Blue Lake — Attraction in Nederland

The Blue Lake trail, 6 miles out & back from Mitchell Lake TH, is absolutely amazing in Summer. Once you cross Mitchell Lake, the trail gets steeper and moderately difficult. However, we hiked it with a toddler this weekend, so not very bad! The trail has lots of good views of meadows and mountains. You will cross ponds, lakes, and wild flowers. We spotted a Moose as well. There were patches of snow as we got closer to the Blue Lake. The altitude gain is appreciable from the trail-head. The water in the lake was freezing cold. So at least in July month, taking a dip in the water, although enticing, may not be possible. If possible hike up to the adjacent hill to get a good view of the lake and surrounding mountains. TIP - A good bug spray is a must on this trail. Even with high deet formula sprayed, there were so many mosquitoes buzzing around us that it was annoying. I cannot imagine what would happen without...

Rude, Arrogant!

The lady and the guy working at the gate were very aggressive. Its normal to be confused until when we need a reservation in the area.

I went hiking in Isabelle lake last week and purchased a reservation but no one was working that morning. So I thought theyre done for the season.

I drove there again today excited because its my day off and I thought to spend it up there with my dogs.

The guys was rude to me and yelled at me to turn around and didn’t let me speak or clarify to me until when is the reservation or at least just give a suggestion where to go since I cant kept driving.

I am not planning to keep driving if im not allowed but I think they should have a better approach to travelers and...

This is my favorite hikes in Colorado, and Blue Lake is the prettiest of the 3-4 lakes you see along the hike (Brainard, Mitchell, Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake). I would strongly recommend making the hike to Blue Lake, but be aware that the parking lots fill up by 8a on weekends. I got there at 6:30 on a Saturday and they were already filling up the overflow (day use) lot rather than the trailhead lot. The trail is quite easy as far as this lake, but gets more difficult if you go to the upper lake (some scrambling may be required to get to the upper lake). But even if you just make it this far you'll see some amazing sites.

Unfortunately I didn't see any moose or marmots while I was...