Susan Kelly, Nederland. Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, but this Memorial Day, we find ourselves at war against COVID-19.  That said, staying at home, quarantining, and social distancing can really get on one’s nerves!  Working from home, no work, online school, Zoom meetings, cancelled festivals, concerts, vacations, weddings, and family reunions; the closures of restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concert venues, and fitness centers—all of this has inspired folks to get out of the house and explore nature.  Thus, parks and hiking trails have spiked in popularity.  Will out-of-towners, looking for a piece of nature and tranquility, spread the virus?  Maybe, but not at Mud Lake. This Memorial Day weekend, Mud Lake remained quiet, serene, and COVID-19 safe.

Mud Lake is located two miles north of Nederland and is surrounded by 233 acres of wilderness that provides year-round recreation for hikers, mountain bikers, birdwatchers, and horseback riders. Here you can find the Tungsten and Kinnickinnick Loops, 2.7 miles of easy trails with minimal elevation change—perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors but not get too strained. 

Saturday, May 23, marked the beginning of Memorial Day weekend.  It was one of those cool overcast days when the sun sneaks out in between droplets of rain.  From the Sunnyside neighborhood in Nederland (near the Community Center), a marked path leads the way up to the Elementary School and then a short walk connects with the Kinnickinnick Trail, which connects to the Tungsten Trail, Mud Lake, and the parking lot.   

What was it like? A few hikers, bicyclers, and dog walkers enjoyed the trail as well as some picnickers along the shore of the lake, all keeping within social distancing guidelines.  The parking lot had room to spare, and the bathrooms were open and clean.  A perfect place to enjoy the outdoors!  Mud Lake may not have the dramatic views or extreme challenges that other Colorado trails offer, but as William Shakespeare once said, “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” 

(Originally published in the May 28, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)