The trailhead for the Blue Lakes on Monte Cristo Creek uses the same directions as for Quandary Peak, initially. If coming from Breckenridge on SH 9, drive south from the center of town approximately 8 miles where you turn right (west) onto "Blue Lakes Road #850.
If coming from Hoosier Pass on SH 9, drive north from the summit of the pass just over 2 miles to the left turn (west) onto Blue Lakes Road #850.
Once on CR 850, drive past the large, day-use parking lot for Quandary and drive west past numerous private cabins. Continue from SH 9, 2.3 miles to parking below and east of the dam for the upper reservoir. Most recent information we have (09/2021) indicates that the parking restrictions that govern Quandary Peak do not apply to the Blue Lakes Road and trailhead. However, driving to the lower Blue Lake may be blocked by gate which may add about .75 mile of additional hiking one way to the lower lake. Early morning parking may not be difficult, but later in the morning/day, and especially on weekends and peak summer times, parking spots may be at a premium and the Forest Service prohibits parking on the road shoulders.
When you initially turn off of SH 9, there is almost all private property, so no camping. The first real opportunity to camp will be at the lower reservoir where a road turns off to the left and drops down to cross Monte Cristo Creek, then heads for the south side of the lower reservoir. There are a few primitive campsite possibilities along this road. The closest other possibilities will be found on CR851 which leads to McCullough Gulch. See the McCullough Gulch TH for more information.