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.

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.

Dates of Access: Roughly June-October
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service/Private
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Please respect private property

Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Breckenridge

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car

Elevation: 10850

Latitude: 39.382883
Longitude: -106.064906