent camping is free, and a vault toilet is available at the trailhead, albeit not the cleanest. Find yourself a prime spot near the river and enjoy a tranquil night's rest before your big hike. Camping at the trailhead offers the convenience of short commuting time, while staying in the nearby town of Ridgeway helps minimize your overall travel time.
The Blue Lakes Hike
Starting from the trailhead, you'll find a fork in the trail just a short distance in – take a right. The uphill climb is steady and moderately difficult, with incredible views back down the valley and vibrant wildflowers sprinkled throughout.
As you near the first lake, prepare to be awestruck – this alpine gem is unlike any other, boasting a breathtaking blue hue that sets it apart from the majority of alpine lakes in the country. Finding the trail to the upper lakes requires a slight detour from the shoreline. Crossing the streams may require careful maneuvering, but the sights that greet you in exchange make it all worthwhile.
The second lake reveals even more of the renowned blue hues this area is famous for, while the third lake offers a stunning reflection of the glacial mountain bowl it sits in. Blue Lakes Pass beckons just across the lake, but remember - this hike is a significant challenge. Complete the hike in the early afternoon to ensure your return journey is not hampered by deteriorating weather conditions.
Pro tip: Don't forget to pack your fishing gear – Upper Blue Lake is home to a population of cutthroat trout, eager to challenge your fly-fishing skills.
- The Blue Lakes Trail, a hiking gem, is situated within the San Juan Mountain Range, offering a mesmerizing trio of alpine lakes and stunning mountain vistas.
- For the third Blue Lake, the hike ranges from 6.4 to 10.8 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of up to 2,500 feet, making it a moderate to challenging trek.
- Camping near the trailhead in Ridgeway, Colorado, offers a tranquil night's rest before the big hike and a short commuting time to the trailhead.
- During the hike, expect to encounter lush forests, rocky slopes, vibrant wildflowers, and three heart-stopping alpine lakes, each showcasing unique shades of turquoise. Don't forget to pack your fishing gear for a chance to catch cutthroat trout in Upper Blue Lake.
