Segment 7

Mount Sneffels Wilderness

  • Distance: 40.1 miles

  • Vertical: +12678', -10989'

  • Highlights:

    • Blue Lakes

    • Mount Sneffels

    • Bridal Veil Falls

  • Main Challenges:

    • Scrambling up Mount Sneffels

    • Snow in early and late season

  • Scrambling Grade: Up to Class 3

  • Exposure: Moderate

Blue Lakes Pass, Mount Sneffels Wilderness

This segment serves as the GCR’s grand entrance into the San Juans, starting off with Mount Sneffels Wilderness. After a dirt road out of Ridgway, join the Dallas Trail which provides a phenomenal view of Mount Sneffels from a short side spur.

Go for a swim in the aptly named Blue Lakes. From there, scale Blue Lakes Pass before following the ridge up Mount Sneffels—the mountain featured on the Colorado Driver’s License.

From there, descend Sneffels’ gully to Yankee Boy Basin and join Imogene Pass Road. The GCR then traces Mount Telluride’s ridge to Ajax Peak before descending Black Bear Pass Road to Ingram Falls, concluding with a tour of the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Upper Blue Lake

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but high snow can make sections difficult or impassable without specialized skillsets.

Southwest Ridge of Mount Sneffels

Permits & Fees

Blue Lakes Trailhead will start collecting fees in 2027. Information to be released.

Camping at Lower Blue Lake will require an online reservation starting in 2027. Information to be released.

Southeastern Gully of Mount Sneffels

Water

Water is less problematic in this area, though be mindful of extended stretches above treeline and streams.

Mount Telluride

Camping

Blue Lakes Basin has several camping restrictions:

  • Designated sites only at Lower Blue Lake

    • Requires reservation and hard-sided bear canister.

  • No camping at Middle and Upper Blue Lakes.

Camping in Yankee Boy Basin is hard to come by due to private property.

Telluride from Black Bear Pass Road

Other Considerations

  • Pack out human waste: A recently introduced rule requires that you pack out human waste in Blue Lakes Basin due to high E. coli rates in the lake from overuse.

  • Snow Travel: Thru hikers may encounter high snow levels when traversing this section and are encouraged to carry appropriate gear (e.g., microspikes and ice axe), know how to use them, and have backup plans if their planned route is unsafe or impassable.