Rocky Mountain National Park's Bluebird Lake Trail

Bluebird Lake Trail

Description:
The Bluebird Lake Trail begins from the Thunder Lake Trail at an elevation of 9,446 feet and climbs to Bluebird Lake at 10,975 feet in 3.2 miles. Although 60% of the trail is rated easy, its overall rating is moderate.

The trail leaves the Thunder Lake Trail and begins a moderate climb through the burn area of 1978. It levels off along a ridge in the burn area. You get great views of several peaks from here including: Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, Tanima Peak, Mahana Peak, The Cleaver, Pilot Mountain, Copeland Mountain, and Ouzel Peak. Watch for elk in this area. The trail descends a little as it approaches the Ouzel Lake Trail.

Past the trail intersection, it continues to climb through the burn area past a small pond (Chickadee) on the left. You get a good view of Ouzel Lake from the trail. The trail travels through a very rocky area for a short distance and then makes a moderate climb into a dense spruce forest. Often there are deep snow drifts across the trail in June. Horsemen would be advised to leave this trail until July if they want to go to Bluebird Lake. Horses are not permitted beyond a hitch rack located about a quarter-mile below the lake. From there it is a strenuous climb to the lake.

Features:

Length:	3.22 miles (5.19 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,446' - 10,975'
Elevation change:	1,607 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Allenspark, Isolation Peak
Trailheads:	Wild Basin
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Bluebird Lake Trail begins from the Thunder Lake Trail. The nearest access to this trail is via the Wild Basin Trailhead. Take Highway 7 south from Estes Park for about 10.8 miles to the Wild Basin Area turnoff (about 3.8 miles south of the Longs Peak access road). Turn right and follow the road for about .4 miles to the Wild Basin Entrance (just past the Wild Basin Lodge). Follow the narrow dirt road for about 2 miles to the Wild Basin Ranger Station and the trailhead. Take the Thunder Lake Trail for about 3.2 miles to the Bluebird Lake Trail intersection.

There is room for 50 to 60 vehicles at the trailhead and 30 to 40 more at various spots along the road to the trailhead. The road is narrow and not recommended for Rvs. This a popular area and often fills up by mid morning.

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