Rocky Mountains · Roaring Fork Trail

Blue Lake (El Jebel)

This residential subdivision has a small recreational spring-fed pond of about one acre that remains open almost all winter. In addition to making this a magnet for waterfowl when all the other ponds and lakes in the area have frozen, it also makes it one of the best places in the state to find Barrow’s Goldeneye all winter long.

Restrictions: Respect private property

County: Pitkin

Directions: From Aspen, proceed west on Hwy 82 past El Jebel for about 2 miles. The residential development is on the right side of the road and has a large stone entrance and the lake is right off Hwy 82. The best parking is at the community center just up the road and on the left. Please park there and walk back to the pond.

Alternate Directions: From Aspen, head west on CO 82 for 24 miles to the residential development on the right. The best parking is at the Community Center just up the road on the left. Park there and walk back to the pond, on the left.

Habitat: Foothill Shrub, Lowland Riparian, Spruce-Fir Forest, Aspen Grove

Dates of Access: Open all year, daylight hours
Hours: Daylight Hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Parking at the community center

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited car birding

Delorme: 46 C3-E3

ROC: 85 D2-D3

Latitude: 39.39962457
Longitude: -107.1081161