All you need to know about planning your hiking elopement at Blue Lakes for 2026 and 2027 | An elopement photographer’s guide
Everything You Need to Know About Eloping at Blue Lakes Near Ridgway, Colorado
Planning a Blue Lakes elopement near Ridgway, Colorado? This guide covers everything you need to know about eloping at Blue Lakes in 2026 — including hiking logistics, the latest permit rules, the best time of year to visit, and tips from a Colorado elopement photographer who has been photographing couples here since 2020.
If you’ve ever seen photos of glowing turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by jagged San Juan peaks, there’s a good chance they were taken at Blue Lakes near Ridgway, Colorado.
Tucked beneath the dramatic slopes of Mount Sneffels, this area is one of the most breathtaking places in the San Juan Mountains – and it’s easy to see why couples dream about eloping here.
But because Blue Lakes has become extremely popular in recent years, rules and access have been changing, especially going into 2026.
If you’re considering eloping here, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from trail logistics and regulations to timing, and planning tips.
Where are Blue Lakes and How do we Access the Area?
Blue Lakes sit in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness in southwest Colorado, about 12 miles southwest of Ridgway in the San Juan Mountains.
The lakes are accessed from the Blue Lakes Trailhead off County Road 7, a scenic dirt road that winds into the mountains above Ridgway.
There are actually three lakes along the trail:
- Lower Blue Lake
- Middle Blue Lake
- Upper Blue Lake
Each lake becomes progressively more remote and alpine, making the hike feel like a journey into increasingly wild terrain.
How Hard Is the Hike?
The trail to Blue Lakes is considered moderate, but altitude and elevation gain can make it feel challenging depending on your level of experience.
Typical hiking distances:
Lower Blue Lake
- ~6 miles round trip
- ~1,650 ft elevation gain
Upper Blue Lake
- ~8.7 miles round trip
- ~2,500 ft elevation gain
The lower lake is the most common destination for couples because it’s:
Still incredibly dramatic
The easiest lake to reach
The most photographed
::: Photographer’s Tip :::
If you want photos at the Overlook area, you’ve already gained nearly all of the elevation required to reach the upper lakes as it’s a slightly graded traverse to reach Middle and Upper lakes from there. It’s 100% worth the extra light hiking to reach the upper basin areas!
Upper Lakes facing Dallas Peak
Overlook between Lower and Middle Lakes
Lower lake on the shore line
Parking
As of January 2026, there is a new parking lot with more spaces and a restroom at the trailhead. The road is considered rough and at least an AWD is highly recommended. The quality of the dirt road reaching the lakes is highly dependent on recent weather patterns and if there are areas of washout.
::: Trying to decide where to stay in the San Juan Mountains? Check out my Full San Juan Mountain Guide HERE :::
Best Time of Year to Elope at Blue Lakes
The Blue Lakes trail is typically accessible from late June through early October, depending on snowpack. Each year is different here in Colorado – some years we have a high snowpack and snow lingers deep into July. Others, everything is melted into the higher basins by early June.
Here’s what each season looks like:
Early Summer (Late June – Early July)
- Snow may still be on the trail
- Alpine waterfalls are roaring
- Wildflowers begin to bloom
Wildflower Season (Mid July – Early August)
The San Juan Mountains explode with color during peak wildflower season. Expect:
- Columbine
- Paintbrush
- Lupine
- Fields of alpine flowers
This is one of the most magical times of year for photos.
Late Summer (August – Early September)
- Warm days
- Stable weather
- Deep blue lake color
Fall (Late September – Early October)
- Golden aspen trees on the drive
- Cooler temperatures
- Fewer crowds
- Possibility for snow, especially higher in the basin
::: Photographer’s Tip :::
If you want to try and get the best weather window, August is my personal recommendation. Typically, the high rain season that shows up in July has ended, and snow has yet to show up.
Overlooking Lower Lake in early July – a high snow year (river crossings were mid-thigh deep)
Overlooking Lower Lake in early September during Fall months
Overlooking Lower Lake in early August
What Time of Day Is Best for an Elopement Here?
Because Blue Lakes is extremely popular, timing matters a lot.
Best times:
Sunrise
- Soft light on the lakes
- Much fewer hikers
- Calm wind
- Alpenglow on the Surrounding peaks – particularly Dallas Peak
Sunset
- Beautiful golden light on Mount Sneffels
- Dramatic alpine colors
- Backlighting
Midday is typically the busiest and least photogenic time.
::: However, if you want to hike to the Lower Lakes overlook and have TEAL water, the sun must be high enough in the sky to illuminate the water :::
New Rules and Changes for 2026
The Blue Lakes area has undergone major restoration work and new management planning in recent years due to heavy visitation. The trail was closed for much of 2025, and now has a new parking lot and restroom at the trailhead.
Here’s what couples should know for 2026 and beyond:
No permit required yet (for day hiking)
A permit system is being developed, but reservations are not required for the 2026 season yet. If you’re wanting to elope at Blue Lakes in 2027 and beyond, be prepared for very restrictive and hard to get permits.
Permit system expected soon
Land managers are working toward a limited-entry permit system likely starting around 2027 to help reduce crowding and protect the landscape. It’s likely that only 40 hikers (in total) per day will be allowed on trail.
Camping restrictions
New regulations include:
- Camping not allowed at the middle or upper lakes
- Camping only at designated sites near the lower lake (still dispersed as of 2026).
- Overnight group sizes limited to 6 people
These changes help protect fragile alpine ecosystems.
Pack out human waste
Visitors must now pack out all human waste and use approved bear-safe food storage.
Campfires are prohibited
Campfires are banned in the Blue Lakes drainage to prevent environmental damage.
General Tips for Eloping at Blue Lakes
Start early
Parking fills up quickly, especially on summer weekends. There is no backup parking lot, and you can not park on the roadside.
Early starts are also pivotal during monsoon season, as thunderstorms tend to roll in the alpine around noon.
Expect crowds
Blue Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in the San Juans, especially during wildflower season. Most people that hike the trails start at around 9-10 am, meaning packed trails and lots of people at the lakes during the middle of the day.
Follow Leave No Trace
Stay on the trail and avoid stepping into fragile alpine vegetation.
Pack out all your trash, leave nothing but footprints!
Don’t pick any wildflowers.
Keep groups under 15 in total.
Be weather aware
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the San Juan Mountains during summer.
Prepare your body
Be sure to hydrate, hydrate hydrate! Electrolytes too, not just plain water.
Eat plenty of food, and make sure to intake enough carbs
Get as much sleep as you can
Pack lots of food and water for the hike – more than you think you’ll need to make sure that you feel your best on your elopement day.
::: Be sure to check out my Summit and Mountain Hiking guide HERE for all the tips and tricks :::
Plan a backup location
Weather in the San Juans changes quickly, so having an alternative location nearby can help reduce stress. These real couples had to detour their elopement due to: High snow, trails were snow covered and the river crossings were thigh deep; A trail closure in 2025; and a mixture of high snow/altitude sickness that set in once they arrived into Southern Colorado.
Outside of Crested Butte, 2.5 hour detour from Blue Lakes
Outside Telluride, 1 hour detour from Blue Lakes
Outside Silverton, a 1 hour detour from Blue Lakes
Ready to Start Planning your Blue Lakes Elopement?
I’ve been helping couples elope at Blue Lakes since 2020, and would love to answer any questions you may have.
Hop on over to my Contact Page to send me a message!
I can’t wait to start planning with you
Savannah Chandler is a Colorado born elopement photographer serving the greater Colorado Rocky Mountains since 2011.
She has extensive experience in helping couples plan their hiking and backcountry elopements.