Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Blue Lakes [Suggest Edits]

17 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Blue Lakes are a very popular destination in the San Juan Mountains and is a gem in the Mt. Sneffles Wilderness. These lakes present breathtaking views of glacial lakes with relatively easy access. Enjoy views across Blue Lakes to Dallas peak and other jagged mountain peaks by hiking above Lower Blue Lake. Continue to Upper Blue Lake for views of shoulders of Mt. Sneffels and Gilpin Peak.

Many people use Lower Blue Lake as a base camp to attempt one of the 14ers, Mt. Sneffels, or just pass the lakes on the way up.

All-Day Hike: Blue Lakes is easiest accessed from Blue Lakes Trail up the East Fork Dallas Creek drainage. Follow the Blue Lakes Trail up for 3 miles to reach Lower Blue Lake and continue for another half a mile to reach Upper Blue Lake.

Gem Type: Lake

Shared by:
Sarah Baker

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 4, 2022
Valerie Norton
Better the next morning: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/07/blue-lakes-return.html
Jul 28, 2021
Jay Abernathy
Jul 17, 2021
Shari Pederson
Oct 9, 2020
Kathy Dragon
Oct 1, 2020
John Nelson
Sep 26, 2020
Michelle Schafer
Sep 23, 2020
Lydia Deng
Aug 20, 2020
James Shepherd

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite The metal walkway within Box Canyon.

Box Cañon Falls

(2) Ouray, CO
gem Favorite It's fun to imagine what life may have been like here.

Ironton Townsite

(1) Ouray, CO
gem Favorite Views down toward Telluride from near the top of the falls and Powerplant.

Bridal Veil Powerhouse

(1) Telluride, CO
gem Favorite The viewpoint features a few informative plaques and benches to sit and enjoy the vista.

Bear Creek Falls

(1) Ouray, CO
gem Favorite San Juan views from the mill.

Matterhorn Mill

(1) Mountai…, CO
gem Favorite The Bridal Veil Powerhouse.

Bridal Veil Falls

(6) Telluride, CO
gem Favorite Views from Ames Power Plant.

Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant

(1) Mountai…, CO

Nearby Trails

7.6 mi 12.2 km Blue Lakes Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Telluride, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Telluride, CO
Unknown
Update
45 
4.7 mi 7.5 km Bear Creek Falls
Intermediate Intermediate
Telluride, CO
Intermediate Intermediate
Telluride, CO
Unknown
Update
49 
5.0 mi 8.0 km Mt. Sneffels
Difficult Difficult
Ouray, CO
Difficult Difficult
Ouray, CO
Unknown
Update
37 
4.8 mi 7.8 km Perimeter Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
87 days ago
32 
3.3 mi 5.4 km Columbine Lake Trail #509
Difficult Difficult
Silverton, CO
Difficult Difficult
Silverton, CO
Unknown
Update
12 
8.1 mi 13.1 km Bridge of Heaven via the "New" Horsethief Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Unknown
Update
14 
13.1 mi 21.0 km Sneffels Highline Trail Loop
Difficult Difficult
Telluride, CO
Difficult Difficult
Telluride, CO
Unknown
Update
10 
8.1 mi 13.1 km Columbine Lake Out-and-Back
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Silverton, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Silverton, CO
Unknown
Update
0.9 mi 1.5 km Southwest Ridge of Mount Sneffels
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Telluride, CO
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Telluride, CO
Unknown
Update
4.3 mi 6.9 km Bear Creek National Recreation Trail #241
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Unknown
Update
Shared by Sarah Baker on Nov 28, 2016. All Page Views: 6,857. Last Month: 10.
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.