Kinnickinnick Loop

Mud Lake Open Space is a 230+ acre area located just north of Nederland containing a high-altitude reflective pool and beautiful forests. The area is best explored on foot and there are 5 different trails here. One of the most popular trails is the Kinnickinnick Loop.The Kinnickinnick Loop is a 1.2 mile trail but, unless accessing it from Indian Peaks Drive, you'll also need to hike the Tungsten Loop thus adding another mile to your journey.The trail is relatively mellow with only a few short sections with a bit of elevation gain. You'll pass through some lovely young Aspen groves, and also pine and fir forest. Be sure to also keep an eye open for wildlife as Elk, Moose and Black Bear all live in the area.There are a couple of great viewpoints offering vistas toward some of the high mountain peaks in the distance. Two of these viewpoints have a bench making for a lovely place to sit, rest and enjoy the view.If hiking the trail in conjunction with the Tungsten Loop, you'll start and end via the connector pathway between the two trails.Note that all the trails within the Mud Lake Open Space are open to hiking, bicycling, horses and dogs on leash. During the winter months you may also snowshoe or ski.