Blue Lakes Trail: Alpine Lakes Hiking Adventure in Colorado

Embark on a visually stunning journey through Colorado's Mount Sneffels Wilderness to explore the vivid turquoise waters of the Blue Lakes, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains.

Last updated: May 2024

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Description

Discover the breathtaking Blue Lakes Trail in Southwest Colorado, a jewel among alpine lake hikes offering mesmerizing turquoise waters and rugged mountain views. Embark on a visually stunning journey through Colorado's Mount Sneffels Wilderness to explore the vivid turquoise waters of the Blue Lakes, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. The Blue Lakes Trail in Southwest Colorado is an unforgettable adventure for hikers of all levels. Nestled in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, this trail covers a round trip distance of up to 12 miles, depending on how far you venture—to the lower lake, upper lakes, or the pass. Starting at an elevation of 9,370 feet, hikers can expect to reach heights up to 12,990 feet at the pass, with a total elevation gain of 3,600 feet. This moderate hike, requiring 4-6 hours to complete or a 2-day backpacking trip, is accessible from July through October, showcasing the vibrant turquoise hues of the alpine lakes and offering panoramic views of the rugged San Juan Mountains.

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Itinerary

Start at the Blue Lakes Trailhead: Located just outside of Ridgeway, Colorado. Follow CO Rd 7 for about 9 miles to reach the trailhead.
Hike to the Lower Blue Lake: A 7-mile round trip from the trailhead, offering stunning views of the turquoise lake.
Continue to the Upper Lakes: For a 9-mile round trip, with an option to extend to the pass for a 12-mile journey.
Enjoy the Views: Take time at each lake to enjoy the unique beauty and snap photos.
Return: Follow the same path back to the trailhead.

Location

Blue Lakes Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424

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Packing List

Comfortable hiking boots or trail runners.
Water and snacks for the hike.
Layered clothing for variable weather.
Sunscreen and sunglasses.
Camera or smartphone for photos.
Optional: Hiking poles, headlamp, GPS device.

4.9 ● Google reviews

Great hike gorgeous views. Two waterfalls to see. Good place to take pics if able.

Road was open all the way up to the lower lake. Great views here and lots of hiking to be had. Went early on a weekday but still got one of the last places to park. Enjoyed our day here!

Be advised, if going on the winter or within the month of April, you will want to find out what the condition of the road leading to the parking lot is like. My family and I went on 04/21/24, and it was completely filled with snow. You can hike in with proper gear, but whether it's worth the effort is up to you. There's also a "no motor vehicles" sign that was there. I'm not sure if this had always been or if it's because of the snow ridden path. All of that being said, this place is as amazing as pictures show it to be. Even without the hike, it still had one of the most beautiful vistas I've ever seen. I was also able to see an artic fox among other wildlife here. I would definitely recommend going at least for that.

The place is beautiful, but it is forbidden to spend the night and light fires here. But people violate this ban and still spend the night with tents. Over the past year, many people have learned about this place. These people come and litter. They even wrap their dogs’ poop in a bag and throw it out in the wild (what do these people have in their heads instead of their brains?). There is 1 amazing house here. The vandals took the bathtub out of it and drowned it in the swamp further down the trail. And in the house itself they broke the windows and threw out garbage, as if someone would take out the garbage after them.

The 2 mile gravel road to Lower Blue Lakes parking lot, is rutted and narrow in some places but easily doable on a 2WD. Limited parking. You can see some mountain goats in the parking lot. Keep your dogs on leash! Walk across the dam for Upper Blue Lakes and hike the trail. Beautiful views! Please leave no trace. Keep Colorado Beautiful!

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