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Mud Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 413 Google reviews · Running trail in Nederland, Colorado · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mud Lake's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family-friendly park featuring a peaceful lake surrounded by aspen and pine trees, as well as picnic tables and hiking trails.
What runners say about Mud Lake
“This is a great place to relax— expect to take a stroll in beautiful wooded areas, to see birds, wildflowers, & a small body of water.”
“It was so peaceful here there is a beautifully large pavilion where you can enjoy a picnic lunch, and I was even able to hike here even with a surgical boot on.”
Great hike for families with kids and dogs. There are options for a shorter loop or longer loop depending on your kids skill level. The path is a groomed gravel path, easy to walk with one of your kids and hold their hand if need be. We saw fresh moose tracks by the lake, didn’t see the moose this time.
Beautiful spot to take your pup or best friend for a walk 😁 the trails are very obviously marked, and there is no elevation. This is a super nice place for someone who would like to get some fresh air and sunlight with their light stroll
Such a beautiful destination, recently short hike in the beautiful aspens and pine trees. It was so peaceful here there is a beautifully large pavilion where you can enjoy a picnic lunch, and I was even able to hike here even with a surgical boot on. A great place for reflection and peace.
Short dirt drive from peak to peak highway. Just follow signs. Plenty of parking and a restroom. Few shaded picnic spots. Hike from parking to lake is around 5 mins and the loop is around 30 mins. There's a nice bench seat on the west shore for relaxing
Trail conditions & character
“This is a great place to relax— expect to take a stroll in beautiful wooded areas, to see birds, wildflowers, & a small body of water.”
“There are vault toilets at the trailhead and a few spots for picnicking near the lake.”
“It was so peaceful here there is a beautifully large pavilion where you can enjoy a picnic lunch, and I was even able to hike here even with a surgical boot on.”
“Mud Lake is one of my favorite places to take my dog and toddler in the summer.”
“There are options for a shorter loop or longer loop depending on your kids skill level.”
“There are options for a shorter loop or longer loop depending on your kids skill level.”
“Most of the trail around Mud Lake is easily accessible.”
“There is a small part of the trail that is pretty rocky and might be difficult for some.”
Plan your run at Mud Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebouldercounty.gov
- Phone+1 303-678-6200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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