Route to the Upper Basin West of Blue Lakes

The line in red is the approximate route we took to reach the upper basin and what I recommend based upon two trips up (the first to just the "shark's fin" and the second to the top of the basin). You can reach the upper basin via the blue line as well (you'll need to enlarge the photo to see it). We descended that way one time and found it to have several drawbacks; it's steeper, there are fewer rocks to use to get your footing so slipping on the grass can be an issue, and some bushwhacking is required just above the lake. Blue Lakes Basin San Juan Range - Colorado September, 2011