Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trailhead

I’m almost embarrassed I hadn’t heard of this lake until just a couple months ago, BUT thanks to a geotag and an “Instagram friend”, experiencing the grandeur of this lake located in Indian Peaks Wilderness has now made it one of my new local favorites.  And despite the love-hate relationship with social media, this hike underscored the positive nature of it. 

This hike was spent with Kristin of www.RaisingHikers.com and @RaisingHikers (on Instagram), who is absolutely one of the best hiking companions.  She’s also co-authoring 50 Hikes with Kids: Colorado, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy once it hits the press!  

Even though we had initially only chatted through Instagram, meeting in-person was like meeting an old friend.  We spent the whole morning together on this trail yet it passed like a blink—we just clicked!  It made the exertion of a 6-mile hike feel insignificant, while renewing my hope in humanity.  Now disclaimer: I’m not suggesting you go meeting random strangers from social media in the real world, lest you meet a sociopathic murderer.  So just please always use sound judgement and implement internet safety measures. 

OK, back to the trail!  It was a beautiful Autumn morning when we arrived at the trailhead just before sunrise.  Nothing’s better than sunrise hikes, amirite?! The day is fresh, plus you beat the crowds.  

There was plenty of parking at Brainard Lake parking lot, which is something you can count on because of the mandatory parking reservation system. It only applies during high season (late June to mid Oct.). sure to check the link below and have a copy of the permit handy so you aren’t turned away by the Ranger Station and forced to park miles away from the trailhead.  Note there is a $14 fee associated (as of Sept. 2021).  Here’s the link: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087515/ticket/10087516. 

As we travelled up the mild incline of the trail, there seemed to be so much to admire.  From the pine forests early on, to ponds and lakes and moose-filled meadows, to the expansive mountain tundra and peaks at Blue Lake—it’s a visual feast!  However, for those unwilling/unable to make the trek all the way up to Blue Lake, they may opt to conclude the hike at Mitchell Lake.  Mitchell Lake is only about a mile in (or 1.8 miles out & back) with a nominal 223 ft. elevation gain, so it’s perfect for all skill levels—including little ones.  Yet, it has BIG views,  with a river that flows in and out of the lake, but requires minimal effort. 

From Mitchell Lake, it’s another 2 miles up to Blue Lake, but it doesn’t feel like it.  The incline is pretty gradual and the landscape varied.  Plus, if you’re like us, you’ll probably glimpse some pretty incredible wildlife.  Between Mitchell and Blue Lakes, creeks and ponds pepper the meadows that moose claim as prime real estate.  Luckily we encountered a moose at a safe distance, but they’ve been known to linger near the trail too.  While they’re majestic creatures, they’re known to be very aggressive if feeling threatened.  Be cautious and don’t get too close.

Once we made the final ascent to Blue Lake, we were blown away with the scale.  It’s like walking into a giant bowl. And the lake is indeed, as the name claims, a very deep blue.  We watched it turn more turquoise as the sun rose while we ate our picnic lunch, perched on a smooth boulder at the lake’s midpoint on the north side (just off the trail).  If we were to do it again though, we would have positioned ourselves closer to the plunging waterfall located at the far end of the lake.  Unfortunately, the windchill kicked in and we called the day.

Had it been slightly warmer, maybe we would have explored further up to Little Blue Lake too (only .6 miles further).  Or perhaps we would have opted to climb Paiute Peak (13,012 ft.) if feeling invigoratingly venturesome.  Either way, this trail system offers so many choices for a range of skill and energy levels…so maybe next time!