Trail Run Project Logo

A must-do trail leading to a must-see alpine lake.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.2

KM

81%

Runnable

10,966' 3,343 m

High

9,449' 2,880 m

Low

1,522' 464 m

Up

5' 1 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Gain access to this trail from the Wild Basin Trailhead via the Thunder Lake Trail.

Start running up the initial steep pitch up toward the ridge. The lack of large trees here is due to an intense forest fire that burned the area in the late 1970s. Enjoy the views of surrounding mountains and valleys as you crest the ridge and join Ouzel Creek. From here, the grade lessens and running becomes much more easy going.

If you're looking for an extra mile of trail and views of another beautiful lake, consider the Ouzel Lake Trail which will branch off to the left (south) at the 1.5 mile mark. Continuing just past the two mile mark, the grade begins steepening significantly. The trail climbs almost 11,000 feet over the next mile and a half to Bluebird Lake, so get your legs ready.

Expect much trickier navigation on this portion of trail - both in terms of technical difficulty and ease of wayfinding. Work your way up and over large rocky obstacles and keep in mind that the trail generally heads toward the west-southwest here. Eventually, you'll pop out at Bluebird Lake. Staggering views of the surrounding peaks abound.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 15 votes

#4

in Wild Basin

#896

Overall
  4.4 from 15 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Wild Basin

#147

in Colorado

#896

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,909 Since Jan 14, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
29%
7%
64%
0%

Photos

Blue Bird Lake
Jan 14, 2015 near Grand Lake, CO
Great views on the way in.
Apr 28, 2018 near Grand Lake, CO
An old burn zone along Bluebird Lake Trail. with permission from dreamer 200
Jan 14, 2015 near Grand Lake, CO
On the way up to the lake.
Jul 3, 2016 near Grand Lake, CO
Fantastic wildflowers near the lake!
Aug 15, 2017 near Grand Lake, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.