Horse use not recommended from Blue Lakes over pass to Yankee Boy Basin due to slide rock over narrow trail. Minimal horse feed at Lakes.

This trail begins at the Blue Lakes Trailhead off the Dallas Road. A turn around area, parking, and horse ramp are provided. The trail begins at the closure gate and follows an old logging road for approximately 100 yards. A sign directs hikers from the logging road onto the trail. The first two miles of trail climbs steadily and is moderately difficult. Just below the lower Lake the trail crosses the east fork of Dallas Creek. The stream must be forded.. Care should be used, particularly in the spring.

Fishing at Blue Lakes is described as "Hot or Cold". When the native trout are biting, fishing can be excellent. (See fishing section of guide.)

The lower lake is located on the edge of timberline with spruce fir forests along the lower edge of the lake. From the lower lake the trail climbs past the middle and upper lakes. The trail switches back and forth climbing steeply up a talus rock slope to Blue Lakes Pass above 1300 feet. From the too of the pass is the most popular route to climb Mount Sneffels.

The trail location on the Yankee Boy Basin side is unmarked from its cut-off near Gilpin Lake.

Access #1: From Colorado Highway 62 take Dallas Creek Road 14 miles to Blue Lakes Trailhead.

Access #2: From Ouray take Canyon Creek Road past Camp Bird Mine on four-wheel drive road to Gilpin Lake in upper Yankee Boy Basin.