I recently backpacked to Bluebird Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bluebird Lake is nestled high up the Ouzel Creek drainage in the Wild Basin area of the park. It is accessed from a 6.5 mile long trail. It is a steep hike especially in the second half of the hike. It climbs over 2,100 feet. The trail starts out rather tamely as it ascends past Copeland Falls, a small waterfall visible just off the trail. After about a mile, the trail climbs steeply up a series of stairs to the Calypso Cascades. It then continues on for a mile as it climbs to Ouzel Falls. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park and it was surprisingly full of water after a recent rain storm. From here, the trail descends before ascending steeply into semi open meadow and forest. The remnants of the down trees form the 1978 fire can be seen throughout this area. After 4.5 miles, the trail reaches a junction with the Ouzel Lake trail. Stay right and the trail ascends steeply into the trees above Ouzel Lake. After crossing a large boulder field, the trail skirts past the Upper Ouzel Lake campsite. A large waterfall that is formed below the lake outlet can be seen at 1 o’clock. The trail stays just to the left of the large waterfall. The trail pops out into the lake basin after 6.5 arduous miles. The lake is situated beneath some of the most impressive spires in Rocky Mountain. What a memorable trip!
