Mud Lake Open Space
Mud Lake Open Space is a free, 231-acre Boulder County open space just north of Nederland, with three short, easy loop trails in the cool high country above 8,000 feet, plus a lake, fishing, and winter ice skating.
Outdoor Boulder › Destinations › Mud Lake Open Space
Mud Lake quick facts
- Distance / loops
- Three short, easy loops: the Kinnickinnick Loop (1.1 miles), the Tungsten Loop (0.8 miles), and the Caribou Ranch Link (0.7 miles). Mix them for a longer, gentle outing.
- Elevation
- High country. The 231-acre property sits between roughly 8,250 and 8,600 feet, so it stays cooler than Boulder and the trails climb very little.
- Difficulty
- Easy. Boulder County rates all three trails easy, which makes Mud Lake a good family and beginner outing.
- Dogs
- Allowed on all trails, on leash. Boulder County Parks & Open Space requires pets to be leashed.
- Activities
- Hiking, mountain biking (designated trails only, no e-bikes), horseback riding, and fishing. In winter the county allows ice skating on the lake.
- Fee
- Free. Boulder County Parks & Open Space does not charge an entrance or parking fee. Day use only, open sunrise to sunset.
- Parking
- A trailhead lot with 31 car spaces, 2 ADA spaces (1 van accessible), and 4 horse-trailer spots. A restroom, picnic tables, and a large group shelter are at the trailhead.
- Best season
- Late spring through fall for wildflowers and easy walking; winter for ice skating and quiet, snowy trails. At 8,000-plus feet, summer stays noticeably cooler than town.
Mud Lake Open Space at a glance
Mud Lake is a 231-acre Boulder County open space in the montane high country just north of Nederland. It's an easy, unhurried place: a small lake ringed by forest, three short loop trails with almost no climbing, and a trailhead set up for families, with a restroom, picnic tables, and a big group shelter. Sitting between roughly 8,250 and 8,600 feet, it runs cooler than Boulder down the canyon, which makes it a welcome summer escape.
The trails: three easy loops
Boulder County rates all three Mud Lake trails easy. The Kinnickinnick Loop is the longest at 1.1 miles, the Tungsten Loop adds 0.8 miles, and the Caribou Ranch Link runs 0.7 miles. None of them ask for much elevation, so you can walk one on its own for a short outing or string them together for a gentle few miles. All three are open to hikers, leashed dogs, mountain bikes (designated trails only, and no e-bikes), and horses.
Fee, hours, and rules
Mud Lake is free: Boulder County Parks & Open Space does not charge an entrance or parking fee. It's a day-use property, open sunrise to sunset, with no camping and no open fires. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, bikes are allowed on designated trails only, and swimming is not allowed. In winter the county permits ice skating on the lake when conditions are safe.
Parking and the trailhead
The trailhead lot has 31 car spaces plus 2 ADA spaces (one van accessible) and 4 horse-trailer spots. You'll also find a restroom near the trailhead, several picnic tables, and a large 50-person group shelter that can be reserved through Boulder County. On busy summer weekends the lot can fill, so an earlier start helps.
Fishing and the lake
Fishing is allowed at Mud Lake, but the county notes the lake is not stocked, so actually catching a fish is unlikely. It's better thought of as a pretty place to cast a line or watch for wildlife than a reliable fishing hole. Swimming is not permitted. The water and surrounding forest make the property good habitat, and moose are among the animals seen here, so keep your distance and give them room.
The high country and best season
Because Mud Lake sits above 8,000 feet, wildflowers bloom later here than in town and the air stays cooler through summer. Late spring through fall is prime for easy walking and wildflowers; winter turns it quiet and snowy, with ice skating on the lake when it's safe. Whatever the month, the altitude is real, so bring layers, sun protection, and water, and expect the weather to change quickly.
Nearby trails and guides
- Nederland: the mountain town just down the road, with food, coffee, and the rest of the high-country trails.
- Brainard Lake: a bigger alpine day out northwest of Nederland, with lakes below the Indian Peaks.
- All hikes in Boulder: the full hiking hub, sorted by difficulty.
Recommended nearby
A few local spots we'd point a Mud Lake day toward.
[CLIENT SLOT: featured cafe in Nederland]
[One honest line: coffee or a bite in town before or after the trail.]
[CLIENT SLOT: featured outdoor shop near Nederland]
[One honest line: layers, traction, or trail snacks for the high country.]
[CLIENT SLOT: featured family stop near Nederland]
[One honest line: something to pair with an easy trail day.]
Mud Lake FAQ
How long are the trails at Mud Lake Open Space?
There are three short loops, all rated easy by Boulder County: the Kinnickinnick Loop (1.1 miles), the Tungsten Loop (0.8 miles), and the Caribou Ranch Link (0.7 miles). You can walk one on its own or combine them for a slightly longer, still-gentle day.
Is Mud Lake Open Space free?
Yes. Boulder County Parks & Open Space does not charge an entrance or parking fee at Mud Lake. It's a day-use property, open from sunrise to sunset, with no camping and no open fires.
Are dogs allowed at Mud Lake?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on all three trails, but they must be on a leash. Boulder County Parks & Open Space requires pets to be leashed throughout the property.
Can you fish or swim at Mud Lake?
Fishing is allowed, but the lake is not stocked, so catching anything is unlikely. Swimming is not allowed. In winter the county does permit ice skating on the lake when conditions are safe.
Is Mud Lake a good hike for families and beginners?
Yes. The loops are short, easy, and nearly flat, and the trailhead has a restroom, picnic tables, and a group shelter, so it suits kids and first-time hikers. Just remember it sits above 8,000 feet, so bring layers, sun protection, and water.
Sources
Facts on this page are drawn from these authoritative sources: