ProTrails

Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake

The short hike to Mitchell Lake and 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 on an un-maintained route to its headwaters at Little Blue Lake (11,833'), set just beneath Mount Toll's distinct 12,979' summit.

Related Trail Descriptions:
  
«Mitchell Creek»
Mitchell Creek
Mitchell CreekMitchell Lake (10,735') and Mt Audubon (13,223')Outlying ponds near Mitchell LakeCrystal clear ponds from glacial melt in the upper valleyBlue Lake (11,355') can hold ice and snow well into summerRising up the north side of Blue LakeA Marmot stands on granite between Blue Lake and Little Blue LakeBlue Lake may remain frozen well into the summerThe colorful shallows of an alpine pond above Blue LakeLittle Blue Lake (11,833'), located above Blue Lake, is accessible via an unimproved routeA massive glacier on the Continental DivideLooking down valley on Blue LakeA hiker treks across a snowfield towards Mt. Toll (12,979')Summer wildflowers on the way to Mt TollLooking east at Mitchell Lake and an adjacent pond