I went on my twice yearly visit to Blanca Lake in order to check upon a WTA work crew out this week on a BCRT. You can definitely tell it is after Labor Day and that kids are back in school. The two FS campgrounds I passed on the Index-Galena Road were almost empty. Just a reminder that the Index-Galena road is open all the way to the trailhead. The two mile stretch on gravel FS road 63 is bumpy but passable for most vehicles. There were many potholes in this stretch to keep your speed down. Rest rooms operating and in good condition.
This trail will get you breathing fairly hard. I measured 2900’ gain in 2.75 miles. This averages about a 19% upward slope which is much higher than the recommended 10% grade. The average is relatively high but the upper half is steeper than the lower half.
The trail is in fair/good shape. There were two logs to step over. Get ready to step over many, many roots and several large steps up and over obstacles. The lake is worth the trip if you have not been here before
I cheated a little and stopped at Virgin Lake and did not go back down to Blanca Lake. My visit was to meet with the trail crew and provide some special treats from the greenhouse. They are working on a trail realignment just below Virgin Lake. I did receive a number of broad smiles when I kept bringing goodies out of my shopping bag. This is my reward for the hike up to the lake. I left the group before lunch so they could get back to work.
The middle third of the trail would benefit from some brushing. The bushes and small trees are pushing the trail downslope in several areas. 10-20% of the trail in this section is now two feet over and breaking down the trail edge and sections of sloughing down the slope.
Enjoy this trail in the Big Sky Wilderness.
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