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Blue Lakes Trailhead

Tenmile Range

Photo
Road Difficulty2 2  2WD, rough dirt, good clearance 
Location11,700 feet
39.38695, -106.09995
Driving Directions
From Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on Colorado 9. On a sharp corner of Colorado 9, turn west onto the 850 road (Blue Lakes road). Continue on Blue Lakes road as it climbs west. Near 1.4 miles, if the gate is closed, you'll have to park in this area because Colorado Springs Utilities has closed the remaining road to the dam. Follow the road another 3/4 mile to reach the dam.
 Notes
Rough 2WD dirt but sometimes it gets ruts on the road and can be more difficult.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 7/19/2026:

TH not in 2wd condition anymore. Approx. 0.5mi below the gate one of the hills has become very rutted. We failed to get there in an AWD Toyota Corolla Cross (8.1"clearance) with highway tires after trying and stalling out 2 times. Something with a more robust AWD system or better tires has a shot. According to summit county, parking is not allowed on the sides of Blue Lakes Road. https://www....

Winter Access

Approximately 0.3 miles up the 850 road from the standard Quandary trailhead, you'll find parking for 8-10 vehicles at the winter closure.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: About 20 cars can park at the gate near the lower lake. 12-15 cars can park at the dam, if the road is open that far.
Camping: No good camping spots in the area.
Restrooms: No
Fees: No
Trailhead added by BillMiddlebrook