Blue Lakes Road
Just off of Highway 9 on the way up Hoosier Pass from Breckenridge is this little gravel side road which quickly leads to some of the most spectacular scenery in Summit County. In less than two miles from the highway, the forest shrinks from tall spruce-fir to stunted treeline krummholz, and near the end the road breaks treeline altogether. The small rodent-like animals called pikas, which are related to rabbits, are easy to see in boulder fields near the end of the road. White-crowned Sparrows breed abundantly here, and many other birds such as Wilson’s Warblers and American Pipits may be seen. History buffs will enjoy the views of several abandoned mines.
Restrictions: Please respect private property
County: Summit
Directions: From Breckenridge, drive south 7.5 miles on CO 9 toward Hoosier Pass. Turn right onto Blue Lakes road (FR 850), keeping straight at the fork. Parts of the road can be somewhat rough, but passenger cars should be able to drive it with care.
Alternate Directions: From Breckenridge, go south 7.5 miles on CO 9. Turn right on Blue Lakes Road (FR 850), keeping straight at the fork. Road can be rough; drive with care.
Dates of Access: Open June-October, closed in the winter
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: US Forest Service/Private
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Breckenridge
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Latitude: 39.382883
Longitude: -106.064906