Mount Audubon and Paiute East

This route sits just in front of the Continental Divide and provides stunning views of both the Divide and its associated mountains, and the surrounding Front Range.Due to its easily accessible nature, Mount Audubon is one of the more crowded hikes in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. However, heading over the ridge to Paiute is MUCH quieter and almost no one continues on. However, if you're not an experienced hiker, don't risk the hike over to Paiute. The Beaver Creek Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and climbs through the trees for1.7 miles. Here, the Mount Audubon Trail turns left (west). Now above timberline, the Mount Audubon Trail continues to climb in a consistent manner with the exception of two somewhat steeper sections near the middle and end of the trail. The developed trail ends at the saddle where there is a view down into the Coney Lake drainage. For the final mile and 600 vertical feet, follow the piles of rock (cairns) up the talus to the summit.From the wind shelters at the summit of Mt. Audubon (there are at least five as of this writing), continue west down a broad slope of easy talus to the saddle at 12,600 feet. Now the real fun begins! Climb up as close to the ridge as possible on a reddish stone "sidewalk." The hiking is not difficult, but it's very exposed with steep slopes several thousand feet tall on both sides into lake-studded valleys. In a couple places you'll find much harder terrain on the ridgetop and in all cases you should deviate left (south) not right! At no spot will you need to do more than some Class 3 (easy hands-and-feet scrambling).Paiute is a complicated peak with several high-points. I believe the western one (across a small notch) is the highest. Enjoy the view in all directions and contemplate your place in the universe.Return via the traverse to sit smugly among the tourists on Audubon or choose another route. The north and west faces are jagged cliffs and not a good option. The south ridge is much less difficult than it looks and, via a long bit of scree and talus (or snow in season) descent, will bring you to Blue Lake for a great tour of the area.