USA Little blue lake

Try this 6.6-mile out-and-back trail near Ward, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

This route takes you to Mitchell Lake, Blue Lake, Little Blue Lake, several other streams, and a few small ponds. The often abundant wildlife and wildflowers on this route offer great opportunities for photographs. You'll also get a view of the magnificent Continental Divide. In the winter months, the trail is typically covered in snow. Snow travel equipment such as snowshoes are required in order to adventure on this route during the winter months. Blue Lake itself is just above the treeline.

You'll start by heading to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area parking lot and follow signs to Mitchell Lake Trailhead. Park at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead and follow this gorgeous path through the pine trees to a beautiful alpine lake.

Capturing a lake with such pristine reflections and vibrant colors requires careful planning and technique. The best time to shoot is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky, casting warm, golden light and reducing harsh shadows. For a perfect mirror-like effect, it's essential to shoot when the water is calm, typically before the wind picks up later in the day.

A tripod is crucial for stability, especially when using a small aperture to maintain a deep depth of field. It also helps eliminate camera shake, which is particularly important for long exposures. A circular polarizing filter can enhance the deep blues of the sky and water while reducing glare and reflections on the surface, making it a useful tool for capturing the lake’s clarity and contrast against the surrounding landscape.

When composing the shot, aligning the horizon near the center of the frame can create a strong sense of symmetry with the reflection. Including foreground elements like rocks or shoreline details adds depth and leads the viewer’s eye into the scene. Experimenting with different angles and perspectives, such as getting lower to the ground, can further emphasize reflections and create a more immersive composition.

Camera settings play a significant role in achieving sharp and well-balanced images. Using an aperture between f/8 and f/16 ensures a greater depth of field, while keeping the ISO low, around 100 or 200, helps reduce noise. Shutter speed adjustments depend on the use of filters or the amount of available light, but maintaining a properly balanced exposure is key.

To visit Little Blue Lake (part of the Blue Lake Trail), start at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, hike 2.5 miles (one-way) to Blue Lake, and then continue to Little Blue Lake, a short distance further.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Location:
Little Blue Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, near the Continental Divide.
Trail:
The primary way to access Little Blue Lake is via the Mitchell Lake Trail #912.
Starting Point:
The trail starts at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead, which is accessed from the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area:
From Nederland, drive 12 miles north on Colorado Highway 72 to the town of Ward, then look for a sign for the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and turn west onto County Road 102.
Mitchell Lake Trailhead:
From the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, follow signs to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking area.
Hiking to Blue Lake:
The Mitchell Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile hike (one-way) to Blue Lake.
Blue Lake to Little Blue Lake:
From Blue Lake, Little Blue Lake is a short distance further along the trail.
Important Notes:
Campfires are not allowed .
Camping is only permitted: in this zone between December 1 and April 30.
From May 1 through November 30, this area is day-use only .
Additional permit requirements exist for large (8-12 persons) and organized groups .
In the winter months, the trail is typically covered in snow, and snow travel equipment such as snowshoes are required