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Mitchell and Blue Lakes Trail - 1 member in 2 triplogs has rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Aug 31 2018
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 Guides 14
 Routes 71
 Photos 474
 Triplogs 71

male
 Joined Nov 24 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Mitchell and Blue Lakes TrailCentral, CO
Central, CO
Hiking avatar Aug 31 2018
sventreTriplogs 71
Hiking5.40 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking5.40 Miles
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Even before arriving at the parking area, I was "greeted" by a huge bull moose not more than 10 feet from my vehicle. The trail is well-maintained and is heavily forested through the trek to Mitchell Lake. Once at the lake, depart the trail for a short distance in order to fully appreciate its span and the talus slopes that descend to its shoreline. Returning to the trail I continued the ascent up to and above the treeline, all the while listening to the waters that flow from Blue Lake; and, eventually spotting the lake itself after yet another rise in the trail. The trail itself ends at the lake, but skirting the water's edge I could continue up to the glacier. The vegetation at this elevation is low and dense in spots, clearly indicating I had entered into another climate zone. I passed fewer than half-dozen fellow hikers, but imagine the weekends are more popular. Given the relative remoteness of the area, I had expected to encounter more wildlife; but, all-in-all the proximity of that moose was enough for one day. This trail is definitely worth the effort expended, and I plan to return.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Oct 15 2016
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 Routes 26
 Photos 1,288
 Triplogs 124

66 male
 Joined Oct 28 2003
 Andover, NJ
Mitchell and Blue Lakes TrailCentral, CO
Central, CO
Hiking avatar Oct 15 2016
big_loadTriplogs 124
Hiking5.70 Miles 992 AEG
Hiking5.70 Miles   5 Hrs   7 Mns   1.26 mph
992 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
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This is a great little hike: in under three miles each way and only 1,000 feet of AEG, you get a string of alpine lakes, culminating in a gorgeous rocky cirque at Blue Lake.

Given the proximity to Denver, it's a busy trail, but we got an early start and beat most of the crowd. Much of the trail was iced over in the morning, but the sun warmed up quickly and it was more slush than ice on the way down. The surface was challenging for my host, Deborah (who also organized our Scotland hike in May), since her bad knees are even more problematic in slippery conditions. I'd probably budget about three hours for this hike under most conditions.
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  1 archive
average hiking speed 1.26 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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