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.
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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 Great American Outdoors Act. According to Ouray District Ranger Dana Gardunio, the Forest Service is also developing a monitoring plan to establish designated camping areas.
The most significant change for visitors will be the introduction of a permit system, anticipated to begin in 2026. Between June 1 and September 30, daily permits will be required to access the area, with a cap of 40 individuals for day-use and 24 for overnight camping (across four sites, with a maximum of six people per site). The permit system will be managed through Recreation.gov, with a public outreach campaign planned to inform visitors of the new rules.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Gardunio emphasized that these changes aim to strike a balance between protecting natural resources and maintaining recreational access. “The plan has been developed with extensive community involvement, and we’re confident it will help preserve these beloved areas for future generations,” she said. The phased approach will allow for adjustments and refinements as the Forest Service gathers more data through its adaptive management strategy.
The plan also introduces several new regulations for the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area. These include a prohibition on dogs and overnight stock use, as well as a requirement for visitors to pack out human waste. Additionally, camping will be restricted to designated areas throughout the Blue Lakes region. Once finalized, official Forest Orders will be issued to enforce these changes.
Concerns about spillover impacts on adjacent zones, such as Blaine Basin or Mt. Sneffels, were raised during the public comment period. The adaptive management strategy will allow the Forest Service to respond to these challenges by potentially extending the permit system to these areas if visitor numbers or environmental impacts increase.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
“Our goal is to implement this plan thoughtfully and adjust as needed to address unforeseen challenges,” Gardunio added.
Further down the road, the Forest Service may propose new fees under the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to help fund ongoing management and restoration efforts. Any revenue from such fees would be reinvested into local projects in the Ouray Ranger District, including education, resource monitoring, and natural resource restoration.
The finalized plan is a major step toward managing the growing popularity of the Blue Lakes area while safeguarding its fragile ecosystems. For more information, visit the Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan project webpage or contact the Ouray Ranger District at 970-240-5300.
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