Mud Lake
Activity: Hike, SnowDificulty: Easy
Distance: 1.9 miles
Location: Nederland, CO
Description:
Mud Lake offered a perfectly easy hike for a snowy day. After a very warm fall, a hike in the snow was a great way to enjoy the first winter weather. The parking was easy and we were surprised there were very few cars in the lot. The trailhead included a large picnic pavillion, maps to take, and restrooms; another well equiped Boulder County Open Space.
We decided to hike both the Tungsten Loop and the Kinnikinnick Loop because Mud Lake offers short hikes with little elevation change. After a late start, we first set out on the Tungsten Loop and hiked all the way around and back to the car so we could have lunch. We ate under the picnic pavillion near the parking lot and trailhead. A repeat hike on the west shore of Mud Lake and part of Tungsten Loop took us to Kinnikinnick Loop. All the trails were well marked and there was enough traffic before us that the snow was tracked in.
The hike does not offer any amazing views of mountain vistas, and Mud Lake is fairly small. However, hiking through the forest of evergreens provided a peaceful experience. There were many groves of Aspen trees along the Kinnikinnick Loop and I am sure they would be beautiful any season. This hike did not dissapoint and was perfect for getting out in the snow and for visiting family members [more used to sea level oxygen]. Overall, we ended up hiking about 2.8 miles because we did the Tungsten Loop twice.
