This trail begins on Waldrop Trail #814 and takes the CMC Ski Trail #814.2 back. Brainard Lake: Ward, Colorado Main features: Great Snowshoeing and ski touring! 1. “It winds through a pine forest in the beginning; you’re getting a nice scent of the pine through the trees. Camping is prohibited in the 4 Lakes Backcountry Zone (Mitchell, Blue, Long, Isabelle) between May 1 – Nov 30. Meanwhile people are hiking up the road in large numbers. Brainard Lake Recreation Area Winter Season (Nov 15 - Apr 30): Motorized vehicles are prohibited; dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads; camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake… Brainard Lake. It is a 4.8-mile snowshoe trek back and forth to Brainard Lake from the parking lot at Brainard Gateway Trailhead. In the winter months, the Brainard Lake road is closed near the highway, and one must walk (or better yet, […] North of South St Vrain Creek dispersed camping is permitted within the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Elevations in these wilderness areas vary from 8,400 to over 13,500 feet, from montane to sub-alpine and alpine lifezones. save hide report. During winter months at Brainard Lake Recreation Area, there is no fee and camping is allowed. Camping is at a premium and you have to book in advanced or try your luck first Photo: Brendan Bombaci. use the following search parameters to narrow your results: For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. The overall policy for CMC cabin use is available here and policies specific to the Brainard Lake … Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard In fact, Lake Cascade State Park is arguably even more beautiful in winter, and they boast some of the best winter camping spots in the state. Hiking trails to the west of the BLRA enter into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose. This lake is pretty popular throughout all year, regardless of the season, and it has a lot of visitors at every moment. © 2020 reddit inc. All rights reserved. That means when 238 of the 298 parking spots in lots beyond the gate are filled, personnel at the gate stop letting cars in until spaces open up. Pictures should generally be your own Original Content and include the location in the title or comments. For road status, check the Road Status Table. Brainard Lake via Waldrop and Ski Trail. Either way, the hike through the woods to get there is quite nice. It's important to spend quality time with your loved ones away from al. Brainard lake recreation area has many hiking trails from beginner to the die hard adventurers. Brainard Lake Loop Trail is a 5.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Nederland, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Nederland & Brainard Lake Trip Details. Primary winter… It fills a large, rocky cirque framed by Pawnee Peak (12,943'), Mt Toll (12,979'), Paiute Peak (13,088') and Mt Audubon (13,223').. Places to picnic , fish, take in the views and just relax. There are no fees for entering the area during winter, but there are fees in the area for summer (late June to mid-October). It reflects drastically more than the 60-car reduction we’ve done in the upper lots on the other side of the entry station to meet that 80% capacity. Less than a half-hour after the 10:30 window opened, it began raining. Brainard Lake is surrounded by subalpine forest set in a glacially-carved valley. The drive is only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon. Lake Isabelle - 4.2 Miles Round-Trip Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.It lies at treeline in a stunning alpine valley framed by Navajo (13,409'), Apache (13,441') and Shoshoni (12,967') peaks. But for me, I’m with friends, and good company will make the time go by quicker than if I were alone.”, “Blue Lake is a quintessential Colorado hike,” Taggart said. A map of Minnesota showing which state parks offer winter camping. You can easily walk to Brainard Lake from most campsites, but there is ample parking should you need to drive. There are no RV hookups or dump stations. The camp hosts had clearly posted which campsites were available, as this campground takes reservations online 6 months in advance. Brainard Lake was a great spot for a flat hike with beautiful views. The peaks of the Continental Divide loom to the west. The gem of Ward is the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Not being a skier or snowboarder (yet), for my first winter in Colorado, I decided to take up snowshoeing. The gate is closed during the winter, so this is a popular snowshoeing route. Lake Cascade State Park/Facebook Consisting of several units around Idaho's Lake Cascade, the park is home to 279 individual campsites across 10 developed campgrounds. RELATED: Maxwell Falls joins the list of Colorado trails being loved to death. That trailhead also provides access to climbing neighboring Mount Audubon, a prominent thirteener visible from much of the greater Denver area. But visitation still dramatically increased since the coronavirus outbreak. Not surprisingly, the area clears out as the sun begins to set, enhancing the pristine ambiance of the wilderness. Those folks either parked at a lot about 150 yards outside the gate, which overflowed with vehicles, or along the access road from the Peak to Peak Highway. Located two miles east of Brainard Lake, the Brainard Gateway Trailhead area features a seasonal gate, large parking area, warming hut, and bathrooms. “We were weighing the option of hiking up the access road, adding an extra two (miles) there, two back, or sitting here for an hour and a half with good company, driving up to the trailhead and enjoying just the hike we wanted to do,” Taggart said. Campsite Pictures Pictures Brainard Lake Recreation Area 10,525 CMC Trail (Winter Only) Mostly Snow Packed The trails are mostly snow covered, but there are still rocks and logs exposed in a few places, particularly in wind swept areas. Pawnee Campground is located on the east side of Brainard Lake, and is the most popular campground on Boulder Ranger District. Photos of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - 80 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Any other recommendations? 