Hikers who want to visit the popular Blue Lakes at the base of Mt. Sneffels may need permits starting in 2025, if a Forest Service management plan is approved.

Blue Lakes, located within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area, has sustained significant impacts from increased use in recent years, which helped spur the visitor use management plan including the permitting system. The area attracts an estimated 35,000 visitors per year, most of them coming during the summer months.

A view of the Lower Blue ...