Bluebird Lake

Bluebird Lake – 12.8mi / 20.5km

Bluebird Lake sits as a sparkling jewel amongst craggy cliffs with Ouzel Peak dominating the skyline.

The trail begins in the valley bottom of Wild Basin and works its way up, passing three named waterfalls (see Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls for descriptions). Follow the signs towards Bluebird Lake as you climb out of the denser forest into a younger forest.

Views expand all around as you rejoin the creek and follow it up the basin towards the pyramid-shaped Ouzel Peak in the distance. Just past the junction with the Ouzel Lake Trail, you’ll pass the lily pad covered Chickadee Pond.

As the trail continues up the valley, you’ll gradually trade the forest for the alpine as trees gradually disappear. Water cascades over the granite as you enter into a landscape of rock and low growing shrubs. Eventually, the lake comes into view with numerous places to sit and enjoy the jagged, towering mountains surrounding this breathtaking alpine lake.

Trailhead: From Colorado Hwy 7, just north of Allenspark, turn onto Wild Basin Road. The Wild Basin Ranger Station and trailhead is 2.2mi/3.5km past the entrance station.

Elevation Gain: 2,800ft / 840m – Elevation Loss: 2,800ft / 840m

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