Colorado's Most Beautiful Trail? | Hiking Blue Lakes Trail

/ davidhiking
The Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is a highly sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a remarkable hiking experience amidst awe-inspiring landscapes. Spanning approximately 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) round trip, this trail boasts a moderate level of difficulty with a total elevation gain of around 2,500 feet (762 meters). As you traverse the trail, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant alpine meadows, all while gradually ascending through the rugged terrain of the San Juan Mountains.
For those looking to extend their adventure, camping along the Blue Lakes Trail is an excellent option. Several designated camping spots are available, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness. Falling asleep under a star-studded sky and waking up to breathtaking mountain views creates an unforgettable experience. However, it's important to obtain any necessary permits and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment for future hikers.
One of the most notable features of the Blue Lakes Trail is its connection to Mount Sneffels, a majestic fourteener standing at 14,150 feet (4,313 meters). The trail not only provides access to the three stunning Blue Lakes but also serves as a gateway to the challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. Hiking enthusiasts seeking an extra challenge can link up with the Mount Sneffels trail, embarking on a memorable journey to summit this iconic peak. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is magnified by the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The highlight of the Blue Lakes Trail itself lies in its three mesmerizing lakes. Lower Blue Lake, situated at approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) elevation, is the starting point. From there, the trail continues to Middle Blue Lake, perched at around 11,100 feet (3,383 meters). Finally, hikers reach the highest lake, Upper Blue Lake, nestled at approximately 11,600 feet (3,536 meters) above sea level. The vibrant turquoise-blue waters of the lakes, created by glacial flour reflecting sunlight, offer a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop.
The Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is a true gem, combining captivating natural beauty, challenging hiking opportunities, and the option to camp amidst the wilderness. Whether you embark on a day hike or plan a multi-day adventure, this trail promises an unforgettable experience. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your camping gear, and prepare to be enthralled by the breathtaking scenery that awaits along the Blue Lakes Trail, with the added allure of the nearby Mount Sneffels.
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#hiking #backpacking #colorado

[@simonlarsen1090]

The constant white noise every where is amazing like on the way up to the second lake especially

[@jodylowe8476]

Great video buddy. I will be up there in two weeks. Thanks for the motivation. Be safe.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing.

[@noe2k09]

Thanks for sharing this awesome hike! Will be going to Colorado in the fall. This hike is on my list for sure!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

its amazing

[@rebeccasnyder2120]

This is my favorite video of yours. The views are absolutely gorgeous.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Thanks Rebecca, you are too kind.

[@tylerlucas4549]

I was just there in July 2023 this video does 0 justice I 1000% recommend seeing this in person! Breathtaking views! Anyone planning on doing this hike make sure to get something that’s lifted or rent a jeep.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

the camera can never capture the magic we see with our eyes

[@ervinslens]

Wow, your shots and narration are simply stunning. What a presentation, your thumbnail is amazing!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Cheers dude, I have 7 thumbnails and I never know which one is best. In reality the thumbnail is the most important piece.

[@roulab8657]

Beautiful video, great job and letting the natural sounds be heard instead of constant music a plus. Thank you

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

A mistake I've made with earlier videos I've learned from. Basically only drone footage needs music, nature can speak for the rest.

[@JB_FLYA69669]

Beautiful video you have inspired me to go here

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'm glad!

[@underscr0e]

awesome footage you got there!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

cheers thanks

[@MrRarehair]

We hiked to just above the 1st lake in early July of 2023. It had been mostly overcast and not all that impressive looking until we got up above that lake, and almost magically the sky became clear in a matter of minutes. Oh my gosh, what a difference! It was probably the prettiest view we had on our trip to Colorado that week. I was glad to see your video on what it looked like at the other lakes. I think we were nearly as stoked as you with the beauty we saw that day. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'm glad you got a nice view, sometimes mother nature doesn't give up the view easily or for long.

[@kevinkeenan3333]

@MrRarehair My wife and I are planning on doing this hike in early July of this year. I’m curious what the strength of the “streams” were like when you were there that time last year. Obviously every year’s different but still curious

[@MrRarehair]

Regarding the strength of the streams when we were there last July-the water was not quite knee deep. It was definitely moving enough to get your attention, but not what we considered to be dangerous. We just made sure of our footing on the submerged rocks by using our trekking poles and it ended up being fine. And as you might imagine, the water temp was chilly-we were glad we brought separate water shoes.

