Sharing on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests during the government shutdown.
The new parking lot and bathroom have been completed along with over 45 days of crew time conducting restoration work at the lower blue lake, including de-compacting soils at over 100 sites, removing user-created trails, re-establishing native vegetation, and tree planting. Additionally, the GMUG team was able to identify the four designated campsites at the lower blue lake for the planned permit system, including mitigating hazard trees and completing the archaeology clearances.
Given that the work is now completed for the season, the gate has been reopened so the public is now able to access the area.
As they lift this closure, they are asking the public for their support in protecting the restoration work that has been completed. The GMUG is asking visitors to be mindful of posted signage both in the new parking area and at the lower blue lake and avoid entering marked restoration zones, as even small disturbances can undo months of progress.
The GMUG is planning on spending the winter months planning for Phase II and they will have more details to share about what's ahead soon including new kiosks, a hardened stream crossing to access the upper basin, signage, and a permit system rollout (still TBD on dates).