Blaine Basin #203
The Blaine Basin Trail #203 begins at an intersection with the Dallas Trail #200 and ends in Blaine Basin near the Blaine Basin Mine. Travel through a gate at the northern end of the Blue Lakes Northern Trailhead and continue for approximately 0.14 miles to the “Y” in the trail, stay to the left on the Dallas Trail to reach the Blaine Basin Trail. The trail at this juncture is an old logging road which crosses the East Fork Dallas Creek and climbs at a moderate grade though a spruce/fir forest. After Approximately 0.5 a mile, the trail travels through aspen groves and into a meadow where it crosses Wilson Creek. In approximately 1.7 miles, the trail intersects the Blaine Basin Trail and cuts to the southeast. It ascends at a moderately steep grade up a rocky slope though the forest until in enters a meadow in Blaine Basin. The basin is filled with wildflowers in the summer and features panoramic views of the Sneffels Range.
At a Glance
Open Season: | June |
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Usage: | Light |
Best Season: | Summer |
Busiest Season: | Summer |
Restrictions: | Open to Hiking and Horseback its entire length. The upper section is open to OHV 50 inches or less in width. |
Closest Towns: | Ridgeway, CO |
General Information
Directions:Northern Blue Lakes Trailhead:
From the center of Ouray, travel north on Hwy 550 for approximately 10 miles to the intersection with Hwy 62 in Ridgway. Turn left (west) on Highway 62 and continue for approximately 4.8 miles to the intersection with County Road 7, East Dallas Creek. Follow CR 7 for approximately 2 miles to the intersection with CR-7A, stay to the right. Continue on CR 7 for approximately a total of 9 miles to the parking area at the trailhead. CR 7 turns into Forest Service Road 851.1 at the forest boundary. Follow the Dallas Trail #200 for approximately 2.2 miles to the intersection with the Blaine Basin Trail.
Parking:
Northern Blue Lakes Trailhead:
T. 44 N.; R. 9 W.; Section 25. U.S.G.S. Map: Mt. Sneffels. Elevation 12,440 feet. Latitude: N38.995, Longitude: W-107.785.
Activities
Day Hiking
OHV Trail Riding
This is not a loop trail.