[@majestytd]

amazing view... Please keep more video like this coming this summer sir... thank you

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

More are on the way!

[@andybiker-hiker4343]

magnificent footage, really nice. As the song say, it's a "Colorado Rocky Mountain high"

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

cheers

[@kimwatson6484]

Great video!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

thanks Kim!

[@hollyh1498]

We are visiting Ouray with our two teenagers and our dog next month. Planning on hiking this trail. It looks incredible! Do you think a minivan could make it down the road to the trailhead?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

ya there are no cross ditches so really any vehicle can make it the concern is getting a flat tire. Best to have a spare or at least get one of those flat tire patch kits just in case.

[@suzieriederer9235]

Great video! What time of year were you there?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I hiked this mid July 2022.

[@mingyupark9718]

Thank you! Im planning to go early may.. will that be too hard to hike? Also do they ever close the trail?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

im not sure you'll have to check the snow levels

[@Asapflacko1800]

Did you get any altitude sickness? I’m going next month to Colorado and I’m coming from Los Angeles… I hope I don’t get it

[@Ctasker5]

Fantastic video! I'm a little concerned my 2WD sedan won't make it up the gravel road though, what do you think?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

2wd can make it no problem its just flat tire you need to worry about. Bring a spare, a least a donut and a tire repair kit and pump

[@Ctasker5]

@@IdRatherBeHiking Ah yeah I was worried that’d be an issue too. I’ll make sure I prepare for that then, thanks!!

[@evilmelez]

bro you can also do fishing in some of your hiking to spice things up or like survival type of videos.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'm not one for fishing but I have considered doing some survival or gold panning.

[@Novemberkind2011]

Great Video.I really want to do this hike.can we make the road with an RV?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

You probably could, I was neverous driving it with my suv. Could take it slow.

[@michaykalika4848]

In which month did you visit the Blue Lakes? We're planning to visit in May and would like to know the expected trail conditions.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

i did that in july

[@maiyang4127]

So beautiful, do you need a permit or pass to hike the blue lake hike?

[@matdolor2564]

I’m almost certain you don’t. It’s a public trail open to anyone

[@codyhespen2630]

You do not need a permit unless you are staying for an extended time. Fourteen days or more I believe.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

no permit required

[@queenabundance]

Thanks for creating this video. I'm interested in hiking the first part of this. Could you tell me how long it took you to get to the first lake? Thanks.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

It really depends on your hiking speed, could get up there in 2 hours could take 4 or more.

[@shaynah7866]

what month did you hike this

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

july

[@birendraa]

How long was the hike to the first lake?

[@ericjenkins2737]

7 miles round trip with 2000ft of climbing.

[@birendraa]

Thank you@@ericjenkins2737

[@ericjenkins2737]

@@birendraa No prob, I just went up to the third lake last week for the third time. My Strava activity should be public under my name Eric Jenkins if you search. I highly recommend Columbine Lake near Silverton if you've never hiked it.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

It'll take a couple of hours

[@raypeery6317]

Watching you have to scramble over those trees just proves that when you cut off motorized travel, the trails will eventually become impassable. The hikers are not carrying saws to clear the trails. It's motorcyclists that do that every year *on their own dime* and every year we lose access to more and more trails because hikers don't want to deal with motos on "their" trails. Once they start getting impassable, they *will* get shut down. Mark my words I am watching it happen right in my back yard. Loss of access for everyone due to selfishness on the part of one group. If you truly love having these trails and the access they provide, supporting moto access to them is the only way to save them. .ps We also do constant trail improvements like safe bridges, water bars, erosion repair, and just about whatever is needed to keep them open. For free. There are not enough FS crews to do it, the hikers and horse people don't do it, so anything but the main trails will get neglected.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'm from Vancouver Island and its the motos with chainsaws on their backs that clear a lot of our trails too. Many trails have been lost around here too so I understand you point of view.

[@yossarian451]

Beautiful trail video. I don't want to be a Karen, but lots of walking off trail on Alpine tundra can cause damage that takes decades to recover. I hope that wasn't your Cairn you were standing near. If you see cairns that aren't marking a trail on bare rock, kick them over.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I don't build carins and walk on rocks where possible.

[@zbyszek511]

Its not your soil. It belongs to native americans.

[@MNd3sign]

🤡