What activities are available at Blue Lake?

Blue Lake offers Hiking, Camping, Snowshoeing, Fishing, Bird Watching, Walking.

What amenities does Blue Lake have?

Blue Lake has Parking, Unpaved Trail, Camping Sites.

Where is Blue Lake located?

Blue Lake is located in Larimer County, Colorado.

Is a permit required at Blue Lake?

Permit information is not currently available. Check with the managing agency for current requirements.

Blue Lake

lake

Larimer County, Colorado

4.7(32 reviews)

About Blue Lake

Blue Lake sits in a subalpine bowl beneath Cameron Peak in Larimer County, and reaching it requires a 10.1-mile round-trip hike through the Roosevelt National Forest that reviewers consistently call challenging, rewarding, and worth every step. The lake itself is a small, pristine alpine gem surrounded by rocky ridgelines and wildflower meadows, and the final reveal after miles of forest hiking makes the payoff all the more satisfying.

The Blue Lake Trail (Trail 959) begins at the Blue Lake Trailhead and climbs steadily through terrain that was heavily impacted by the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, Colorado's largest recorded wildfire at the time. The first three miles pass through extensive burn scars where standing dead timber and downed trees create an otherworldly landscape. Despite the fire damage, wildflowers have returned in force — hikers describe carpets of columbine, Indian paintbrush, and alpine sunflowers blanketing the burned slopes, especially in July and August. The final half-mile before the lake transitions into intact subalpine forest and opens into the alpine basin where Blue Lake rests.

Backpacking is a popular way to experience Blue Lake, with several backcountry campsites along the trail. Camping is prohibited within one-quarter mile of both Blue Lake and nearby Hang Lake, so plan your campsite placement accordingly. The trail also connects with the West Branch Trail for extended loop options that add mileage and additional alpine terrain.

Winter transforms the Blue Lake Trail into a snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination. Reviewers report deep snow from November through May, and the gentle lower sections make for enjoyable Nordic skiing. However, the upper sections near the lake hold snow well into June, and hikers attempting early-season visits often turn back when the trail disappears beneath soft, postholing snowpack.

Trail conditions vary significantly by season. Mud is common in spring and after summer rain. Trail markings are sparse — blue arrows on trees mark the route in lower sections, but the burn area has reduced visible blazes. A GPS device or downloaded trail map is strongly recommended since cell service is nonexistent. Hiking poles and waterproof boots make the rocky, muddy, and occasionally snowy sections far more manageable. Blue Lake rewards prepared hikers with one of Larimer County's most scenic alpine destinations.

Reviews (10)

Jean U

We were camping nearby so decided to hike this trail 7/3/2023. No cellphone service to download the map. At the beginning of 2.5 miles was well marked with blue arrows on the trees. Then lots of burnt, downed trees on the trail. We got lost a little bit because we had to go around some big downed trees. Thank god we had our Garmin with us, able to get back on track! The wildflowers were gorgeous throughout the whole hike especially in burnt areas. Hiking poles and good ankle high waterproof hiking shoes were very helpful. Passed some muddy, snowy areas and waterfalls, made it down to the Blue Lake. We carried our first aid kit with us all the time and we were able to help a hiker stopped bleeding (got injured by downed tree branches.) on the trail. It’s a challenge hike, but the views at the end by Blue Lake was very rewarding!

Darrien Dudley

Kinda muddy from all the rain and stuff. Had fun though.

Jessi Bland

I’d definitely recommend waiting until late summer to do this hike! It was super muddy and got pretty snowy and deep about 3.5 miles in. I ended up turning around because the trail couldn’t be found under the snow. With the snow being soft I was just falling through and it became too difficult to keep going sadly. I hope to try this trail again sometime and be able to make it to the lake! The trees are all burnt down from the wildfires in the past as well, which is so sad to see. But it’s still a very peaceful trail. I didn’t see a single other person the entire time in and out! A lot of signs of wildlife around so be prepared to see an animal or two possibly. The trail is pretty poorly marked and there was only 1 sign along the way telling you which direction to go. I was able to follow the trail based on footprints and most of the trail being used somewhat recently, but hopefully with time the trail will have some more signs of direction put up to make it easier to follow. Hope to try again in the future!

Adam K

Lost something silver and black that fits in a pocket off the side of the the trail accidentally during a storm, let me know if you find it! Great trail through the burn area, linking up with West Branch makes for a great time.

M ary

Abundance of flowers!

Jennifer Briggs

beyond beautiful.

Travis Steele

Lots of snow (1/2022) beautiful trail with both snowshoe and ski tracks. First couple miles is tucked in the trees so you can’t see much in terms of big scenery, but the forest is lovely and makes for a grand reveal if you persevere and make it to the lake where everything opens up and you get some of the alpine vistas you were looking for.

sam struthers

Reopened after the Cameron Peak Fire. Make sure to check weather and avoid rainy days

Katie Fiola Jones

Good place to backpack! This area was severely burned in 2020 but the trail had opened back up and is still very beautiful to hike and backpack.

dane lovato

Didn’t make it to blue lake. Ran out of time. Will go earlier and get closer parking would save the miles and time. Great views