Mastodawn

The Next Summit Sep 12, 2024

After years of development, the Forest Service unveiled a new permit system to manage growing impacts in the Blue Lakes Trail area near Ouray, Colorado.

The approved plan also includes new regulations to manage dispersed camping, dogs, stock use, and campfires in the area and balance access with conservation.

You will still be able to climb Mt Sneffels from the Yankee Boy Basin without a permit.

Forest Service Unveils Blue Lakes Permit System to Curb Overcrowding by 2026

OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO – The U.S. Forest Service has finalized its long-awaited Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan, which outlines new guidelines for managing recreation across 16,200 acres in the Ouray Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. The plan, years in the making, is designed to protect the popular Blue Lakes area and ensure sustainable outdoor experiences amid increasing visitation. The plan will be implemented in phases starting in 2025, with initial efforts focused on upgrading the Blue Lakes Trailhead. This includes reconstructing the parking area and adding two new vault restrooms, funded by

The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog

The Next Summit Oct 18, 2023

Climbing Mt Sneffels via the Blue Lakes Trail may require a permit in 2025 for day hikers and backpackers. Hikers would not require a permit to climb Mount Sneffels if they use the Yankee Boy Basin routes. The permit is one of many changes proposed in a new Management Plan shared by the USFS, which is open for public comment for 45 days.

USFS Proposes New Blue Lakes Trail Permit System for Mt Sneffels

COLORADO - If you've been captivated by the emerald-blue waters of the Blue Lakes in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, or have ever considered climbing the 14,150-foot Mount Sneffels, then you'll want to pay close attention. The United States Forest Service (USFS) is proposing significant changes to how you can access these popular outdoor destinations. According to a recent report from the Denver Post, the USFS is considering implementing a new permit system to manage access to the Blue Lakes Trail. This would mark a groundbreaking shift, affecting not just overnight campers but daytime hikers as well.The Need for ChangeThe proposal aims

The Next Summit: A Mountain Blog