RMNP - Bluebird Lake

Let’s go to RMNP and do a beautiful hike past Ouzel Falls with Bluebird Lake as our destination. I’ve hiked as far as Ouzel Lake a few times, but never continued on the trail to Bluebird Lake.

RMNP FEE: Note that for this trailhead, timed entry passes are only required if you enter after 9 am. So we are good! However there is still the National Parks fee of $30 per vehicle. If anybody would like to carpool and save on the fee, please put a comment in the event indicating where you want to carpool from so that anybody interested can reply. This is a busy trailhead, so carpooling is encouraged.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

DIFFICULTY: about 13 miles with 2,700-2,800 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 11,000 feet. This hike is consudered HARD in alltrails.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Bluebird Lake sits as a sparkling jewel amongst craggy cliffs with Ouzel Peak dominating the skyline. On the way to Bluebird Lake, we will pass Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls (a 40 foot waterfall) where we will take the short side trail up to the best view of the falls. On the way to Bluebird Lake, we will also catch sporadic views of the surrounding mountains, including Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker. We will do the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bluebird-lake-trail

DOGS: 🚫 not allowed in RMNP.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Wild Basin Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. If you use Apple Maps or Google maps, you can type in “Wild Basin Trailhead” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.61748352598664&lat=40.20142747356297#.Y_v0Cy9lBvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.