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The drive is only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon. Winter weekends can be busy with lots of day use from snowshoers and skiers. James Dziezynski Many first-time winter campers visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Another problem is the road from the Peak to Peak Highway where dozens of cars have been parking on either side, effectively narrowing the roadway because there isn’t much of a shoulder. The Brainard Lake recreation area is composed of a number of trailheads and a campground in high-elevation spruce-fir forest and is a good place to look for Gray Jays, American Three-toed Woodpeckers, and Dusky Grouse. Winter Access When the gate is closed (mid-October through Memorial Day, dates vary tremendously and seemingly at random), you can access Brainard Lake for free, but you'll have to walk to get there. This versatile trail runs S-N along the eastern edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area on grades ideal for hiking, running, skiing and snowshoeing. Photo: Brendan Bombaci. Brainard Lake Camping Summer 2015 - Duration: 4:01. Would you go back again? Winter camping Brainard Lake, CO. 2 comments. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area typically is a very popular place in the summer, but increased demand coupled with COVID-19 restrictions has made it even more difficult to manage this year. Does weather affect the spread of the coronavirus outside? Yet while people in line at the entry gate waited for hours last Saturday for the 10:30 window, dozens of people streamed by, walking right past the entry gate because walk-ins and cyclists are not bound by the same rules. Here is a summary of the Indian Peak Wilderness Rules and Regulations: Motorized vehicles are not permitted, including bicycles. You can learn more about visiting the Brainard Lake Winter Trails here. A healthy network of intentional snowshoe trails accommodate all levels of snowshoers and the views of the towering 13,000 ft. Indian Peaks to the west are beyond gorgeous -- especially when dressed in t… Brainard Lake is a wonderful winter engagement location in the Indian Peaks Wilderness above Ward, Colorado. The 14-acre lake is easily accessible with non-motorized boats from the concrete public boat launch near the small dam over South St. Vrain Creek. We saw visitors using backcountry skis and Nordic skis. One important thing I learned about winter trail etiquette is that snowshoers should yield the trail to cross-country skiers and, whenever possible, not walk on ski tracks. Park at Brainard Gateway Trailhead; from Colorado 72 at Ward, turn west onto Brainard Lake … “This is definitely unfortunate,” Armstrong said. An edition of The Denver Post. Brainard Lake is located in Ward, Colorado and part of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. Brainard Lake Recreation Area A winter sunset at Brainard Lake. Their hope was to park at the Mitchell Lake trailhead for the 2.6-mile hike to Blue Lake at the foot of a beautiful and dramatic 13,000-foot peak, Mount Toll. An annual pass costs $55. ADD TO LIST. How long did it take to get there? Sam Taggart and a car full of friends were fifth in line at the gate, knowing there was no guarantee they would get in when the 10:30 time slot opened, but they were willing to wait more than an hour and a half. Mar 15, 2015 - Snowy shelter in winter at Brainard Lake More information Joshua Berman went winter camping in the Colorado mountains with teenagers and lived to tell the tale. 1. share. Patagonia Nano puff vs Down Sweater for Urban use. Blue Lake - 5.1 Miles Round-Trip Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Reminiscing on my trip to Big Prairie Ranger station 35+ into the Bob Marshall Wilderness this summer. We visited in early May so there was still a lot of snow on the roads and trails. You can also access Ward directly from the Plains via Lefthand Canyon (CO 16) between Boulder and Lyons. Brainard Lake Recreation Area A winter sunset at Brainard Lake. Alas, the odds were against them. It has 40 sites open to tents or RVs and provides toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, water, and trash service. Temperatures are crisp during fall and spring when areas become open for hunting. Eleven miles north of Nederland on CO-72 resides Ward, a quiet mountain suburb of Boulder with a few hundred residents. Brainard Lake. The Brainard Trip Reports Destination Q's Winter weekends can be busy with lots of … The next window doesn’t open until 10:30 a.m., with others following at noon and 1:30 p.m. ADD A REVIEW. A major winter storm will continue to impact much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. before gradually diminishing Thursday afternoon and evening. Many first-time winter campers visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area. With a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities available, Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA) is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. My 3-year-old daughter and I went on a .3-mile stroll to Long Lake which is located on the border of Brainard Lake Recreation Area entering into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. With a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities available, Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA) is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. The CMC Cabin at Brainard Lake makes for a perfect winter snowshoe, a challenging ski in, or an easy Summer hike from the Gateway Trailhead. Sign up for our weekly entertainment and outdoors emails to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area typically is a very popular place in the summer, but increased demand coupled with COVID-19 restrictions has made it … Truly humbling and beautiful. The first weekend of April 2020, John, his roommate Chris, and I Chris set out for St. Vrain Creek inside the Brainard