Trail Description

NEW - Add Trail Comments & Share Photos

The short hike to Blue Lake vividly captures all that's noteworthy in the Indian Peaks Wilderness: an idyllic alpine landscape, prolific wildflowers, tumbling waterfalls and intimate views of the area's most impressive peaks. While Mitchell and Blue lakes are the trail's main attraction, the verdant, stream-crossed valley above which Blue Lake lies is itself a worthwhile destination. The adventurous can continue beyond Blue Lake along an un-maintained route to its headwaters at Little Blue Lake (11,833'), set just beneath Mount Toll's distinct 12,979' summit.

Notable en route is the ecological transition between subalpine forests, treeline and alpine tundra. High elevations, cold temperatures and short growing seasons have a profound effect on tree and plant communities. Take note of changing growth patterns and specie composition as you scale the valley. Below Mitchell Lake are dense spruce-fir glades; a slight rise in elevation sees a rapidly thinning forest comprised of a stunted form of spruce called krummholz - a German word for twisted wood. Higher up-valley wooded vegetation disappears altogether, replaced by the alpine tundra’s hardy willow thickets, grasses, mosses and lichens that surround Blue Lake.

The trail begins on a wide path through tranquil spruce forest, rising gently for .4 miles to Mitchell Creek (.4 miles : 10,646’). A few steps beyond the crossing you'll officially enter the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and follow Mitchell Creek to Mitchell Lake's southeast shore (.9 miles : 10,725').

Mitchell Lake fills a broad, marshy basin at the foot of Mt Audubon’s (13.223’) massive, talus-strewn southern flank. The wide valley and diminutive forests ahead afford terrific views in all directions, particularly west toward the Continental Divide. Mount Toll’s 12,979’ conical peak rises prominently above all others. Positioning yourself on the lake’s northeast corner yields a partial view of Little Pawnee Peak (12,466’).

In 1.1 (10,764') miles you'll cross one of Mitchell Lake's main inlets on a rudimentary foot footbridge. The logs can be quite slippery, especially during spring runoff. Once across, the trail climbs more deliberately in a rapidly thinning forest while edging toward the valley's center with improving views of awaiting grandeur. Aesthetic highlights include the valley's many outlying ponds, streams and ubiquitous wildflowers.

The trail breaches treeline in about 2.25 miles, though patches of krummholz can still be found scattered about the upper-valley. The remainder of the trail is well maintained, lingering snow and overgrowth notwithstanding. Large cairns and an intuitive path should make navigating these final steps fairly simple.

Blue Lake (2.55 miles : 11,355') occupies a rock cirque framed by Pawnee Peak, Mount Toll and Paiute Peak (13,088'). The southern shoreline is rugged and not easily traversed; social trails on Blue Lake's north side have fewer obstructions and provide the most direct and commonly used route to Little Blue Lake.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 05.001 W105 34.910 - Mitchell Lake Trailhead

• N40 05.145 W105 35.309 - .4 miles : Cross Mitchell Creek

• N40 05.215 W105 35.669 - .9 miles : Mitchell Lake

• N40 05.200 W105 35.836 - 1.1 miles : Cross Mitchell Lake inlet

• N40 05.204 W105 36.213 - 1.5 miles : Rising into center of valley

• N40 05.070 W105 36.702 - 2.0 mile mark

• N40 05.240 W105 36.870 - 2.35 miles : Approaching lake

• N40 05.308 W105 37.050 - 2.55 miles : Blue Lake

Worth Noting

• Blue Lake is one of four lakes in the Indian Peaks' 4 Lake Travel Zone (the others are Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle). Given their heavy day-use, no summer camping is permitted in the lake vicinities.



• As with many Indian Peaks trails, the route to Blue Lake can be wet, muddy and snow covered well into summer. Easy to lose in these conditions, be patient with trail-finding and avoid trampling delicate vegetation.



• Though not very common east of the Continental Divide, moose have been spotted in this area. Elk can be observed on higher ridgelines, while marmots are frequently seen along the trail.

Camping and Backpacking Information

• Permits are required for all overnight campers June 1 - September 15.



• Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use by large groups (8+) or organizational groups such as scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs.



• Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined.



• Campfires are prohibited east side of the Continental Divide, as well as Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.



• Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times.



• Camping is permitted only at designated campsites in the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones.



• Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone (Mitchell, Blue, Long, Isabelle) May 1 - Nov 30.



• Camping is prohibited within 100’ of lakes, streams and trails.



• Packstock are prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, in the Cascade Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls and on the Diamond Lake Trail #975.

Rules and Regulations

• There is a $9 fee to enter the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Use the self-service pay station if no attendant is on duty. Fees, Parking, Pet, Camping and Trespassing regulations are strictly enforced.



• Dogs must be leashed at all times on trails within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

Directions to Trailhead

Blue Lake is accessed from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, located off of CO 72 (13 miles north of Nederland, just northwest of the town of Ward).

From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road. In 2.7 miles you'll reach a pay station. Use the self-service pay station if no attendant is on duty. Continue another 3.1 miles on the paved road to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead. This road is closed at the halfway point from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow).

Contact Information

Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301

Visitor Information
303.541.2500