Oh Be Joyful Trail

The Oh Be Joyful Trail is a lengthy route leading into the Elk Mountains that features a fairly gradual climb, but the terrain is still quite rugged. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots for this adventure. Additionally, for those looking to break this into a multi-day hike, there is a campsite at Blue Lake; however, it is usually very busy and will require you to arrive early or pick an alternate spot if full. Lastly, you can drive further from the trailhead if you are looking to shorten the overall distance of the route, but you will need a 4×4 vehicle.

While the climb may be a gradual one, that doesn’t mean that the scenery along this hike won’t be exciting! As you work through the valley alongside Oh Be Joyful Creek, you will enjoy views of rugged mountain peaks flanking you in every direction, before arriving at the charming shores of Blue Lake. This is a great route to pair with a fun weekend of camping in the Elk Mountains.

Setting out from the trailhead, make your way southeast on Oh Be Joyful NFSR 754 and follow it for 0.4mi to reach the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area. Heading right at the fork in the road, you will cross over the Slate River and pass the campground, keeping right along the trail to make your way northwest and into the valley.

After 1.2mi from the campground, you will keep right along the path and continue on to the northwest, enjoying views of Mount Emmons to the south and Peeler Peak to the west. From here, you will gradually climb uphill through the valley alongside Oh Be Joyful Creek over the course of the next 3.5mi. Here, you will arrive at a fork in the path.

Heading to the left here, you will cross over Oh Be Joyful Creek and continue climbing further uphill, where you will quickly come to another junction, with the right path leading up to Oh Be Joyful Pass. Do not take this route. Instead, take the path on the left and follow it uphill for 0.9mi, taking some time to appreciate the views of the rugged mountain peaks surrounding you before arriving at yet another junction in the trail.

Turning right here, you will quickly come to the beautifully scenic shores of Blue Lake, where you will be able to relax at the water’s edge while being surrounded by views of Afley Peak to the northwest, Purple Peak to the southwest, and Carfield Peak to the east. After exploring the terrain surrounding the lake, simply head back down the same trail to return to your vehicle having completed the Oh Be Joyful Trail.

Trail Highlights

Mount Emmons

Located in the Elk Mountains Range to the northwest of Crested Butte, Colorado, Mount Emmons is a rugged mountain peak that stands at 12401ft above sea level. The peak was named after Samuel Franklin Emmons, a geologist who was in charge of the Colorado division of the United States Geological Survey.