The Blue Lakes Trailhead near Ridgway, Colorado is a popular starting point for hikers looking to explore the stunning Blue Lakes. Don't stop once you get to the lower blue lake. Keep ascending another 600 feet to the lookout shown in the first photo. Its one of my favorite views of the lake. If you keep going up, you'll arrive at the middle and upper lake. Usually the middle lake will have a ton of columbines down along the Eastern shore.

Length - 8.7 miles RT to all three lakes, 6 miles RT to lower lake only

Elevation Gain - 2509 feet for all three lakes, 1500 feet to lower lake only

FYI - This hike will become permitted in 2026 limiting access to 40 people PER DAY. NO DRONING PERMITTED, AS THIS IS IN THE SNEFFELS WILDERNESS.

The trail is currently CLOSED in the summer of 2025 for restoration and to prepare for future permitting process.

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