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Colorado Summer Adventure : Blue Lakes Trail | By Lexi Reich

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Resting in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, turquoise-blue water shimmers amongst wildflowers and waterfalls. Blue Lakes Trail is a challenging trek located near Ridgeway, Colorado, and led to an extraordinary campsite on a recent backpacking trip I took with friends this July.

Located at 12,000 feet in elevation, the upper lake is the peak of the three-lake hike (with the option for seasoned hikers to summit the Mt. Sneffels 14er). Lots of water and snack breaks are essential to make it to the upper lake — in combination with general high altitude, rapid elevation gain and a steep incline, this trail is not for the ill-prepared. But with the right attitude and hydration for the altitude, any hiker interested in experiencing the scenic views of the San Juan Mountains can successfully embark on this adventure.

Blue Lakes Trail is fit for a day hike if started early in the morning, but staying overnight allows for a whole different experience with the land. While the lower lake has a marked camp site, I pitched a tent a few miles upward toward the middle lake, which has a direct view of the lower vibrant-blue water. The peaceful seclusion and 360 mountain view inspired a connection to the wildernesses I’ve never felt so deeply.

Once the moon set, the Milky Way painted the night sky. The detail of the stars was so vivid it didn’t seem real. Pondering the phenomenon before my eyes, I wondered why city lights ever stripped the sky of its stage.

Refilling my water pack with glacier water (that I seeped through a mini filter) was a nourishing experience. The water was fresh from pollutants and tasted clear as it looked. Because of the warm summer temperatures, the water was cooling, but not freezing, making it perfect for a mini foot and hand rinse. The temperatures also made it perfect for a comfortable night under a sleeping bag, a few layers and adventure friends to share body warmth with.

Living a nomadic lifestyle for a few days on this backpacking trip was a needed glimpse out of urban reality. It strengthened the harmonic connection I believe exists between humans and the earth, and I am grateful for trailheads like this opening up nature in its purest form.

Be sure to check out this and other hikes waiting in southwest Colorado this summer, they should not be missed!

Photos by Alex Deems.

After experiencing a yoga ashram in the mountains of Colorado, Lexi became enthralled in the practice of yoga and meditation, and just earned her yoga teacher training at the sacred space. Originally from Chicago, Lexi loves the holistic lifestyle she found in Colorado, and combining this passion with her writing is what makes her truly happy. As a journalism and English major at the University of Colorado Boulder, Lexi spends most of her time reading novels and writing for her poetry and reporting classes. Besides this, you can find her skiing, hiking or traveling. Follow her on Instagram @lexi_reich.
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The wave of change starts with a ripple. Isn’t it true that one choice, one action, is what leads to all the proceeding moments and outcomes of the future? 🌊 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 15 0
"I grew up on a small farm in the East Coast and a majority of my clothing was purposeful and also multi-faceted. I wore a variety of weights in flannels, jackets and even bottoms for all tasks and weather. Your barn coat could double as your bar coat. Jeans for the ranch and dinner. @dakotagrizzlyapparel’s line of clothing fits this niche: functional clothing that is designed to live and work in." — Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 17 2
Jai Mix is a spunky Ayurvedic snack mix that is starting to pop-up in businesses and grocery stores throughout Colorado. Jai translates to “Victory to the Good!” in Hindi, and every aspect of this product represents just that — pure, whole good 😋 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 12 1
Looking for a new way to practice self care this winter? Ever heard of sensory deprivation float tanks? 💧 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 16 1
Fear divides, love unites 🎆 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 22 1
The first weekend of this February saw the 2nd annual event put on by @uchealth promoting women’s wellness called “Evrē”. Evrē is essentially a self-care Saturday...link in @coyogalifemag profile!🧡 23 0
Valentine’s Day is upon us ❤️ and it’s the perfect time for a relationship check-up. If you practice the yoga lifestyle, you understand the importance of self-awareness and realizing the vibes you’re reflecting on your partner and what you’re receiving from him or her🌹 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 15 1
Check out our favorite outdoor gear from the Winter + Spring 2019 SHINE issue! 🎿 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 13 0
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The wave of change starts with a ripple. Isn’t it true that one choice, one action, is what leads to all the proceeding moments and outcomes of the future? 🌊 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 15 0
"I grew up on a small farm in the East Coast and a majority of my clothing was purposeful and also multi-faceted. I wore a variety of weights in flannels, jackets and even bottoms for all tasks and weather. Your barn coat could double as your bar coat. Jeans for the ranch and dinner. @dakotagrizzlyapparel’s line of clothing fits this niche: functional clothing that is designed to live and work in." — Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 17 2
Jai Mix is a spunky Ayurvedic snack mix that is starting to pop-up in businesses and grocery stores throughout Colorado. Jai translates to “Victory to the Good!” in Hindi, and every aspect of this product represents just that — pure, whole good 😋 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 12 1
Looking for a new way to practice self care this winter? Ever heard of sensory deprivation float tanks? 💧 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 16 1
Fear divides, love unites 🎆 Link in @coyogalifemag profile! 22 1
The first weekend of this February saw the 2nd annual event put on by @uchealth promoting women’s wellness called “Evrē”. Evrē is essentially a self-care Saturday...link in @coyogalifemag profile!🧡 23 0
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