Mount Audubon via Beaver Creek Trail: A Mid-October 13er Hike in Colorado

Oct 18

ABSTRACT

Hike Mount Audubon via Beaver Creek Trail this mid-October. Experience a challenging 13er in Colorado with alpine lakes, light traffic, and high-altitude endurance training.

Keywords

Mount Audubon hike
Colorado high altitude hikes
Beaver Creek Trail
Mount Audubon Trail
Brainard Lake Trailhead
Mitchell Lake Trailhead
Mid-October Colorado hikes
13er hikes in Colorado
Light traffic hikes Colorado
Alpine lakes in Colorado
Class 1 scramble
Endurance training hikes
Late October hiking Colorado
Mount Audubon via Beaver Creek
Paiute Peak
Best Colorado hikes
Exposed hikes Colorado
High-altitude endurance training

Colorado Hikes: Mount Audubon via Beaver Creek and Mount Audubon Trail

Time of Year: Mid-October.

Weather: 38 degrees and sunny at 8:45 am, 51 degrees and sunny at

Cover: 90% exposed.

Time: 8:31 am - 1:41 pm.

Distance: 10.22 miles total.

Cost: Yes; reservations required. Otherwise, you’ll need to add 4 miles to and from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/recreation/?cid=FSEPRD1092233)

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Hard level 1 for altitude (13209 feet), elevation gain (2927 feet), and length (10.22 miles); class 1.

Route: Brainard Lake Trailhead to Mitchell Lake Trailhead Connector Trail to Beaver Creek Trail to Mount Audubon Trail to the summit and back.

Traffic: Light.

Parking: 80% full by 830 am.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack

Terrain: A dry dirt path with sections of rocks and a couple of class 1 scrambles up Mount Audubon.

Experience: Any hike above 11000 feet is a bonus in late October (especially without snow). Although I now know that the Mitchell Lake Trailhead reservation is ideal, the Brainard Lake Trailhead provides extra distance at little cost and additional views. Like Mount Flora in Berthoud Pass, Mount Audubon is an approachable 13er for less experienced but ambitious hikers. After passing Brainard Lake, you begin your climb gradually. Once you pass the treeline, you’ll see a number of alpine lakes, including Lake Isabelle and Mitchell Lake. The final ascent up Mount Audubon is two modest scrambles. The rewarding views and minimal traffic make this trail a gem.

Personal Trainer Notes: This hike is perfect for my personal training clients who want to improve their endurance without a technical approach. As I mentioned, the reservation will dictate the mileage. For the most ambitious, you can convert this out-and-back trail into a loop and check off the class 3-13er, Paiute Peak.

**Mitchell Lake Trailhead Connector Trail**

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!