Blue Lake Trail, Wilderness hiking trail in Ouray County, United States
The Blue Lake Trail is a hiking route in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness that spans about 11.5 kilometers and passes three alpine lakes situated at different elevations. The trail leads past these water bodies along its full length in the high country.
The trail passes through areas once used for mining operations near Camp Bird Mine, and ruins of the Atlas Mill remain visible along the route. These remnants reveal the region's past industrial activity in the mountains.
The Mount Sneffels Wilderness area maintains strict preservation protocols, prohibiting motorized vehicles and requiring visitors to use designated camping areas.
Hikers should prepare for significant elevation gain on the full route, though the lower lake is reachable through a shorter round-trip distance. Beginners can therefore walk a portion of the trail without completing the entire distance.
The route features expansive meadows filled with Colorado wildflowers, and the path leads to Blue Lake Pass at significant elevation. Wolcott Mountain is visible from several vantage points along the route and offers lasting views during the hike.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
