Whenever you are in the Ridgway, Ouray or Telluride area, a beautiful lake and flowing water hike is to the three Blue Lakes beneath towering Mount Sneffels in the wilderness area named after this fourteener. The last half of July and the first half of August should be the best times for flowers and rushing water.
Begin on foot to the south and keep right at a signboard and register. The left fork is the Blaine Trail. Ascend the clear trail and pass a Mount Sneffels Wilderness sign after 1.3 miles. With many high peaks rimming the basin, continue up to Lower Blue Lake (10, 950 feet) at mile 3.3. The bright blue color of the lake will impress you. A trail sign just before the lower lake directs you to the east and over East Dallas Creek, to the two higher lakes. The first part of this trail is rough and steep before several switchbacks make the ascent easier. After passing timberline, you will pass Middle Blue Lake (11,690 feet). Mount Sneffels looms above to the north-northeast and the trail continues up to Blue Lakes Pass to the right of Mount Sneffels.
Dallas Peak is impressive to the south. Enjoy this lovely high basin before returning as you ascended.
Dave Muller, a Denver psychiatrist in private practice, is the author of several hiking guides.
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The details
Hike distance: 4.8 miles each way (Upper Lake)
Hiking time: Up in 160 minutes, down in 103 minutes
Starting elevation: 9400 feet
Highest elevation: 11,710 feet
Elevation gain: 2,960 feet
Trail: All the way
Difficulty: Moderate
Relevant maps:
Trails Illustrated No.141
Telluride 7 1/2 minute
Mount Sneffels 7 1/2 minute
Ouray County No.2
Uncompagre National Forest
Getting There: From Colorado 62 between Ridgway on the north and Placerville on the south drive south on the Dallas Creek Road (Ouray 7) for 8.8 miles to the Blue Lakes Trailhead. En route keep left at mile 0.3 and at mile 1.6. Keep right at mile 2.0 and at mile 7.1. At mile 8.7 keep straight into the trailhead parking area. Regular cars can reach this trailhead.
