One of Colorado’s most scenic trail areas will shut down on June 2 as part of a multi-step plan to improve visitor experiences and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Blue Lakes trailhead, located off of County Road 7, about 12 miles southwest of Ridgway, will remain closed at least through August, or whenever “it is safe to access the area,” according to a Thursday statement from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests.
The work includes the reconstruction of the trailhead parking area, the addition of two new vault restrooms, and the installation of kiosks and interpretive panels and signs. The United States Forest Service will also build temporary fences to “preserve restored areas” and develop “a monitoring plan for improved visitor use metrics,” the statement said.
Portions of the Dallas and Wilson Creek trails, adjacent to the trailhead, will also be closed in order to “ensure the safety of visitors and workers,” the forest service said.
Last year, the agency decided to implement a new permitting system for hiking and camping as a way to limit overuse of the picturesque wilderness area, which is known for its three stunning turquoise-colored lakes, set against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
Dana Gardunio, district ranger for the Ouray District, told The Denver Post then that the permit system would likely reduce the number of visitors by 40%, from 13,000 to 7,808 people. Permitting will likely take effect in 2026.
“While we understand, having a temporary closure is an inconvenience, the outcome will vastly improve the parking and public health and safety issues in the area,” Gardunio said Thursday in a statement.
The forest service will also use the time to designate specific camping areas and to close “social trails” that cause damage to the environment in advance of next year’s permitting system. Funding for the projects comes from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
For information on the Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan, go to fs.usda.gov/project/gmug/?project=61979.
