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3-Day: Bluebird Lake from Wild Basin TH

Challenging backpack in Rocky Mountain NP starting from Wild Basin and passing three waterfalls (Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls) en route to a spectacular campsite at Upper Ouzel Creek (5.7 mi., 2,100 ft. gain). Dayhike to Bluebird Lake and a short scramble beyond to Pipit Lake (2.2 miles RT, 800 ft. gain/loss). Return via the same route, visiting Ouzel Lake (1 mile RT, 100 ft. gain/loss) on the way down (5.7 mi., 2,100 ft. loss). Great potential for Fall colors or wildflowers depending on season.

Backpacking in RMNP requires backcountry permits. Find more info and book campsites for Wild Basin area here. 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: Starting at Wild Basin TH (8,500 ft.) hike the Wild Basin-Lion Lake trail 3 miles to its junction with the Bluebird Lake trail (9,400 ft.), passing by Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls en route. Take the Bluebird Lake Trail 2.7 miles to the Upper Ouzel Creek Campsite (10,700 ft.).

Route Day 1

Day 2. Starting at the Upper Ouzel Creek campsite (10,700 ft.) take the Bluebird Lake Trail (0.4 miles) to Bluebird Lake (10,960 ft.) and continue (off trail 0.7 miles) to Pipit Lake (11,430 ft.). Return similarly.

Route Day 2

Day 3. Starting at the Upper Ouzel Creek campsite (10,700 ft.) return following the route described for day 1 with a side trip to Ouzel Lake (10,030 ft., 1 mile RT, 100 ft. gain/loss).

Route Day 3

Overall Route

This area has great potential for Fall colors or wildflowers depending on season.

A detailed description may be found at:

http://www.utahtrails.com/Colorado%20pages/BluebirdLake.html

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Length: 14.6 None
  • Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
  • 11,500 ft
Map
  • National Geographic 301
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