blue lakes trail

Great hike. Recommend starting at the base of Bridal Veil falls (drive to the top in a four wheel drive vehicle). Hike takes 1.5-2.5 hours one way depending on how often you stop. There are amazing waterfalls and creeks along the way. Some old mining structures are still around. The lake is cool and the valley leading to the lake has two old mining houses that are still in good condition and great to explore. Have fun!

My boyfriend and I did this hike earlier this month, and it was one of the most beautiful ones we have ever done! The pictures really don't do it justice. We started our hike around 9am and saw very few other hikers on the trail.. We felt like we had it to ourselves! Lower Blue Lake was surrounded with wildflowers.. Simply breathtaking. We are in our 20s and in decent shape, but we definitely thought it was challenging- Not being used to the altitude probably had a lot to do with it! If we ever visit the Ridgway area, we will definitely want to experience this again!

First, based on the reviews, I'm putting my review here even though the Blue Lake Trail mentioned is quite far from Silverton. This one is in Ridgway between Ouray and Telluride. I'll add the directions after the review.I've hiked a lot of trails in CO and seen a lot of lakes and waterfalls, but this is by far one of the best. The entire area is stunning and everywhere you look as you get closer is a waterfall. When they say "Blue Lake", they really mean it's blue. Sparkling blue! The contrast of the lake with the mountains, grass and wild flowers is just perfect. The nearby falls leading into the lake are very high and beautiful as well. If you want a better picture of the lake, just hike up into the waterfall/boulder area at the end of the lake.Be prepared that this is almost 3.3 miles of uphill climbing. There are very few flat areas. There are plenty of areas to rest along the way, but be prepared with water, food and proper clothing. You may start in shorts and end in gloves! And don't think the hike down is easy just because it is downhill. Be careful, especially in damp conditions.Driving directions from Ouray: It takes 45-50 minutes to drive the 24 miles from Ouray to the Blue Lakes trailhead. The drive is quite scenic with views dominated by 14,150-ft. Mt. Sneffels and its neighboring peaks and ridgelines, almost all over 13,000-ft.From the center of Ouray take Highway 550 heading north for just over 10 miles to Highway 62 in Ridgway. Turn left (west) on Highway 62. Drive 4.8 miles and take a left onto County Road 7, marked East Dallas Creek. It is easy to miss the turn while you are admiring the scenery to the south of the highway. In two miles CR-7 bears right where it meets CR-7A. Continue for a total of 9 miles on CR-7 through a beautiful valley to the parking area at the trailhead. Hiking into some of the waterfall areas is more challenging, but worth a closer look.

Can be very wet early in our season. Late July - August is great for wildflowers. When you get to the lakes you are surrounded by towering 12-14,000' mountains.

I have been doing this hike since I was a child and it never gets old! The views all the way up are amazing! It is a bit steep, but so worth it. When the flowers are in peak blooming it is breath taking! You will walk through wildflower fields as high as your chest and the variety and colors with take your breath away! The lake is spectacular! Chrystal clear and ice cold, but great for a dip after a warm hike! Then lie on the bank in the sun for a nap and lunch!