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

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.

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 Junction 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 (10,600 ft.) (5.8 miles, +2,314 ft.)

Route Day 1

Day 2: Starting at the Upper Ouzel Creek Campsite (10,600 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. (2.2 miles, +-809 ft.)

Route Day 2

Day 3: Starting at the Upper Ouzel Creek Campsite (10,600 ft.) return following the route described for day 1 with a side trip to Ouzel Lake (10,030 ft., 1 mile, +-100 ft.). (6.75 miles, +331 / -2,414 ft.)

Route Day 3

Overall Route: 14.8 miles, +-3,508 ft.

NOTES:

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. Please view this document with everything you need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park.
  3. Backpacking in RMNP requires backcountry permits. Find more info and book campsites for Wild Basin area here. 
  4. This area has great potential for Fall colors or wildflowers depending on season. A detailed description may be found here.
  5. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Wild Basin TH.
  • 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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