The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will continue Blue Lakes area restoration efforts and site improvements into the month of August and beyond. The closure order will remain in effect until all 2025 project work is successfully completed for the Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan.
The work includes reconstruction of the trailhead parking area and the installation of a new two vault restroom. The Forest Service is also focused on establishing designated campsites, mitigating hazard trees, improving stream crossings, and restoring webs of social trails and over 200 impacted sites near the lakes. Current projects are possible through partnerships and funding from the Great American Outdoors Act, San Juan Mountain Association, the National Forest Foundation and Southwest Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy.
These efforts are part of the first phase of implementing the Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan, aimed at improving visitor experience and ensuring long-term sustainability of the site’s natural resources.
The Blue Lakes Trailhead is accessed from County Road 7, approximately 12 miles southwest of Ridgway. The closure area includes the road starting at the Forest Service boundary at the end of County Road 7 and extends to the Mount Sneffels Wilderness boundary on the Blue Lakes Trail. Portions of the Dallas and Wilson Creek trails, adjacent to the trailhead, remain closed. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and workers during the closure period.
For more information on the Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan, visit the project webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/projects/61979
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