Blue Lakes in Ouray County is a trio of stunningly vivid alpine lakes tucked beneath the imposing flanks of Mount Sneffels in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Consistently rated as one of the most scenic hikes in the entire state, the Blue Lakes Trail rewards committed hikers with electric blue water, wildflower-filled meadows, lingering snowfields, and 360-degree views of jagged 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks. This is not a casual stroll -- it is a challenging mountain hike that demands preparation -- but the payoff is a landscape that looks pulled from a postcard.
The hike to the lower Blue Lake takes roughly three hours on the ascent and about two hours coming back down. The trail gains significant elevation through forests and open meadows before arriving at the first lake basin. Hikers who continue to the upper lakes face steeper, more exposed terrain with talus fields and possible snowpack well into summer. Trail conditions can be slippery after rain, so sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential. The difficulty is real but manageable for hikers in reasonable shape who take their time.
Fishing at Blue Lakes is a genuine highlight. Cutthroat trout inhabit the lakes, and visitors report seeing them throughout the clear water. A Colorado fishing license is required -- two-day licenses run around $28 and are available online or in Ouray and Ridgway. Fly fishing and spin casting both work in these alpine waters, though the remote setting means packing in your gear.
Backpack camping near the lakes allows you to extend the experience into a multi-day trip, giving you time to fish, explore the upper lake basins, and catch the alpenglow on Mount Sneffels at sunset. Backcountry camping requires Leave No Trace practices -- pack out all waste and camp on durable surfaces away from the water's edge.
Wildflowers typically peak in July and early August, covering the meadows below the lakes in columbine, paintbrush, and alpine sunflowers. Snow can linger near the upper lakes into July, so check current trail reports before heading out. The trailhead sits at the end of a rough four-wheel-drive road, and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Alternatively, the East Dallas Creek approach provides a longer but less road-challenging access point.
Blue Lakes sits close to the town of Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America, and nearby Ridgway, both offering lodging, dining, and gear shops. Hikers looking to extend their adventure can connect to the Mount Sneffels summit route from the upper lake basin, adding one of Colorado's most dramatic fourteeners to the trip.