Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Flat Tops Wilderness · Restricted Access
The Blair Lake Trail leads visitors into the southern edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness. The trail runs through spruce forest and open meadows, and passes by several scenic mountain lakes. The northern end of the trail also provides majestic views of Crater Lake, Blair Mountain and the surrounding Wilderness area. This portion of the Forest is very remote and rugged, creating an outstanding opportunity for a peaceful and rewarding outdoor experience.
The Blair Lake Trail is 6.2 miles long. It can be accessed from the north via the Crater Trailhead (off Forest Road 647) and from the south via the Patterson Creek Trailhead (off Forest Road 601). Crater Lake is 1.4 miles from the Crater Trailhead, though reaching the lake requires an elevation loss of almost 1,000 feet. On the south end of the trail, Jet Lake is 2.2 miles from the Patterson Creek Trailhead, with minimal elevation change.
This trail is open to foot and horse travel.
The southern end of this trail is an active sheep grazing allotment during the summer. Please do not approach or harass the herd. If approached by a sheep guardian dog: remain calm and quiet, slowly leave the area, and firmly tell the dog “No” or “Go Back.”
Visitors are encouraged to use a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle when accessing this trail.
View driving directions to either the Crater Trailhead (north end) or the Patterson Creek Trailhead (south end).
39.81346, -107.40718 · 39°48'48.5"N 107°24'25.8"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.7 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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