Blue Lake in Eagle County is a small, spring-fed mountain lake tucked into the backcountry south of Vail, accessible only by a rough dirt road that demands a capable four-wheel-drive vehicle. With a 3.7-star rating that reflects sharply divided visitor experiences, this is a polarizing destination: some love the primitive solitude, while others warn that the road, the bugs, and the modest size of the lake make it not worth the effort.
The access road to Blue Lake is the first thing every visitor talks about. It is steep, narrow, and rocky in places, and multiple reviewers describe it as sketchy even by Colorado backcountry standards. All-wheel drive is the minimum requirement, and true four-wheel drive with good ground clearance is the safer choice. If a rough mountain road sounds more like a challenge than a dealbreaker, you will fit in here. If it sounds like a hassle, consider other Eagle County destinations.
The lake itself is small. Some visitors call it more of a pond than a lake, and that honest description sets the right expectation. The water is clear and spring-fed, which gives it a distinctive blue-green color, but the shoreline is compact and the overall footprint is modest. There is enough room to launch a small boat or kayak from the shore, with about a forty-foot carry from the parking area to the water.
Bugs are the most consistent complaint. Mosquitoes and biting insects are described as relentless, particularly in early and mid-summer. Multiple visitors with decades of Colorado hiking experience say the bug pressure at Blue Lake is the worst they have encountered anywhere in the state. Bring serious insect repellent, head nets, and long sleeves, or plan your visit for late August or September when bug activity drops.
The setting around Blue Lake is primitive and uncrowded. There are no formal facilities, no restrooms, and no maintained campground. Dispersed camping is possible in the surrounding forest, and the area sees far less traffic than destinations closer to the Vail corridor. Wildlife is present, and the surrounding White River National Forest provides additional hiking opportunities.
Blue Lake is best suited for adventurous visitors with capable vehicles who want a remote, primitive experience and can tolerate serious bug pressure. It once flew under the radar as a local secret, but increased visibility has brought more traffic in recent years. Visit on a weekday or in early fall for the best chance at solitude and fewer insects.