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Blue & Mitchell Lake

 4.7 (41)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Ward
  5. Brainard Lake Recreation Area
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Length


5.4 Miles 8.7 Kilometers


864' 263 m

Ascent

-863' -263 m

Descent

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

11,387' 3,471 m

High

10,524' 3,208 m

Low

Shared By Tom Robson

Conditions

All Clear 59 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

“An easily accessible, high alpine lake trail surrounded by stunning aspens.”

— Tom Robson
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Campfires are not allowed. Camping is only permissible in this zone between December 1 and April 30. From May 1 through November 30, this area is day-use only.

Overview

This high alpine hike is readily accessible from the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, and thus is one of the most popular routes in the area.

If you can, be sure to hit this hike on a nice fall day. The aspens in this area are amazing!

Need to Know

The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

Description

The wooded Mitchell Lake Trail to Blue Lake enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness near the bridge across Mitchell Creek. It continues on a good trail for 0.5 miles to Mitchell Lake and crosses a bridge over the inlet.

Another 1.5 miles of trail takes you up a slope, then along the creek in an open valley to Blue Lake. This lake lies at tree line below Mount Toll (elevation 12,979 feet), a cone-shaped pinnacle on the Continental Divide. When snowy, it is very easy to lose the trail and close attention is necessary.

Flora & Fauna

Be on the lookout for pika, marmot, and moose! Additionally, this trail is great for fall aspen viewing.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho and Pike National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Oct 14, 2018
Sophia Vancouver
Beautiful hike. Lots of snow. Sunrise was amazing and a bunch of mini waterfalls. Saw moose! A mom and baby. 5.4mi
Oct 5, 2018
Cynthia B.
Sep 22, 2018
Alex Yates
Sep 18, 2018
Kristin Robinson
Sep 17, 2018
Rudy Brake
Sep 16, 2018
David Lucas
Beautiful trail at the base of Mount Audubon. Watch out for crowds on the weekend as far as parking. 3mi — 3h 00m
Sep 15, 2018
Gary Garrison
Sep 9, 2018
Mike Shannon
Amazing hike to Blue Lake. The aspens are starting to turn color and it is stunning. Fun rock traversing towards the end. 6mi — 3h 00m
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 41 votes

#2

in Brainard Lake Recreation Area

#75

Overall
  4.7 from 41 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Brainard Lake Recreati…

#26

in Colorado

#75

Overall
334 Views Last Month
15,760 Since Apr 26, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
2%
26%
62%
10%
0%
0%
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Photos

Early morning along the trail
Early morning along the trail
 3
A hiker, blocking the stunning view of Mount Audubon.
A hiker, blocking the stunning view of Mount Au…
 4
Blue Lake with Mt Toll
Blue Lake with Mt Toll
 4
The view from Beaver Creek Trail.
The view from Beaver Creek Trail.
 8
You can follow the trail around the north side of the lake and break free of the crowds
You can follow the trail around the north side…
 5
Blue Lake
Blue Lake
 5

0 Comments

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