Lake City Switchbacks. Adventure at Every Turn in Lake City, Colorado.
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Big Blue Creek Scenic Drive

The road to Big Blue Creek rises steadily in twists and turns.

Each switchback brings you higher, until you are overlooking the meadows of the historic Elk Creek Ranch, high above the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River valley. 

The road tops out at Soldier Summit, where you continue on for about six more miles.

The road dead-ends at the trailhead for the Big Blue Trail, which offers hiking and horseback riding access into the Uncompahgre Wilderness.

The beautiful Big Blue Campground is located nearby.
Part of the Alpine Trail near Big Blue Creek. Photo by Mary Carkin.
Part of the Alpine Trail near Big Blue Creek. Find this trail and many others along the Big Blue Creek drive, a scenic, gravel road accessible by regular passenger vehicle. Photo by Mary Carkin.

Points of Interest Along Big Blue Creek

  • Historic ranch lands, including the Elk Creek Ranch, a

  • Beautiful high forests of ponderosa and aspen, high meadows, beaver ponds and creeks

  • Alpine Guard Station, historic barn and cabins
  • Big Blue Campground, for camping or picnics

  • Fishing in Big Blue Creek

  • Hiking and horseback riding access into the Uncompahgre Wilderness

  • Trailheads for Little Elk Trail, Ridge Stock Driveway, and Big Blue Trail

Big Blue Creek Photo Tour

Click any photo below to begin.

Directions & Map to Big Blue Creek

From Lake City, head north on Highway 149 for 11 miles.  Look for the Alpine Plateau sign; turn left onto the gravel road.  This is the road to Big Blue Creek, and it continues for just over 11 miles until it dead-ends at the Big Blue Trailhead parking area.

Important Road Conditions Information

The road to Big Blue is maintained gravel, and is one lane in many places.  It is suitable for regular passenger vehicles.  Watch for livestock or other animals in the road.  Large trailers are not recommended due to the narrowness and sharp turns in the road.

Weather and road conditions can change quickly in the mountains.  Always check on conditions and forecasts before heading out on your journey.

The Big Blue Creek Road is closed in winter.  There is no winter maintenance of this road. 

Always check on local conditions before heading out. Do not attempt to drive on un-plowed and/or un-maintained roads.

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