Blue Sky Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Blue Sky is a peaceful, winding forest trail just outside the town of Winter Park. Enjoy the sound of the creek and the solitude of dense evergreen woods as you ascend gradually to a viewpoint over the valley. This trail is also great in winter as a snowshoe hike or cross-country ski.

This trail is multi-use (also open to bike and horseback riders), and while it typically isn't busy, just be alert and courteous to others on the trail.

The gentle grades and generally good footing on this trail make it a breeze to run.

Begin from the Forest Service trailhead on Arapaho Road, right at the edge of town. There is parking for only a few cars, so try to arrive early, or get here by walking or riding a bike instead. Continue along the dirt road for a short distance until the start of Blue Sky to the right.

Blue Sky is a gentle climb along the ridge above Vasquez Creek. The trail changes between wide and rocky path on the steeper sections to smooth, sweeping singletrack in the flatter sections through the trees.

The top of Blue Sky connects to a fire road where you can turn left or right. Go left and continue up the gradual grade for about 0.4 more miles for the viewpoint. This will lead to a clearing at the junction with FS 152. From here you'll get a satisfying vantage over the valley with a backdrop of Rocky Mountain peaks.

If you want to make a loop, continue on this road to Chickadee Trail and then take FS 156 back to your car. For less dirt road walking and a similar round-trip distance, simply turn around and take Blue Sky back the way you came.

Blue spruce, douglas fir, and ferns by the creek. Ponderosa pine, aspen, and kinnikinnick higher along the ridge. There are a couple mini-meadows that sometimes can be muddy, but also are home to some pretty wildflowers including bluebells, irises and asters. Resident animals include moose, deer, elk, porcupines, and a variety of birds.