6 miles
Distance
1,100 ft
Elevation Gain
out and-back
Route Type
moderate
Crowd Level
Difficulty Rating
ModerateBest for hikers with some experience. Expect notable elevation gain and longer distances.
Is Blue Lake Trail right for you?
Blue Lake Trail is a good fit for hikers who are reasonably fit and comfortable on uneven terrain. You'll gain 1,100 ft over 6 miles — challenging enough to feel like an achievement, but accessible to most adults with some trail experience. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
About Blue Lake Trail — Colorado Hiking Trail Guide
Blue Lake is one of those places that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Nested at the base of Mount Toll at over 11,300 feet, the lake's impossible turquoise color — fed by glacial meltwater — gives it a distinctly otherworldly quality. The trail to Blue Lake starts at the Long Lake trailhead near Brainard Lake Recreation Area and follows a gorgeous ridge-top path through subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in July.
The hike passes Long Lake before ascending through boulder-strewn terrain to reach Blue Lake. Indian Peaks Wilderness has strict regulations to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem — no dogs, no camping without a permit within the wilderness boundary, and Leave No Trace practices are expected. These rules help preserve the pristine quality of the area, and it shows.
For photographers, the morning light hitting the Brainard Lake basin is extraordinary. Moose sightings near Long Lake are not uncommon, especially at dawn and dusk. The entire Brainard Lake area is a Colorado gem, and Blue Lake is the crown of it.
Best Seasons to Hike
What to Bring
- Layers and windproof jacket
- Sunscreen
- 2 liters of water
- Snacks
- Camera
Blue Lake Trail Trail Tips & Insider Advice
Brainard Lake Recreation Area charges a vehicle fee ($12 as of 2025). Arrive early — the upper parking lots fill by 8am on summer weekends. The Indian Peaks Wilderness requires free wilderness permits for overnight stays.
