Trip Report
Day Hike - Brown Mountain
An enjoyable hike up to a less travelled trail to scenic alpine lakes and Brown Mountain for great views and of the surrounding Sunrise area of MRNP.
Robert Swann
- Wed, Sep 17, 2025
- Palisades Lakes
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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The main trail is well maintained with an easy grade. There's only one brief steeper section. The climber's trail up to the summit is steep and rough with some loose rocks. It'll be slow going until it flattens out becomes easier near the summit.
We started from the Sunrise Point parking lot at about 9:00 AM. We encountered only a hand full of people along the trail and were out about five hours. It was a bit hazy from the wildfire smoke but we had decent views of the area. Be aware there is some elevation loss on the way in that you'll have to regain on the way out. Only about 500 feet or so. Flowers were mostly done for the year, but there were still some blueberries (huckleberries) available. Upper Palisades Lake was quite pleasant. Over all a nice day hiking out to a nice lake and summit.