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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Rocky Mountain National Park

    Bluebird Lake

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6-8.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    19.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    987 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    Panorama of Bluebird Lake hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

    The Bluebird Lake hike is in the lesser known Wild Basin area of RMNP. Bluebird Lake offers amazing panoramic views of RMNP and Longs Peak. Be sure to tack on some extra time not only for the views at the top, but the whole route is scenic and breathtaking!

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    Route Description for Bluebird Lake

    Rocky Mountain National Parks Bluebird Lake hike is a wonderful hike, with great views. We like it because it is in Wild Basin, a lesser known, southern section of RMNP that borders Indian Peaks Wilderness off of the Peak to Peak Hwy.

    To hike to Bluebird Lake, from the Wild Basin Trailhead, follow the Wild Basin Trail towards Ouzel Lake. The Bluebird Lake hike starts out in a dense pine forest along the North Saint Vrain Creek and Copeland Falls.

    Slowly gaining elevation, the trail will arrive at a bridge and trail junction at Calypso Falls. Continue on the trail to Ouzel Falls, an amazing waterfall! From Ouzel Falls, the trail will quickly gain elevation, gaining an alpine ridge line.

    Along the ridge, the panoramic views of RMNP and the Wild Basin are incredible. Notable peaks straight ahead of you are Copeland Mountain (4,016 m), Isolation Peak (3,998 m) Mt. Alice (4,057 m) and Ouzel Peak (3,876 m), and to the north Longs Peak (4,346 m) and Mount Meeker (4,240 m). Ouzel Lake lies at the end of the ridge line.
    Continue past Ouzel Lake along the trail as it climbs up the narrowing valley to the base of Bluebird Lake. Soon you reach Bluebird Lake, where it’s a great time to take a break and enjoy this beautiful place.

    To get back to the Wild Basin trailhead, return the way you came by retracing your steps.

    Want to find more amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out Chasm Lake hike, Lake Haiyaha hike or the Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike.

    Insider Hints for Bluebird Lake

    Getting to the Bluebird Lake Trailhead

    From Estes Park, take Highway 7 south for 40.2 km and turn right on to County Rd 84. From Lyons, turn left (south) onto 5th Ave., which turns into Highway 7. Follow it for about 32.2 km where you’ll turn left (west) on County Rd 84 following the signs for the Wild Basin Area. On County Rd 84, the road will split. Stay right and follow signs for Rocky Mountain National Parking (County Road 115). You’ll pass the Fee Station, which isn’t always manned, but you still need to pay the park fees. From here, the road becomes a narrow, windy, rough dirt road for about 8.0 km to the end the Wild Basin Trailhead.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      April to November

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Camping is allowed in the backcountry, permits are required and can be obtained at the NP Visitors Center

    • Toilets

      Yes, primitive pit toilet

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Bluebird Lake Elevation Graph

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