Mitchell Lake Trailhead
One of the most popular trailheads on the Boulder Ranger District, Mitchell Lake Trailhead is located at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Trailhead hosts are available to answer questions on summer weekends. This trailhead provides access to Mitchell Lake, Mount Audubon and Beaver Creek trail within the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailhead are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness Regulations and permit requirements.
General Information
View a COTREX map.
This trailhead accesses the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, which requires camping permits for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15. Day-hiking permits are free year round.
Pack animals (horses/llamas) and recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) is prohibited, as is being on trails posted as closed.
May 1 - Nov 1: Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times; when open, developed camping is only allowed at Pawnee Campground (no camping in closed campgrounds); dispersed camping is only allowed north of the South St Vrain Creek.
Nov 15 - Apr 30: Motorized vehicles are prohibited; dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads; camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake; skis only on Little Raven and CMC Ski Trail.
Camping and campfires are prohibited within the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone.
Fishing and hunting is permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Day Use:
$16 per 1-day personal vehicle
$9 per 1- day motorcycle
$38 per 1-day Multi-passenger van
Day Use Area (Passenger Vehicle) Per vehicle, per day $16
Day Use Area (Up to 15-Person Van) Per vehicle, per day $38
Day Use Area (Bus) Per vehicle, per day $61
Day Use Area (Motorcycles) Per vehicle, per day $9
Day Use Area (Cyclists & Pedestrian Access) Per person, per day $0 Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically late June through mid-October.
May 1 - Nov 1: Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Nov 15 - Apr 30: Dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 40.0831
Longitude: -105.5817
Directions
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal, and continue another three miles to Mitchell Creek Trailhead.
Parking
Parking is available for 60 vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
