Near Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back
Near Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back
Near Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back
Near Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back
Near Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back

4.6 (74 Ratings)
An easily accessible, high alpine lake trail surrounded by stunning aspens.
5.2
mi
Distance
928
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
LakeRiver/CreekViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Campfires are not allowed. Camping is only permissible in this zone between December 1 and April 30. From May 1 through November 30, this area is day-use only.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.24mi
Distance
928ft
Elevation Gain
928ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
11,355ft
High Point
10,493ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The wooded Mitchell Lake Trail to Blue Lake enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness near the bridge across Mitchell Creek. It continues on a good trail for 0.5 miles to Mitchell Lake and crosses a bridge over the inlet.Another 1.5 miles of trail takes you up a slope, then along the creek in an open valley to Blue Lake. This lake lies at tree line below Mount Toll (elevation 12,979 feet), a cone-shaped pinnacle on the Continental Divide. When snowy, it is very easy to lose the trail and close attention is necessary.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Mitchell Lake + Blue Lake

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easy
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Birding
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Mount Audubon Hike

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moderate
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Pawnee-Buchanan Loop

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Long Lake, Lake Isabelle + Pawnee Pass

Hike Route

Long Lake, Lake Isabelle + Pawnee Pass

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+2,182 ft
Isabelle Glacier Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

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Fall Colors
strenuous
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+1,875 ft
Contributors
Tom Robson