Blue Lakes Trail is a 1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Breckenridge, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
The road leading to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles. Also, the road leading to the trailhead closes seasonally due to winter conditions, which adds about a mile and a half to the hike from the next nearest parking area. This trail is entirely following gravel roads around the Blue Lakes. There are two parking areas, one above the dam and one below.
February 21, 2021Conditions are great for snowshoes, make sure you bring them. The road up to the trailhead is snowed in, so you'll need to hike about 1.5 miles up Country Rd 850 to the trailhead as marked on this map. The road up is snow-packed, but my 2-Wheel Drive car made it up ok. There is a small circle cleared where a few cars can park.
February 15, 2021Got so windy 3/4 of the way, we had to turn back. It was beautiful the whole way though! Snowshoes recommended since some parts are deep snow from the wind.
January 20, 2021Amazing views!
December 7, 2020Heavy snow but amazing views!!!
December 6, 2020***road to the trailhead is closed due to snow*** if you’re planning to still hike this plan on adding 2 miles each way to the hike
November 2, 2020We took the trail to the left of the parking lot which was very snowy — looked like a winter wonderland. Got to see a gorgeous waterfall, an old mine, and a beaver dam. Was very easy and relaxed, even with all the snow!
October 24, 2020The views were absolutely breathtaking! Several stops along the road for great picture opportunities of the mountains and waterfalls.
October 22, 2020October 21, 2020It was really cool! It was a beautiful hike. Lots of Rock jumping.
October 20, 2020nice scenery. one doesn't get to far from the lot
October 18, 2020Beautiful Views!!
October 17, 2020Absolutely gorgeous but not much of a hike — more just incredible views/scenery! The wind was crazy (10/16) so bring lots of layers to be able to walk around and enjoy the scenery!
October 14, 2020October 9, 2020October 5, 2020Able to drive to the top, easy to walk down to the lake. Was with my 2 y/o and he did great! Bring a jacket! Trail open 10/3!!
October 2, 2020It’s an easy trail, beautiful views but too windy.
October 1, 2020As of 10/1 the road is still closed.
October 1, 2020The view of the lake at the end of the trail was great. The trail is “easy” in the sense that it is short and mostly just gravel and dirt. However, as of 9/30 the road going up is closed so you kind of have to park on the side of the road and walk uphill for about a mile before the trail even starts, which makes this a 4 mile round trip. There is a waterfall on your left that you would miss if you didn’t have to walk up the road.
September 29, 2020road is closed two miles before the trailhead
September 21, 2020Took my mom here since she can’t hike anything crazy. It’s pretty and requires minimal effort to see the views. Also, the road is nothing bad whatsoever like some of these reviews say. People were courteous and pulled over to let me by on the way back from the top parking lot. It’s not a rough road at all and doesn’t require a high clearance vehicle, so don’t be worried about that. It’s nice to bring people who can’t hike much here to see pretty views of Quandary and surrounding mountains.
September 18, 2020Gorgeous area at the base of Quandary. Wandered around in sneakers without any gear and was fine. Road to this area is bumpy dirt but we made it in a Pathfinder pretty easily. Would be a great intro hike the day before attempting Quandary, as the elevation is high and you could scout the area.
September 14, 2020The drive up is a bear. One hill is really torn up - we ended up parking and walking last 1.4 miles. Worth the walk. There is a nice waterfall we would have missed if driving. The lake on top is beautiful- well worth the effort.
September 13, 2020September 13, 2020Absolutely beautiful! Quiet lakes that would be perfect to drive to for lunch or afternoon stroll. We saw a moose there at one point which added to the beautiful area. If your car can make it, this is perfect for anyone looking to experience the beautiful mountains without having to do a strenuous hike. We have a 4 x 4 Jeep that was able to make it but saw other cars that had to turn back. It was a bit wet and muddy there which made the road more difficult to get up in some spots. It was quite windy when we were there but it was hours before all the snow blew in on 9/08. Steep but smooth road to the second lake which is actually a man made damn. But looking down on the first lake from the upper lake is stunning.
September 12, 2020Lower lake was better
September 12, 2020This area is so beautiful, but beware...as noted, the road has gotten really washed out and is almost impassable...even for a 4wd full sized SUV. We were scraping the bottom and almost getting stuck at one section because the potholes were so bad. I would not recommend going unless you have a truck or are okay walking uphill the mile and a half. If the road improves (maybe next year?)...well, this area is just stunning so I recommend!
September 9, 2020Blue Lake Trail is a beautiful and easy trail accessible by most trucks and SUV’s. It’s well worth the 20min drive from Breck and is a great place to fish, camp or just drive out and have a picnic.
