Mitchell Lake Trail Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This high alpine run is readily accessible from the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, and thus is one of the most popular routes in the area.

The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

This is not be an ideal route for running. From the get-go there are large boulders that fill the trail surface. So, unless you're someone who likes technical trail running, you might want to avoid this route.

Be careful and courteous when passing other pedestrians - you'll encounter many hikers on this route!

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.

Be on the lookout for pika, marmot, and moose!