Middle Blue Lake

About

Middle Blue Lake is a high-elevation fishing spot in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness near Telluride, accessible via the Blue Lakes Trail. The lake sits at 11,531 feet and holds trout populations suitable for fishing. Access requires traversing a moderate 8.6-mile out-and-back route with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is located nine miles down a dirt road off Highway 62, with parking available in a limited lot. The drive involves some potholes on the final miles of the road. Visitors should expect variable trail conditions, including sections through thick forest and open meadows with views of Mount Sneffels. The site is pet-friendly, and permits are currently not required for day use, though human waste packing rules apply. The fishing season runs from April through October, with typical visits lasting about two hours once at the lake. The area is heavily trafficked, particularly by backpackers and day hikers seeking the glacial blue waters.