Trip
Hiking – RMNP - Wild Basin TH - Blue Bird Lake
Bluebird Lake RMNP - Wild Basin
Contacts
- Fri, Jul 17, 2026
- Northern Colorado
- Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 12.6 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,478 ft
- High Point Elevation: 10,778 ft
- Pace: 1.8-2.0
- FULL (9 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
From the Wild Basin TH we will follow the Thunder Lake trail for 3.4 miles to the Bluebird trail. On our ascent we will stop at Ouzel Falls for a snack and a view of the falls. We will then turn Southwest and follow the Bluebird trail to the junction with the Ouzel Lake Tail. From here it is 1.75 miles and an almost a 1,000' vertical gain.
The wildflowers on this part of the trail are beautiful in Mid-July. The path winds among the steep, rocky topography eventually climbing a series of switchbacks, that rise through a narrow canyon to reach the lake. We plan on having lunch at the lake. Please bring at least 2 liters of water, snacks, and lunch. We can filter water at a few steams a long the way.
If you have a medical condition I should know about please email me at: amysuperbkr56@yahoo.com or text me at (734) 678-2170 or any questions pertaining to the trip you have.
Fort Collins participants will meet at 5:40 AM at JJ's at the Northwest corner of Harmony and Taft Hill Rd. We will meet the rest of the group at the Wild Basin TH at 7:00 AM. The Wild Basin TH is 2 miles off of Highway 7 down a gravel road from the pay station. You only need a permit from 9:00AM - 2 PM. There may be a ranger at the pay station before 7 am so make sure you have a national park pass. Parking is at a premium, even at 7:00 so please try and carpool. We plan on starting the hike by 7:20.
Required Equipment
Trekking Poles are recommended, but not required.
A buff that you can wet on the descent. It can be very hot in mid-July and this can lower your core temperature when worn around your neck.