Blue River Trail

The Blue River Trail is an easy, out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Dillon Ranger District. The route is about 6.2 miles long, with a low point of 9,842 feet and a high of 10,209 feet. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and is open year-round, with parking at the Boreas Pass Trailhead. The trail is a natural-surface route that allows both horses and bikes, so it works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. The climb is gentle, with an elevation gain of about 130 feet one way. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Fairplay run to highs around 71°F in July and 68°F in August, with lows in the low 40s. Winters are cold, with highs near 31°F and lows around 10°F from December through February. Several other outings sit close by. The Fredonia to Pennsylvania hike is about half a mile away, and the Blue River (South) mountain biking area and the Spruce Creek (Mohawk Lakes) #58 lake fishing spot are each under a mile off. For an overnight stay, Selkirk Campground is about 6 miles away.