Distance: 6.6 miles RT to lower lake 9 miles to upper lakes Elevation Gain: 1600′ Starting Elevation: 9,350′ Rating: Moderate I got a chance this past weekend to revisit one of my favorite all time hikes; the Blue Lakes up near Ouray, Colorado. Even though much of the trail from the lower lake up to [...]
Distance: 8.4 Miles to Yellow Jacket Mine Elevation Gain: 2,700′ Starting Elevation: 8,400′ Rating: Moderate-Difficult For the first official hike of this summer (I know….late start) we decided to tackle the Bear Creek Trail since we had heard so many good things about the hike and the views. Bear Creek Trail starts just about 2 [...]
Distance: 8.4-10.6 miles RT (the shorter distance is from 4wd road) Elevation Gain: 3100′-3600′Starting Elevation: 9,200′ Rating: Moderate to Difficult Notes: Pay close attention when driving to the trailhead and continue past the Bachelor/Syracuse mine tour sign. We made the mistake of turning left when you see the mine tour sign. The name is intriguing [...]
Distance: 6.6 miles RT to lower lake Elevation Gain: 1600′ Starting Elevation: 9,350′ Rating: Moderate The Blue Lakes Trail between Ridgway and Telluride is perhaps my all time favorite hike or at least in the top 3. The color of the lakes brings to mind some of the glacial lakes around Lake Louise near Banff. [...]