Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Mt. Audubon Trail #913

Mitchell Lake Trailhead to Mount Audubon is about 3.8 miles (one way) on this More to Most Difficult trail that is heavily used from June through October (open year round).

Elevations:

• Mitchell Lake Trailhead: 10,500'
• Beaver Creek/Mount Audubon Trail Intersection: 11,340'
• Mount Audubon: 13,223'

USGS Maps: Ward Quad

Trailhead Location: The Mitchell Lake Trailhead (sometimes called Mitchell Creek Trailhead), is within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, off of Highway 72, 13 miles north of Nederland, just north of the town of Ward. Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (County Road 102 and National Forest System Road 112 - closed at halfway point from late October through late June or early July). Travel approximately five miles on the paved road to Brainard Lake. The Mitchell Lake Trailhead is about half a mile up the right fork of a side road that turns off at the west end of Brainard Lake. The Beaver Creek Trail heads to the north out of the Mitchell Lake Trailhead, while the Mitchell Lake Trail heads west out of the same parking area.

Be careful around the Brainard Lake Recreation Area because of day use fees.

The Mount Audubon Trail turns left (west) off the Beaver Creek Trail #911, 1.7 miles from and 900 feet above, the Mitchell Lake Trailhead. The first portion of the Beaver Creek Trail is in the trees, but all of the Mount Audubon Trail lies above treeline, and inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The pace of the Mount Audubon Trail is consistent for the length of the trail, with the exception of two somewhat steeper sections; there is one pair of switchbacks near the middle of the trail, and one section near the end. Early in the summer a snowfield may obscure the first switchback of the middle set; look for the trail to the right (north) if you lose it. The developed trail ends at the saddle where there is a view down into the Coney Lake drainage. For the final half-mile and 600 vertical feet, just follow cairns up the talus to the summit. The more to most difficult rating of this trail is due to the high elevation and considerable elevation gain from the trailhead. It is best to get an early start on this peak; lightning and thunderstorms are common in the early afternoon.

Backcountry camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is by permit only. Permits are required for camping along this trail from June 1 to September 15. No camping is permitted to the south/west of this trail from May 1 to November 30. Contact the Boulder Ranger District (303-541-2500) for information.