Yesterday I hiked to Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.  In my humble opinion Blue Lake is one of the prettiest spots in Colorado.  I would never venture to call it, or anywhere, "the prettiest spot" because there are so many, but this would make the list.   The hike is relatively short, 2.5 miles one way, with an elevation gain of just over 800 feet.  Blue Lake sits at the base of Mt. Toll (elevation 12,979 ft).  Across the lake waterfalls cascade from the snow melt, and this high country body of water still has ice flows.  Blue lake is aptly named given it's deep sapphire color which I was unable to capture. 

Here's some of the details of the hike:  I arrived at the Trailhead mid-afternoon Sunday.  Rain and hail storms cleared out the Brainard Lake area prior to our arrival, which made parking easy, and the trails almost empty.   The first mile is wooded, wet and very lush.  The trees are healthy, the undergrowth full of ferns, wild flowers and small streams.  As I exit the forest we are on the banks of Lake Mitchell.  It's a large shallow body of water in a rocky basin. 

The trail then climbs through a rocky ravine (again full of wildflowers) and the trees become more sparse and gnarled.  As I climb higher branches only grow on one side of the tree due to the winds that blow off the divide almost non-stop.  Then, the trees stop being trees become bushes.

And, then I was almost at tree line, and the tundra.  The wildflowers are still profuse, and much smaller.  Below is a little bouquet, including White Indian Paintbrush.

I keep climbing.....:

Finally, I arrive at the lake.  My heart and spirit is light and bright.  Below is Me having a snack overlooking the lake and the ice flows: