Blue Lake/Early Winters Spires

Blue Lake is reached 2.2 miles from the parking area by a well graded trail. This is a popular destination and trails radiate out in all directions. Surrounded by rocks, trees and people, this deep blue lake is best photographed by climbing the slopes above the end of the trail to find an opening that allows for a view of the colorful water as well as a striking line of summits known as the Early Winters Spires.
Once the lake has been photographed, consider tackling the difficult ascent to the base of the spires. These are the sabertooth collection peaks seen to the east from the large meadow below the lake. A well used climbers’ trail splits off here, heading east up a delicate meadow and larch covered hillside. This is an extremely steep and difficult trail with great rewards. Near the top, the trail enters open meadows speckled with larch trees. Head right to find an easy access to the summit ridge and massive view of Vasiliki Ridge and Snagtooth Ridge on Silver Star Mountain to the east. Whistler Mountain and Cutthroat Peak are visible to the west while Copper Peak and Stiletto Peaks are seen to the South. Most visitors will see mountain goats.

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