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Mount Audubon

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult
 4.4 (46)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Ward
  5. Brainard Lake Recreation Area
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“Summit one of Colorado's most beautiful 13ers through wildflowers and panoramic views. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.4

KM

Out and Back

13,187' 4,019 m

High

10,525' 3,208 m

Low

2,662' 811 m

Up

2,662' 811 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

55%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Campfires are not allowed. Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone from May 1 through November 30.

Overview

This route sits just in front of the Continental Divide and provides stunning views of both the Divide and its associated mountains, and the surrounding Front Range.

Due to its easily accessible nature, Mount Audubon is one of the more crowded hikes in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

Need to Know

This is the first trail west of Brainard Lake to become passable in the Spring. It can be done without special equipment in mid to late June. It is best to get an early start. Lightning and thunderstorms are common in the early afternoon.

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 Beaver Creek Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and climbs through the trees for
1.7 miles. Here, the Mount Audubon Trail turns left (west). Now above timberline, the Mount Audubon Trail continues to climb in a consistent manner with the exception of two somewhat steeper sections near the middle and end of the trail.

The developed trail ends at the saddle where there is a view down into the Coney Lake drainage. For the final mile and 600 vertical feet, follow the piles of rock (cairns) up the talus to the summit.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers, marmot, pika and moose.

Contacts

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

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 46 votes

#3

in Brainard Lake Recreation Area

#224

Overall
  4.4 from 46 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Brainard Lake Recreati…

#54

in Colorado

#224

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Photos

Early morning along the trail
Sep 6, 2018 near Nederland, CO
Looking toward Pawnee Pass from atop Audubon.
Jul 3, 2017 near Nederland, CO
The view from Beaver Creek Trail.
Apr 26, 2015 near Nederland, CO
View of Mitchell Lake early morning
Sep 6, 2018 near Nederland, CO
Sunrise looking over Brainard recreation area.
Jun 18, 2021 near Nederland, CO
Moose hiding in the marshy tundra.
Jun 18, 2021 near Nederland, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Sep 9, 2022
Edge
From Mitchell Lake Trailhead up Audubon, then over Paiute, Toll, Pawnee, to Pawnee Pass and out to Long Lake Trailhead. — 8h 30m
May 5, 2022
Nicolia Eldred-Skemp Tusicisny
Aug 9, 2020
Mike Langenkamp
10mi — 8h 00m
Jul 5, 2020
Dan Moody
Chased away by storm 3mi
Jul 3, 2020
Reed Harrington
Sumitted Paiute then traversed over to Audubon and decended to complete a loop.
Sep 22, 2019
Norse Bear
Aug 18, 2019
Andrea C
Aug 11, 2019
Sarah Megill

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