The Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is one of our all time favorite day hikes!

This is a moderate hike that takes you to an alpine lake with perfect turquoise water, and then a crystal clear middle lake and upper lake surrounded by impressive peaks.

You can do this hike on a day trip from Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, or other popular areas in Colorado, and it doesn’t require too much driving from any of those areas.

This guide will explain every aspect of the Blue Lakes hike, from the trailhead all the way to the upper lake!

Quick Stats

• Distance: 7 – 11 miles (10 – 18 km) round trip
• Elevation: 9,350 – 13,000 feet (2,850 – 3,950 m)
• Elevation Gain: 1,600 – 3,650 feet (500 – 1,100 m)
• Duration: 3 – 8 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate / Hard

Blue Lakes Trail: What To Expect

The Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado takes you to 3 different lakes and a scenic mountain pass. Most people only go to the lower blue lake.

This is a very popular trail for day hikers and also backpackers, so weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds. Lots of people camp at the lower blue lake on summer weekends.

The difficulty of the hike depends on how far you go. I’d say it’s moderate to the first lake (and also dog friendly), but strenuous if you go to the second or third lake. Bring lots of water and snacks.

The sections below will explain each part of the Blue Lakes Trail and what to expect. The entire hike is so worth it!

• Trailhead To Lower Blue Lake Colorado (Part 1 of 4)

Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

The Blue Lakes Trail starts out like most great Colorado hikes: a slow, steady climb through pine forests and meadows with the occasional distant mountain views.

Things start to open up after the first hour of hiking, and then when you’re almost to the first lake you’ll see a nice waterfall on your left.

The first lake is called lower blue lake and it’s absolutely unreal, with perfect clear turquoise water surrounded by mountain peaks. It has to be the most perfect blue lake Colorado has to offer!

Take some time to walk around the lower lake and see it from all angles. We spent hours taking photos here after the sun came up, and you can also swim in the lake, although the water might be chilly.

The turquoise hues of the lake are just as impressive as what you see in pictures, although sunlight makes a big difference. On an overcast day, or early in the morning before the sun hits the lake, the colors aren’t as bright.

The photos you see on this page were taken on a mid-August morning and don’t have any photoshopping or saturation added!