Blue Lakes Trail – a can’t miss Breckenridge destination!
Everywhere you go close to Breckenridge, CO a surprise always awaits. This short, easy access trail will be beyond your expectations, above the timberline where Mother Nature is obviously in charge. Wind-blown twisted dwarfed pines, tundra, and steep rocky slopes surround an amazingly blue lake. Marmots are everywhere and you’ll hear the chatter of little pika mice letting you know you are wandering into their territory.
GREETED BY MOUNTAIN GOATS
Bring the kids, on an amazing family-friendly hike close to Breckenridge. Where else can you be greeted by mountain goats … really!
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Upon first arriving we were in subalpine terrain at the lower lake surrounded on one side by tall dense pine trees, before hiking up to the larger lake going above the tree line. Colorful backcountry tents could be seen on the far side of the lower lake tucked beneath the trees and under an indescribable waterfall.
Driving up to the upper lake just below the dam we parked and could not help but get out and start hiking. It’s that stunning.
The top of Quandary Peak14er looms overhead. It looks close to this elevation, but that’s tricky, as it’s another 2-hour hike from here, up an unmaintained trail, extremely rocky & steep. Called the “West Route” it is not highly used or recommended. You will pass the main trailhead to Quandary Peak as you turn off Hwy 9 onto Blue Lakes Rd., heading to Blue Lakes.
BEAUTIFUL HIKING ON UPPER BLUE LAKE
Hiking along the west side of Blue Lake on the Blue Lakes trail, we found a few rocks to begin our hike, some alpine tundra, and an abundance of late summer wildflowers.
All along the trail, we found numerous marmots scurrying about. We’ve been on many hikes in Colorado above timberline and have never seen this many marmots at one time. It’s late August and we’re just in time as they head for their burrows to hibernate until April or May.
As we hiked along the trail farther around the lake, we hit an area of tumbled rocks and more rocks until it became quite a scramble to get across them. Soon finding that the path past the rocks is thick with tundra and almost impassable.
Views of Quandary Peak, North Star Mountain, and Wheeler Mountain surround Blue Lakes.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH another trail named Blue Lakes Trail located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado – a super popular hike – take a peek! Rated: strenuous.
WATERFALL
When exploring the lower lake, we headed down the dirt road. Here the trees started to multiply and we were covered in deep shade with only peeks of sunshine shining through. Deep in the woods scattered on the side of the road were dreamy dispersed campsites with already designated fire pits.
Hiked one of many social paths leading off the end of the dirt road, climbing through numerous large rocks and reaching the base of a thundering, cascading waterfall. A highlight of the day!
Hang out along the lower lake, camp, have a day fishing, picnic, and hike.
Just visiting or not a hiker, this is one of the best locations to get a feel for truly being in the Colorado mountains without much effort. Starts above 11,000 ft. in elevation, a very high altitude. Hat and gloves with shorts in the summer is not uncommon in Colorado!
A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. Please check out “What’s in Your Day Pack” for a list of recommended items anytime hiking that I use at all times.
An adventure you simply won’t soon forget even if you’re a seasoned hiker.
Known as the Blue Lakes Trail System. For more information on this area: Dillon Ranger District.
LOCATED
Located 6.8 miles south of Breckenridge on Hwy 9. Turn right onto Blue Lakes Rd. (CR850). Drive 2.2 miles to Blue Lakes.
TIDBITS
2.5 miles out and back
Rated: easy, moderate
Above timberline, high altitude
Weather can change in minutes
Hiking, walking, fishing, camping, snowshoeing
White River National Forest
HIKES NEARBY
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Loved reading this post and your pictures are amazing! I’m headed to Colorado during the July 4th long weekend and would love to do the Blue Lakes Trail. Of what I’ve read on the internet, it’s quite a difficult one up to the upper blue lake. But reading your post didn’t make it seem hard. Are you talking about the lower blue lake? I’m kinda confused.
How far from the parking area are the campsites? I’m thinking about going up there in August. I love the spot in the picture by the waterfall!
Hi, you can drive almost up to the waterfall. We noticed campsites along the dirt road on the east side of the lower lake, and areas to hike in a short ways. The road is a dead end. I know the spot by the waterfall is dreamy huh! Hope this helps you. First come, first serve. Enjoy. Love to hear about your camping experience, we’ve only hiked the area. Quandry & McCullogh Gulch. The blue Lakes are beautiful. Safe travels….
Note: This trail is entirely on gravel roads around the Blue Lakes. There are 2 parking areas, one above the dam and one below. The road leading to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles.
Thank you for the update on road conditions.I really appreciate it. When we went the roads were grated and very nice. Fickle weather in Colorado plays havoc on road conditions. Again, thank you so much!