Glaciers and running water sculpt the land in different ways; streams tend to cut winding curves and V-shaped valleys, while glaciers carve nearly straight valleys with broader U-shapes
Moderate-looking grades over Blue Lake conceal uneven, oft-rugged terrain leading to the upper valley
The steep push over Blue Lake levels in a rocky basin at Little Blue Lake under Mt Toll
View of Paiute Peak (13,088'), just north of Mt Toll's across a rocky saddle
Columbine are found in thick bunches between Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake
The cross-country route to Mt Toll continues two miles over Blue Lake (11,355')
Lengthy snowfields between Upper Blue Lake and the southwest corner of the valley are fun but potentially hazardous stretches
A social trail rounds the north shore of Blue Lake before fading into the landscape
The summit offers a great look across the spine of the Continental Divide
Looking down-valley at Mt Audubon and Blue Lake from the saddle beneath Mt Toll
Outlying ponds near Mitchell Lake are good places to look for moose
Paiute Peak (13,088' - left), Upper Blue Lake, and Mt Audubon (13,223' - right)
Upper Blue Lake (11,833'), a worthwhile destination in itself
Marmot and ptarmigan are common sights in the rocky tundra above Blue Lake
Blue Lake's outlet and Mt Toll
Westerly views from the expansive saddle beneath Mt Toll's summit
Transitioning through treeline in the lower valley between Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake
Rolling snow bowls between Upper Blue Lake and Mt Toll
The route scales a steep wall in the southwest corner of the valley to reach the saddle beneath Mt Toll
Grasses and sedges occupy nutrient-rich soil beds in the alpine tundra ecosystem
Looking northwest across Rocky Mountain National Park near the summit of Mt Toll
The route levels off momentarily on the broad saddle beneath Mt Toll
Unless technically proficient, aim for dry land on the final ascent to Mt Toll
The alpine tundra ecosystem ranges from 11,000' to Colorado's highest peaks
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