Mt Blue, Weld and Avon

The ascent up Mt. Blue is not as bad as it looks when you’re staring at the mountain from afar. Shaped like a formidable bell curve, it’s a prominent landmark for miles around. The trail up the 3,195-foot Mt. Blue is a steadily steep trek uphill for about 1.5 miles. The final stretch, maybe 1/4 mile, is the steepest, and then you get to a nice overlook, and a little farther along, to the observatory tower on the summit with panoramic views. The tower might even hum to you!

The elevation gained is 1,786 feet.

My sister hiked the trail in July, 2024: Here are her observations! The trail is well built and follows a mountain stream for part of the early ascent. At around 0.6 miles, a side trail on the left leads to a dilapidated camp with a collapsed roof (the old fire warden’s cabin). Short spurs here head down to the stream.

After leaving the collapsed camp, the trail crosses a stream bed (which was dry at the end of July) and leaves behind the burbling sounds of running water. The path continues steadily, steeply up. As you gain elevation, the trail transitions, becoming rockier. Take care, especially on wet days, since the rocks are mossy and can be slippery.

At around 1.1 miles, the trail flattens a bit, giving your legs a reprieve, before heading up again. The forest here is mossy, rocky, and beautiful. This last push to the summit is the steepest section, including a clamber up a flat rock face.

At the summit, the trail emerges on a flat open area, with dragonflies zooming about. The metal fire tower looms ahead, making an eery music in the wind. The tower is sturdy and not too scary to climb, with a staircase and railings, and the 360-degree view from the platform midway is spectacular, even on hazy days. There are beautiful views off-tower, too, if you just can’t stomach climbing up.

Just before reaching the summit, a tiny little trail to the right leads to a little view of Webb Lake. It is worth taking a peek.

Note: The access road is closed in the winter, adding a couple of miles to the hike. Bring snowshoes! Even in early spring, you may encounter snow. It’s good to check AllTrails for updated trail conditions.

Pre- or post-hike intel: Just up the hill from the four-way stop in the center of Weld you’ll find Becky‘s Farm Stand on the left. It’s worth stopping to pick up some fresh vegetables or delicious baked goods, good for either your post-hike dinner or for a summit snack. There were pumpkin whoopie pies and chocolate zucchini bread during a recent visit.

Directions: At the intersection of Route 156 with Route 142 in Weld, turn onto Center Hill Road. The road takes a slight left about .5 miles from the main roads; follow the signs for the Center Hill Trails and for parking. Continue past the Center Hill Picnic Area for another 3 miles on Center Hill Road until you reach another fork in the road. There’s a small sign for Mount Blue Trail on your right here. Bear right and follow this road for about 2.5 miles to the end, and the trailhead and parking area.