Crested ButteHiking

TR: Blue Lake Hike (Aug 2012)

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Blue Lake had been on my list all summer. On a late August day, I met Brooke who handed her dog Koa off to me for the day, and Koa and I headed out for our Blue Lake adventure.

I began at the Oh-Be-Joyful campground. My car would have made it further up the road. But, I figured it was nearly as fast just to walk. So, we walked.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

The Oh-Be-Joyful creek and falls were visible along the way.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

The falls lie a little past where the road becomes trail.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

The sign states it’s 3 miles to the Daisy Pass Trail, but it felt a little longer to me.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

The Oh-Be-Joyful Valley is always amazing.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte


Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

The trail passed through both fields and forest.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Looking back down valley.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

As the valley turned, Purple Peak, Afley and Oh-Be-Joyful Peak popped into view. Blue Lake sits in the basin below Purple and Afley.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

A close up of Purple (left) and Afley (right).
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

As the trail began to climb out of the valley floor, it passed through a dense forest and by this old well.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Just before the left turn to Blue Lake Trail, the trail emerged out of the forest to this leprechaun green ground cover.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Heading up toward the bench where Blue Lake lies.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

After 6 miles and two and a half hours, Koa and I arrived at Blue Lake.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Looking up toward Purple.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Mountain goats hovered on the cliffs above.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

After enjoying the lake for quite some time, Koa and I turned to follow our tracks back to the trailhead. Looking down the Oh-Be-Joyful valley from near Blue Lake.
Hike to Blue Lake near Crested Butte

Another day of beautiful hiking and exploring…. and the journeys continue!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Summary
Blue Lake Hike
Article Name
Blue Lake Hike
Description
Sitting beneath Purple Peak and Avery in the Ruby Range, you will find the beautiful Blue Lake, a jem that is worth the long hike!
Author

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

One thought on “TR: Blue Lake Hike (Aug 2012)

  • Muy Bonita. ¿Pero, dónde ésta la nieve y los turnos?

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