Mark tried to convince us to join them on their hike up to Twin Peaks on Sunday but they were starting at 7:30, and the thought of a steep climb so early in the morning just didn’t sound appealing. So a couple hours later Jim, Kim and I decided to take a little drive 5 miles west of Ridgway, CO, then 9 miles south on County Road 7, a fair dirt road with wonderful views, to the Blue Lakes trailhead. This is a very popular trail with options to hike to Blaine Basin, all three Blue Lakes, Blue Lakes Pass, and Mt. Sneffels.
We had decided to just hike the 3.3 miles to Lower Blue Lake, a moderate climb of 1,700’ compared to some others around here, but most of the climbing seems to come in the first half of the trail, with some impressively steep switchbacks.
The beginning of the trail parallels the East Branch of Dallas Creek with stream crossings, where Kim tried to keep her feet dry.
We hiked in and out of the forest with incredible mountain views and wildflowers galore.
When the falls come into view it’s about a third of a mile to the lake, one last steep climb up.
Approaching Lower Blue Lake.
What a sight to behold.There were flowers everywhere and the water changed color as the sun went in and out of the clouds.
We ate our lunch by the water, Kim worked on her finicky hiking pole, and Jim played with all of his electronic devices.
The high-tech hiker.
This was another great hike on a perfect day. I would really have a hard time picking a favorite from those we’ve done in the Ouray area. And we’re not quite done yet…
WOW! Stunning photos of those flowers. Waterfalls and lakes and wildflowers and beautiful mountains and conifers and skies. Boy you had a perfect day. I really like my UPS first.
ReplyDeleteLove the reflections! Thanks for the driving directions; I've marked my map.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are excellent, but I love the fifth one. It looks like a painting. I think this hike is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful views. The lake shots with the dark blue flowers are stunning. If the ups aren't first for me I can't make it.... To many resting times needed. Looks like a perfect hike!
ReplyDeleteWOW! There were not that many flowers when we hiked there, absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteIs one of those tech items a Personal Locator Beacon?
Yes, another perfect day:) Each photo is so beautiful. I love the beautiful reflection photos. Sigh!! Thanks for dragging me along again:) We officially began our trek west yesterday...wahoo!
ReplyDeleteThe abundance and variety of wildflowers is amazing! Add a small glacier lake and the blue sky and that is a most beautiful hike. Glad to see you're taking the locators with you, and that you haven't needed them of course :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how you would ever choose a favorite hike in Ouray. I want to do them all!
ReplyDeleteLove that last shot!
ReplyDeleteJust incredible! Do you know the name of those blue flowers?
ReplyDeleteThe flowers in the very last photo are lupine. The darker colored ones are delphinium.
DeleteThese CO hikes are all so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWorking on catching up.