Overview
Mount Audubon is the big rounded peak above Brainard Lake west of Boulder, one of the most popular hikes in the Indian Peaks. A trail climbs out of the forest and across tundra to a saddle north of the summit, then you climb a steep pile of talus to the broad top.
It is Class 2. The only tricky thing is not missing the left turn at the saddle.
The round trip is about 8 miles with 2,850 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be at the saddle by 10:30 a.m.
The steep talus above the saddle.
Easy. At the saddle, watch for the cairn marking the left turn into the talus; the main trail keeps going over the saddle toward Upper Coney Lake.
None above treeline. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Mitchell Lakes (Brainard Lake)
From Highway 72 about a mile north of Ward, turn west on the Brainard Lake road (America Street). After a little over 2 miles, pay at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area entrance; in summer you may need a timed-entry reservation, so check ahead. Drive 2 more miles to Brainard Lake and about 1 mile past it to the Mitchell Lakes trailhead, a big paved lot with restrooms. The Audubon trail starts at the upper end of the lot.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Mitchell Lakes (Brainard Lake). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →