Friends of Blue Sky Canyon is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of … Trail can become unclear in rocky areas so be observant of cairns or other signs indicating the route. Gorgeous hike, and always a favorite. Nice trail for lake access. The trail continuously climbs 1000 ft (305 m) to reach the lake. There are some tricky spots on the trail—loose rock and steep areas. I did this hike by myself and even with a SPOT I was worried I might injure myself or get heat exhaustion and need help. The popular trailhead sits at 9,495 feet, just past Chambers Lake at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon. To reiterate what others have said, it is a bit further than shown here. Located on the Hopi Reservation about 27 miles east of Tuba City, Blue Canyon is part of Moenkopi Wash, which is also home to Coal Mine Canyon and a few other little-known canyons. I was on 500 last weekend and ended up on a narrow road with big holes, rocks, and tree branches sticking out...had to back out and ended up with a flat tire. You can even walk down the hill on a trail and access the lake. 3.1 miles round trip – 1100 feet elevation climb. Use facilities at the trailhead before hiking. There is a large tree down covered in snow on 3770 about 2.5 miles in. Head south on road #3770 for approximately 5 miles until you reach the trailhead. To begin your hike, go through the gate at SARA Park (Special Activities Recreation Area) and follow either trail (yellow or red) down to the canyon, which eventually narrows to an arms width, tumbling down a series of dry falls through the crack. It is West of the PCT trailhead at Sonora Pass and it is not marked. I used the downloaded AllTrails map to navigate. Still spectacular wildflowers as of Aug. 7. Blue Lake, which is five miles from the trailhead, is a very popular destination or turn-around point. The road to the Sheep Canyon trailhead has washed out and the trailhead is closed. Parking is west of the 9000 ft. Elevation sign on eastbound 108. The canyon parallels the highway and you emerge at mile marker 54.7. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is a 1,210-mile (1,950 km) National Park Service unit in the United States National Historic Trail and National Millennium Trail programs. The Lakes Trail is between 12-14 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain (depending on if you take the side trails to the lake, and whether you do the Watchtower or Hump Trail). It was super adventurous and more like a low-key rock climb for me too . Was told the lake was "fished out". Definitely go the extra 15 minutes. It is easily accessed from the main part of Sequoia from the Wolverton Trailhead. Just slow down and enjoy the view. The Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Boulder City is a known green oasis in the desert. If you want more solitude go the extra 15-20 mins to horseshoe... beautiful n worth the extra effort! Starts at 9000ft and climbs to over 10000ft. Bring a pole if you fish. Hiking poles were a must for the vertically challenged like myself, especially for the areas with a lot of scrum. Trail to Horseshoe Lake is not marked. I recorded over 5 miles so not sure what's the discrepancy. We went to investigate for ourselves; we found way too much fishing pressure for such a small lake. The hike is 5 miles round trip. The time is here! Always wear sturdy footwear, not flip flops. Walking off the trail and short cutting switchbacks is not permitted. it was really beautiful trail, be prepared for some slippery rocks on the road, aside from that the mini waterfalls as you go up are something else , it can be difficult breathing as you go up, the ending is so worth it! Drive north on road #37 for 8.5 miles until you reach road #3770. Hike up the trail that parallels the washed out FR 8123. Our total hike was our longest, 8 miles out and back. First or second week of August should see quite a bit more blooming. The first incline is really muddy from snow melt. enjoy! I tried to get to this trail last weekend and couldn’t find the trailhead. Today hikers who trek 5.5 miles along the Blue Canyon Trail can still read the inscription. I made it to a few cool places, one of those being the Crazy Mountains near Big Timber. The little jetty is a great place to camp. The advantage to hiking to Sheep Canyon from this location is you get to enjoy Blue Lake along the way. Huckleberries and blueberries line the path you hike, which is a gradual incline to 4000 feet, where you find a junction with the Blue Horse Trail off to your right. spectacular scenery, wildflowers peaking, beautiful lake. Call us at (330) 486-2583. Lodgepole pines dominate this debris slide area. Long drive on forest service roads. As you approach Blue Lake from a distance, it really looks blue. Blue lake is really pretty but the 15 extra minutes of hiking takes you to horseshoe lake. And some feedback for those in hopes to fish Blue Canyon Lake, the locals did advise that it's fished out. The crown jewel is Blue Lake, which is surrounded by meadows and backed by the large cliff. Brilliant colors of wild flowers on the hillsides in spring, the songs of birds, and the tree-lined creek provide an inviting escape for a nature walk. Awesome hike. The area’s popularity has brought a few rules. Blue Lake in the heart of … While camped at Island Lake, Waldo’s group carved their names in a large Shasta red fir. People need to give these lakes a break from fishing. Really nice, not too hot or too cold. It is easily accessed from the main part of Sequoia from the Wolverton Trailhead. Easy well maintained trail to the lakes. This is a favorite trail and a hidden gem. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The hike to the Sheep Canyon viewpoints now requires an extra 2.4 miles, and begins at the Blue Lake trailhead, found at the end of the drivable portion of Forest Road 8123. had to backtrack. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Resting on Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Island with that view is the best reward. For those of u waiting for the mosquitoes to be gone! Trailhead Coordinates: 38º 19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8897ft. Bugs were not a problem until the lake so bug spray might help. Scatterings of little wildflowers, the stream is lovely. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from July until October. My boyfriend and I hiked this trail together, I'm 55 yrs old, somewhat athletic. I even went with a group where they took 2 babies and a 2 and 3 year old! People who had hiked to Deadmans Lake experienced no fish as well. CAMPING: One possible camping location is in the may want to try this again in the fall. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. We faced no snow or runoff, lots of scree, weather was in the upper 70's. Located approximately 20 miles from Las Vegas and just a few miles from the Hoover Dam, Boulder City residents enjoy a quaint, small town atmosphere, historic charm and an excellent quality of life with a low crime … Blue lake was crowded with families. All the lakes along this trail r beautiful. with the West Branch Trail, and West Branch itself. After Blue Lake the trail swings right, and stops at two more lakes -- Horseshoe and Pear Lakes, both of … The trail is kind of tricky to find. even with bug spray they were really thick especially at the trail head. A steep trail limits access to the hardy, just right for keeping the crowds down. huckleberries galore-great for overnight camping! There is no restroom at the lake. Blue Canyon Trail to the South Blue Lake Group is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Butte Falls, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as moderate. I will definitely go back with my kids and camp by one of the lakes. the inlet of Blue Lake at 5.2 miles; two crossings of an unnamed tributary to the West Branch within 0.5 miles of the trail jct. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. To get into the canyon from the trailhead, follow the well-defined trail north for a short distance to where it drops into a side canyon. Google Maps This would be a great spot to enjoy a spring hike as the temperatures are still cool and the sun's rays aren't terribly intense. I seemed to have trouble with the altitude this time so I took a lot of breaks (10,000 feet). Overall a good hike. I do not recommend going alone. In the photo below, you can see Blue Lake below some big puffy clouds and Big Timber and Crazy peaks lit up by the late afternoon sun. This is a short distance but a slow, uphill hike at a very high elevation and some scree to walk over. There’s no way I could have done this hike without poles. No snow on the trail, and no icebergs in the lake. We did not have climbing poles and slipped (&fell :0) once on the way out on a steep downhill, lots of laughs but no injuries thankfully. Stay on NF 37 until you turn right on NF 3770! This is my second time here. After your visit to this small lake, keep on Trail #238 and continue on to Sheep Canyon. Download the free Cisco Grove topo map. Blue Canyon trail takes hikers through a collection of scenic lakes trees and ferns at Lake... Entire climb West Branch itself not too hot or too cold babies a... With kids is an overlook offering a small peek at Blue Lake a! Pro version of AllTrails and download the Map to keep you on course well-maintained accessing... Somewhat athletic a ¼-mile camping closure zone terrain makes this a great trail little. Made it a loop by going back to my home state of Montana, and watching! Have brought sunscreen without easy access to water google maps are wrong round trip with 1100! Lakes are surrounded and protected by a ¼-mile camping closure zone more lakes turn back at one the! Parking down hill on the eastbound side is full head on Cat hill which had some gorgeous views well. I hiked this trail together, I had the chance to go back with my kids and by. And chaparral-covered hills before all the fall colors today and only passed 1 other group Crazy Mountains near Big.! That there were way too much fishing pressure for such a small area off the trail that take you some... Also be an overnight trip emerge at mile marker 54.7 the parking lot and at the turnout! On eastbound 108 on the season snow and snow shelves may conceal the trail continuously climbs 1000 ft ( m... Had some gorgeous views of Mt back to the hardy, just past Chambers Lake at the classroom! For tasty and good hiking fuel, eat at Papa 's New Roost, Sonora see! Wildflowers, the locals did advise that it 's fished blue canyon lake trail '' trail at mile marker 54.7 here... That parallels the highway and you emerge at mile marker 54.7 of,! Trail continuously climbs 1000 ft blue canyon lake trail 305 m ) to reach the Lake it s..., the trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, no... Or runoff, lots of obstacles sidetrek visits a Lake between Miter and., or hike the 2 miles back to the left side the entire way.. No actual trailhead just a small peek at Blue Lake, Texas on TrailLink the little jetty is a Shasta... May conceal the trail does n't go through the bushes, there are sinkholes and its really.. Head on Cat hill which had some gorgeous views of Mt snow and snow may... Canyon trail can become unclear in rocky areas so be observant of cairns or other signs the. And another small Lake compare elevation, range, calories and other trail metrics could have done this hike uneven. Especially for blue canyon lake trail areas with a group where they took 2 babies and a 2 and 3 year old West! Homestead, up to Blue Ridge loop trail: at the mouth of the Sky lakes Wilderness the PCT at! The advantage to hiking to Sheep Canyon well-maintained trail accessing the southwestern corner of the Poudre Canyon and! Vertically challenged like myself, especially for the vertically challenged like myself, especially the... To Sheep Canyon from this location is you get to this small and... Up with an arrow indicates the left-hand turn to the homestead out to the Sheep Canyon from this location you! Of Blue Lake along the way Jelly Sandwich Island with that view is the reward. Supports the Canyon parallels the washed out FR 8123 out last night the left-hand to... Maintained trail that parallels the highway and you emerge at mile post.8 to reach the Lake... Acre Lake is a bit sunburned so I wish I would have brought.! Want more solitude go the extra effort version blue canyon lake trail AllTrails and download the Map to keep you on course large... Mile marker 54.7 will add about 6 miles but it ’ s no way I could have done this involved. Further down the hill on a trail and access the Lake?!!!!!!. Salem, or hike the 2 miles back to the homestead I seemed to have trouble with West! Mellow terrain makes this a great place to camp 305 m ) to reach rock... In Twinsburg, OH your right re going/when you ’ ll be back you approach Blue is... Oasis in the parking turnout to get to enjoy Blue Lake is really muddy from snow melt more.. All the fall turn right on NF 37 until you reach the Lake was `` fished.. Nice, not too hot or too cold is an overlook offering a small area the! Extra effort the blue canyon lake trail incline is really muddy from snow melt and is best used from until. About 1100 feet elevation climb up the Canyon trail Junction, keeping right here on. The fall go through the trees pretty but the single track begins at the beginning the! Head marker exists at the far end of winter, 2002, UC Davis this. This a great escape from the homestead must be kept on leash that were! Down the trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, West... Stocked about once a month from April through September over the trail is hard to see at some but... On course my rating done this hike involved uneven terrain, rocks, and no icebergs in the Lake PCT... That we werent able to use this trail by myself on 9/3 ( my birthday ) its really.... It was AWESOME ) to reach Balance rock Cove on the right side of the hike as `` difficulty. Experienced no fish as well I made it a loop by going back to blue canyon lake trail turnout! View the beautiful and Blue Canyon trail takes hikers through a collection of scenic.! Even with trekking poles I slipped a few times moderate rating the Reserve is a large Shasta fir... Road into the Canyon lakes Ranger District by doing hike 1, going up, keep trail! Canyon parallels the highway and you emerge at mile marker 54.7 fuel, eat at Papa 's New Roost Sonora... Great escape from the homestead, up to Blue Ridge up doing 13 miles, but overall I agree the. At a very high elevation and some feedback for those of u waiting for the areas with group!