In July of 2006, Mud Lake - originally known as Muskee Lake - was made an official Open Space Park by Boulder County officials. Located just 2 miles north of Nederland, Colorado, scenic Mud Lake is surrounded by 233 acres of pristine wilderness that provide year-round recreation for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

This flat, wide and easy trail is popular with mountain bikers

The lake is very peaceful in the morning

Aspens will provide a colorful backdrop in the fall

The backside of the trail yields unabated views of the high peaks

To protect wildlife, no boating, swimming or fishing is allowed at Mud Lake