You have been invited to join us on our Colorado Hiking Elopement! The guest list is short due to the nature of this event. We will be meeting either in Ouray for breakfast (if you choose to caravan/carpool) or at the Blue Lakes Trailhead (Ridgeway, CO outside of Telluride, CO) early in the morning on July 22, 2025 to hike up to the first Blue Lake where we will camp overnight. Once we make camp we will decide if the ceremony will be at sunset or sunrise on the morning of the 23rd. We will make our way down sometime on Wednesday the 23rd.

Maybe. Do not underestimate this trail. It starts at 9,350 ft. elevation. While it is only 3.5 miles from the trailhead to the Lower Blue Lake the climb is no joke at an elevation of 10,980 feet. We will possibly make our way to the Middle or Upper Blue Lake for the ceremony. The Upper Blue Lake is at an elevation of 11,720 ft. At this elevation you can expect less oxygen, headaches, nosebleeds, nausea, and dehydration. The roundtrip distance from the trailhead to the Upper Blue Lake and back to the cars is 8.2 miles. Stay hydrated and take your time on the hike.

The Blue Lakes Trailhead, leading to the three Blue Lakes in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, is located approximately 9 miles west of Ridgway, Colorado, off of County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek). Head west on CO-62 for about 4.5 miles. Turn right onto CO Rd 7 (East Dallas Creek). Follow CO Rd 7 for about 9 miles to the trailhead. Road Conditions: The road to the trailhead is dirt/gravel and becomes rougher as it climbs, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the last few miles. Parking: There's a parking area at the trailhead, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Maybe? The road leading to the trailhead is only 9 miles but it is not a smooth paved road. It is passenger car accessible if driven carefully. CR-7 is a dirt/gravel road that becomes rougher as it climbs to the National Forest boundary. Beyond this point the road maintenance deteriorates and you will need to dodge potholes and rocks. We are happy to carpool and caravan together to reduce the number of cars we bring to the trailhead and to make it easier if you have rented a jellybean.

16. That is total. Counting Bride and Groom and the photographer. Please do not plan to bring a plus one on the hike with us.

Absolutely. We plan to have a casual dinner/reception Wednesday evening after we come off the mountain and rest a bit. Lets hang!! More information and details to come!

We plan to stay in Ouray, CO on Monday night (7/21). This is a 40+ minute drive to the trailhead. We also plan to return to Ouray Wednesday after coming down from the trail. We will add information regarding lodging locations or ideas soon.

Anytime before Monday the 21st is a safe bet. While it can take two weeks to acclimate to the elevation who has that kind of time? There are multiple airports in the region: Denver, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque are the largest. Then you have smaller regional airports: Gunnison, Telluride, Durango. Unfortunately, we won't be able to offer pick-ups or rides. If you would like to arrive early and link up let us know. We will have lodging in South Fork, CO available prior to heading to Ouray on Monday 7/21. More details on this as they become available. As for departure, it depends on the airport you choose. You will be hard-pressed to make any flight on Wednesday night (7/23) as we are unsure of the timing of coming down the trail and weather. Thursday 7/24 or later would be a safe day to plan travel.

We will add a list of suggested gear here soon. Please keep an eye on this list. High elevation hiking and camping does pose risks, especially if you are not prepared with appropriate gear. Weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Gear can be rented from some places and we will be helping put that list together, finding places to rent gear, and helping fill any gaps. In the San Juans of Colorado at 10,000 ft elevation in July, expect daytime temperatures to be in the 60s and 70s, but nighttime temperatures can drop into the 30s and 40s, with the potential for brief periods of freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Daytime Temperatures: Expect highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit during the day. Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, potentially into the 30s and 40s, with the possibility of brief periods of freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Temperature Fluctuations: Be prepared for significant temperature swings between day and night, as the area's altitude can lead to large temperature variations. Weather Conditions: While July is generally a dry month, afternoon thunderstorms are possible, so be prepared for potential rain and lightning. Altitude Sickness: Be aware of the potential for altitude sickness, especially if you are not used to high altitudes, and take appropriate precautions.

Honestly, no sweat. We completely understand! This is no small ask to make your way to middle-of-where in the middle of the week to hike up a mountain. Just know we are so grateful to have you in our lives and no hard feelings. Please do RSVP NO so that we can make plans and adjust the numbers.