Mud Lake
Darby's Favorite Reasons to Love this Hike:
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Close to Nederland, this hike is great for a short .5 mile around Mud Lake, continue to the Tungsten Loop (.8 miles) and connect to Kinnickinnick Loop (1.1 miles) for a longer excursion. The entire trail is easy; no switchbacks, elevation gain, or boulders to increase difficulty. The trail continues and connects to the Caribou Ranch Link (.5 miles), but no doggies allowed on this trail.
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Walk through the firs and pines of this section of the Roosevelt National Forest. Perfect place for spring through autumn hiking, when the tree coverage helps block out the sun and the wind, and in the winter when there is snow on the ground. The trees are well marked for snow shoeing.
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Kids will love the Wild Bear Nature Center and the Linnea Loop Trail, where they can learn all about the animals that inhabit the region, and the Kids Nature Detective Guide, a self-guided learning adventure for the whole family. Find out more about the Wild Bear Nature Center events here.
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Birders will love this area: raptors, sparrows, wren, owls, warblers, woodpeckers, swallows, shore birds, and many more. For a complete list check out this link.
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You can fish at the lake, but it isn't stocked. Just hang out at the shore, or walk the short trail around it (about half mile).
County: Boulder
Starting Elevation and Gain: 8200', gain 131 feet around Kinnickinnick Loop
Skill Level: Easy
Dogs, bikes, and horses: Yes, dogs on leash. Bikes, yes-especially Caribou Ranch Trail. Yes horses.
Bathrooms: yes, in the parking lot
Picnic Tables: Yes, and a shelter (reserve here)
Directions: From Boulder: West on Canyon Blvd (CO119) 27 miles to Nederland and Hwy &2. Go around the roundabout and head West Hwy 72 toward Allenspark. About 2.7 miles you will see a sign to make a left turn for Mud Lake. Make a left and another left into the parking lot. Come early, it fills up on the weekend. Trail Map
