Leaving Denver around 6:15am, I timed my departure perfectly for a golden sunrise as I drove past the Boulder Flatirons. I soon arrived at Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which is directly north of Nederland. At 10,000', I caught the first leaves on the aspen trees beginning their annual transformation to bright yellow. Red and I were also impressed by the maintenance of the recreation area--no dirt roads in sight!
I set off from Mitchell Lake Trailhead by 7:45am, hiking first through a forested area.
At the 1-mile marker, the trail crosses Mitchell Lake's inlet on a long footbridge and steepens into the valley's center. The lake occupies a marshy flat at the base of Mt. Audubon.
Blue Lake's outlet pools up in several places along the way, forming a string of large ponds. Moose are common in the area, typically in late summer-early fall after passes along the Continental Divide have cleared.
I sadly did not spot any moose, but did cross paths with a noisy marmot!
The trail continues toward a stunning alpine backdrop. I could only imagine the terrain blanketed in flowers during the summer.
At 2.5 miles, the trail clears treeline by a wide cascade and crests on the east shore of Blue Lake (11,355').
The open shore offers room to explore and a complete view of the upper valley, including Little Pawnee Peak, Mt. Toll, and 13ers Paiute Peak and Mt. Audubon.
Unmaintained routes continue on to Upper Blue Lake, Mt. Toll, and Paiute Peak. However, I was content to enjoy the quiet stillness surrounding the lake.
When I reluctantly headed back for the return journey, I quickly began shedding layers as the morning grew warmer.
I was back at the trailhead by 11:30am, clocking just shy of 6 miles in nearly 4 hours (though it's doable in 3). It will certainly be remembered as a favorite; a relatively short and easy hike with 830' elevation gain that is enjoyable from start to finish.
With no agenda in mind, I considered attempting the short neighbor hike to Lake Isabelle. That is, until I saw that the trailhead had filled up by this time of day--a sure sign that it would not be nearly as serene as my first hike. So instead, I stopped by Brainard Lake on my drive out of the recreation area.
I am excited to return to the Indian Peaks Wilderness for future adventures!
On my way through Boulder, I stopped at Boulder Beer Company, which--after a recent visit to RiNo's Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company--brings my CO brewery total to #47.
