A Short High-Mountain Walk to Bloods Lake

Bloods Lake arrives as a bright patch of water among trees, with the mountain rising behind it. For a hike that can be done in an afternoon, it delivers a satisfyingly alpine setting: mixed forest, long runs of aspen, cool shade, and a clear lake where it is easy to stop longer than planned.

The outing is generally about 2 to 2.5 miles round trip and takes many hikers around 1.5 to 2 hours before any lingering at the water. It is short enough for a family outing or an unhurried morning walk, but its elevation—roughly 10,000 feet—keeps it from being a throwaway stroll.

Families with children, dog walkers, runners, birdwatchers, and recreational hikers all use the route. The trail is maintained and generally straightforward to follow, so the route itself is not a puzzle; the question is mostly how much energy the uphill finish will ask of you that day.

Much of the walk passes through mixed alpine forest with extensive aspen stands. The shade is welcome during hotter valley weather, and it gives the route a quieter, cooler character than an exposed mountain climb.

Fall is an especially handsome time here, when the aspens turn a vivid gold around the trail. In summer, wildflowers take over some of the attention. Early July can bring abundant lupine in the lower trail area, with other blooms appearing farther along the hike.

The scenery changes without requiring a long day on foot. One stretch is closely forested, another opens enough to show the surrounding mountain terrain, and the lake provides the payoff at the end. It is a compact route with more than one visual mood.

The approach begins fairly gently through the trees, then gains seriousness as it heads toward the lake. Several switchbacks carry the trail uphill, and the steepest work is concentrated in the final 200 to 300 yards before reaching the water.

That last section explains the range of opinions about the hike. A fit, acclimated hiker may consider it moderate and quick; for someone unused to altitude, hiking with very young children, or simply taking a slower pace, the climb can feel demanding.

Sturdy hiking shoes and reasonable balance are useful on the uphill terrain. There is no need to rush it. The forest gives plenty of natural excuses to pause, and several stone benches along the way add purposeful stopping places. Their engraved or displayed quotations give a rest break a little extra character.

There is an appealing way to make the route less repetitive. The Kalamazoo/Loopine Trail can be used on the approach, with the Bloods Lake Trail serving as the return route.

Instead of taking the steepest switchbacks directly uphill at the outset, the Kalamazoo/Loopine branch drops into a valley, crosses roughly a quarter-mile of open valley floor, and then rises more gradually toward Bloods Lake. It creates a more varied approach and spreads the climbing out differently.

The loop also gives the outing a pleasant sense of progression. You get trees, an open valley interlude, the final rise to the lake, and a different route back rather than retracing every step. After snowmelt, portions of the return loop can be muddy, so seasonal trail conditions matter.

Bloods Lake is clear and sparkling, set among trees with mountain scenery around it. After the uphill finish, the shoreline makes a natural place to sit, have a snack, watch the water, or let the day stretch out a little.

Swimming is allowed, and some visitors wade or take a dip. Even in warm weather, though, this is high-elevation water and can be decidedly chilly. It is more a refreshing plunge than a guaranteed lazy-lake swim.

A small path circles part of the lake, giving walkers something more to do after reaching the main destination. It is a useful little extension for anyone who has arrived with enough energy left to explore rather than immediately turn around.

Hikers who want to turn the outing into a longer ramble can continue toward Lake Lackawaxen. The connection adds roughly another mile and brings a second alpine lake into the day.

That option is especially handy because Bloods Lake works at two scales. It can be the complete destination for a short, scenic hike, or it can be the first stop in a more substantial high-country walk. The choice can be made at the lake instead of being locked in at the trailhead.

Birdwatching is one of the gentler ways to enjoy the trail, especially on a walk where the destination is not far away. The shaded woods and lake setting reward a slower pace as much as a fast one.

Moose may occasionally appear along the route. Spotting one is never something to count on, but an encounter calls for distance and patience: do not approach, crowd, or block the animal's path.

Summer also brings less glamorous wildlife. Mosquitoes and other flying insects can be active, and insect repellent is useful. A small practical item can make a long lakeside pause much more pleasant.

The trailhead has a paid parking lot, with payment handled at a kiosk. Reported fees have varied, so it is worth checking the current rate before arriving.

Parking can be limited later in the morning, particularly on weekends and during fall foliage season. Spaces are often easier to find before about 9:30 a.m. or after midafternoon, while busy late-morning periods can bring a wait.

A free bus connection from Main Street has operated on Fridays through Sundays, though schedules and availability should be verified before planning around it. Once on the trail, the main practical consideration is the elevation: even a short climb can take more out of visitors who have not had time to acclimate.