Blue Lake

Managing agency

Forest Service

Blue Lake is a 5.2-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near Colorado, managed by the White River National Forest's Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. The trail provides access to Blue Lake and is suitable for hikers seeking a moderate day hike in the White River NF area. The out-and-back format makes this trail straightforward to navigate, with a clear turnaround point at the lake. This route is popular with visitors to the Aspen-Sopris region looking for alpine scenery and forest hiking. The trail's 5.2-mile round-trip distance makes it manageable for most fitness levels while still offering a meaningful outdoor experience. The White River National Forest encompasses over 800,000 acres and contains numerous hiking opportunities across varying terrain and elevations. The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District manages recreational use in this portion of the forest, including trail maintenance and access. Hikers should check current conditions with the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District before visiting, as trail conditions can vary seasonally. The area can experience snow at higher elevations, particularly from fall through spring months.