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Mount Audubon (#913)
Length: Mitchell Lake Trailhead (TH) to Mount Audubon - 3.8 miles. DISTANCE IS ONE-WAY.
Elevation: 10,500 feet at the Mitchell Lake TH, 11,340 feet at Beaver Creek/Mount Audubon Trail Intersection; 13,223 feet at the top of Mount Audubon.
Trail Description: The Beaver Creek Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and climbs through the trees for 1.7 miles. The Mount Audubon Trail turns left (west).
The Mount Audubon Trail continues to climb above timberline. 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, follow the rock cairns up the talus to the summit.
National Weather Service Forecast. The weather can change quickly at high elevations especially after noon.
Click here for a trail summary.
View a trail map here.
At a Glance
| Fees: | Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically mid/late-June through late September). |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | This trail lies within the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area:
|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Best Season: | Hiking conditions are best from July through October |
| Restrictions: | Indian Peak Wilderness restrictions apply:
|
| Closest Towns: | Ward, Colorado |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace principles |
| Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |
General Information
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 Beaver Creek Trailhead.
Accessibility:
Due to its high elevation, the Brainard area is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The seasonally-open Brainard Lake Road may be open as late as November 14, but typically is closed due to snow by late October.