QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 7,489 acres in Mt Blue State Park
- Trail Mileage: 1.5 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: challenging
- Sights: 360-degree views, observatory tower, 3,192-ft. summit
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 3,192-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 3,187-ft. summit with panoramic views.
The elevation gain is 1,783 feet.
Note: The access road is closed in the winter, adding a couple of miles to the hike. Bring snowshoes! Even in April, you may encounter snow.
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.
