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Hike McCullough Gulch to Upper Blue Reservoir

Breckenridge, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2.8 miles

Elevation Gain

910 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

With peaks, lakes, and waterfalls, this trail is steep in parts, but always scenic and worth the push.

The trail first takes you to Upper Blue Reservoir, about 1.4 miles in. Past this point, it can be somewhat tricky to find the trail, but for experienced hikers, the upper valley holds a number of lakes, a waterfall, and open tundra for exploring. Mountain goat sightings are also common in this area, so keep an eye out!

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Features

Fishing
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Hike McCullough Gulch to Upper Blue Reservoir Reviews

Beautiful hike, but this lake is not actually called Upper Blue Reservoir, and at this time has no official name. There was an error in the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which incorrectly put Upper Blue Reservoir on the north flank of Quandary Peak, south of this lake. This reservoir is actually in Monte Cristo gulch south of Quandary. I reported the error, and the coordinates have since been fixed. See https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=138:3:::NO:3:P3_FID,P3_TITLE:199759,Upper%20Blue%20Lake

My first, and favorite, hike I've done in Colorado!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the East Ridge of Pacific Peak

Winter Hike to Quandary Peak (14,265')

Ski or Snowshoe McCullough Gulch

Winter Climb of North Star Mountain

Spruce Creek Loop

Hike to & Stay at Francie's Cabin