Aug 24, 2018 — The Brainard Lake Trailhead is very popular, and for good reason. The Indian Peaks Wilderness is a gorgeous area and its proximity to Denver means the crowds congregate here. The trail leading to Mount Audubon is overall well-graded and well-traveled, and its swichbacks mean the grade is kept really moderate. The trail becomes rocky and the last few hundred feet get a lot more steep and introduce some light Class 2. This pretty Colorado 13er's summit has views toward the other peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Longs Peak in the distance.
I originally intended to do a traverse of Mount Audubon to Pawnee Peak, but the wind was so incredibly overwhelming that I could barely stand up on Mt. Audubon's summit, let alone a Class 3 ridgeline, so I returned a few weeks later for that route.
Please consider helping me out if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all site fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing these trip reports is unpaid. You can also hire me as a web developer. I really appreciate it!
If you find my site helpful, please help me replace my many broken cameras, fund my website fees (hosting, APIs, security), or just support my countless hours of work. I pay for all expenses myself, and all trip reports I post are unpaid and unsponsored, so any support is really appreciated!
If using PayPal, please select their option for "Sending to a friend" so they don't take out fees, thank you.
My site is free to use, but consider sending me a few bucks to help keep it running. Thanks in advance!