Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake

Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake

Scenic Blue Lake lies in an exquisite bowl, encircled by four majestic Indian Peaks. Of the many lakes called Blue Lake in Colorado, this one in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is my nominee for most scenic. After passing lovely Mitchell Lake, the trail crosses flowing streams, their banks luxuriant with kings crown and other water-loving plants, before arriving at Blue Lake, lying in a exquisite bowl at timberline encircled by four majestic Indian Peaks: Pawnee Peak, Mount Toll, Paiute Peak and Mount Audubon. Mount Toll is especially striking; its dramatic cliffs forming an impressive backdrop for the lake. The peak, once known as "The Hatchet" among others, was named in 1945 for Roger Toll, the first superintendent of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park and who wrote the first guidebook to this area. This is a very popular hiking spot and excellent for families. During the summer, the Brainard Lake access to the wilderness is a fee area.

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