Blue Lake Extravaganza
Description: 5.4 Mile out and back trail located 62 miles up CO-14. Moderate to easy the trail is easy to follow and provides stunning views once you reach Blue Lake.
Directions: From Fort Collins take CO-14 62 miles to the trailhead. Parking lot is located on the right hand side of the road, there is not a charge to park there.
Use: Hiking, Fishing, Backpacking, Camping
Views from Blue Lake
Several years ago I finally had the opportunity to explore a lifelong desire to backpack our Colorado mountains. In the summer of 2016 my sweet, supportive husband surprised me on my birthday with backpacking equipment for each of us. The thought of being far away from technology and society with its day-to-day rigors and demands was intoxicating for both of us. We could hardly wait to plan our first trip.
This first endeavor was limited to an overnighter and needed to be close by for a quick return the next day. Our choice was clear and offered much for both of us. Blue lake Trail is located up CO-14, the drive is beautiful and you can't miss the trailhead as you near Cameron Pass. Over cooling Chipotle and IZZE's we headed up the Poudre Canyon, ready to embark on our latest adventure. It was a warm day in July and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Our packs were weighed down with more than enough supplies for an overnight trip and we were ready to hit the trail. Our faithful dogs, Ruger and Melody were chomping at the bit to explore the area and join us on this latest endeavor. They are always up for anything.
The trail itself is easy to follow and even better, it is downhill for the first several miles. On an hour in, it merges with a dilapidated forest trail and crosses Fall Creek countless times along the way. The dogs appreciatively lapped up the chilly mountain water every chance they had. The trail begins to incline after 3 miles until you reach your destination at Blue Lake. The lake itself surprises you as you merge from the densely wooded trail and are greeted by a stunning view of the lake and surrounding mountain peaks.
A nice perk in this area is that you can camp anywhere you see fit, we found the best area was just below the lake where the ground was more level. From the trail to the lake there is no designated path and we fought our way through the brush and overgrowth to reach our destination. It was well worth the trouble, though the climb back up the next morning proved to be a bit brutal. Our site was perfectly located close enough to the lake for water but also with privacy from any other backpackers and we settled in for the night.
Next to a toasty fire that evening, we shared our first meal as we breathed in the frosty night air. The stars alone are worth the hike, they shone bright with a closeness only experienced near the peaks of our Colorado mountains. Morning came bright and clear as we headed to the lake for water before we could brew a cup of Joe. We kicked ourselves for not bringing rods to fish, rumor has it there are some nice Cutthroat Trout hiding out in there.
Another neat part about this area is that you can hike further to another summit lake several miles from Blue Lake. Hang Lake is perfect for a quick day trip and allows you to fish as well. It would make the perfect weekend trip if you were able to do Hang Lake the next day and then head back to base camp that evening and hike out on the final day. We put it on our list to do that in the future.
This trip to Blue Lake cultivated a yearning in my husband and I to spend even more time in the mountains. We fell in love with backpacking that weekend and I have no doubt the dogs felt the same. It never ceases to amaze me how 24 hours in our Rocky Mountains can feel like days. The mountains have an ability to change how we perceive our world. They become a safe haven for your soul. To relax and hit the refresh button, I think we all need that every now and again. Travel on!