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Trip

BPX Trip – BPX 3-Day: Bluebird Lake from Wild Basin TH (RMNP)

This trip is for BPX members only. We'll camp 2 nights at spectacular Upper Ouzel Creek campsite, spend the second day hiking to Bluebird and Pipit Lakes and, conditions permitting, ascending 13,000+ Isolation Peak. Upper Ouzel Creek is a remote, highly sought-after campsite with great cross-valley views.

Contacts

Richard Schiebel
Richard Schiebel
Primary Leader
  • Tue, Jul 22, 2025 — Thu, Jul 24, 2025
  • Backpacking Section
  • Backpacking
  • Adults
  • Challenging
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 14.6
  • Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph (backpacking), 2.0+ (dayhiking)

Meeting place and carpooling to be determined. Expect an early start the first day since parking near the Wild Basin TH is limited. 

Carpooling is encouraged.  Passengers will reimburse drivers at a rate consistent with CMC Denver Group guidelines:

Mileage reimbursement

In addition, reservation and use fees totaling $36 will be evenly divided among the participants.

This trip is for BPX members only. Learn about the CMC's Backpacking Section (BPX) and become a member here. 

While the leader has ~40 years of backpack leadership experience he has not done this specific trail, so this trip may have some exploratory aspects to it. 

Permission: The leader's permission is required before signing up for this trip. Please email schiebel@sbcglobal.net to get that permission. You must have recent experience doing 3-4 day backpacking trips. 

Bearbagging: RMNP requires a hard-sided bear canister, but will also accept an Ursack with a metal insert. You must know how to use your bear canister or Ursack correctly. We will not be doing a traditional bear hang.

Dayhike to Isolation: The one-way distance from the Upper Ouzel Campsite to Isolation Peak is just over 2 miles with about 2600 ft. elevation gain. (The Route / Place only describes the mileage to Pipit Lake.)

Route/Place

BPX 3-Day: Bluebird Lake from Wild Basin TH (RMNP)

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

As always, the 10 essentials, plus a bear canister or Ursack with metal insert (see Leader's Notes).

Above all, please bring a positive attitude, a sense of humor and a desire to have a great time hiking with like-minded companions!

Trip Reports