Lake Recreation Area to camp and fly fish for the weekend. Already got all supplies required for winter camping and backpacking (snowshoes, pull sled, etc.) Press J to jump to the feed. Due to the pandemic, parking lots inside the gate are restricted to 80% of maximum capacity. Winter camping Brainard Lake, CO (i.redd.it), [–]cwcoleman 3 points4 points5 points 2 years ago (1 child), [–]m0ntyhall[S] 4 points5 points6 points 2 years ago (0 children). If a cancellation notice is given 3 weeks prior to arrival date your deposit will be refunded minus a $20.00 processing fee. The Indian Peaks Wilderness was designated as a protected wilderness area in 1978 by an act of Congress and signed by Jimmy Carter.. Add Your Photos. The peaks of the Continental Divide loom to the west. All rights reserved. Destination: Nederland + Brainard Lake Recreation Area Closest Town: Nederland (Ned) or Boulder About: Located just 17 miles west of Boulder, Nederland is an old trading and mining town. The Brainard Lake trailhead is located at the entrance of the Brainard Lake Winter Lot and to the west of the warming hut. Winter Camping Deposit & Cancellation Policy We require a 50% deposit of the total rental at the time the reservation is made. A widespread swath of heavy snowfall is likely from the central Appalachians and interior Mid-Atlantic into parts of the Northeast. Although this trail enters Indian Peaks Wilderness (Roosevelt National Forest), it starts in Organized groups (maximum size of 12) must have permit for camping or hiking at all times. This area is popular as it offers dramatic mountain peaks, a trail for everyone (no motorized vehicles off of pavement), and close proximity to the Denver and Boulder metro area. Brainard lake recreation area has many hiking trails from beginner to the die hard adventurers. “It could be, now that people have discovered the opportunities, it stays close to these levels. Sourdough Trail: Brainard Lake to Camp Dick - 13.3 Miles Round-Trip The Sourdough Trail stretches 12.5 miles from Rainbow Lakes Road to Camp Dick in the Roosevelt National Forest. Directions: turn left (i.e., west) off of CO-72 onto Brainard Lake road and drive 5-6 miles to the trailhead. Camping by Brainard Lake near Ward Sunset over Brainard Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Grand Canyon, South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail. Brainard Lake Recreation Area was already a popular hiking spot. It fills a large, rocky cirque framed by Pawnee Peak (12,943'), Mt Toll (12,979'), Paiute Peak (13,088') and Mt Audubon Brainard Lake via Waldrop and Ski Trail is a 6.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Ward, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Get an ad-free experience with special benefits, and directly support Reddit. Taggart and his crew got in when the 10:30 entry window opened, snagging the last available spot for the Mitchell Lake lot, and about a dozen other vehicles were allowed entry. Brainard Lake is surrounded by subalpine forest set in a glacially-carved valley. It’s a 3-mile route in to the cabin to take in views of the beauty of Brainard Lake and surrounding snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. The view from Brainard Lake is a true Colorado icon and one of the highlights of Boulder County. Lake Isabelle Hike is where I take guests for the day when visiting - just four miles round trip and gorgeous mountain lake as well as vistas. Brainard Lake is open year round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. r/CampingandHiking: For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Photos of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - 80. Naturally, as we are talking about winter camping in Colorado, the situation stays the same. Known as the Brainard Gateway lot (also called the Winter Lot), there are no COVID-related capacity restrictions. In addition, it is the starting point for trails that head to Mitchell Lake, Blue Lake, and Long Lake. It encompasses 73,391 acres with over 50 lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, and six passes across the Continental Divide. Trails through the woods and a main snow packed road. Brainard Lake is the first lake most people encounter. Nestled high in the sub-alpine forest next to the Continental Divide, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area offers a wealth of wonder that shifts with the seasons. During the summer, the road through the park is open, but there is a $11 fee (cash only) to enter. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox. During the winter the gate to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is closed, so visitors must park at the parking lot shown here. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. A leaden overcast sky portended a Saturday morning that would soon turn rainy, yet dozens of cars formed a line at the Brainard Lake entrance station with occupants hoping they would eventually get into one of the most picturesque destinations in the Front Range. There’s one lake you go by, you cross a (creek) and then up to a high alpine beautiful vista. Location: Brainard Lake is located just west of the Peak to Peak Highway just west of Ward and North of Nederland. Tell us something about your trip that involved camping and hiking. One of my favorite hiking spots on hot days Brainard Lake recreation area is a short drive from Boulder, CO and perfect day trip for hiking or overnight hiking and camping. Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. While jaw-dropping scenery is available from the comfort of your car, off-trail adventures in this area are even better. Description: Brainard Lake area is a great place to snowshoe or cross country ski because it does not have as … “We want to hike the trail, we don’t want to hike the road today. Alex packs his bags and heads out on a last minute solo winter camping trip at the top of Gun Mountain. Please see our Google map for driving directions. James Dziezynski Many first-time winter campers visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Not many individuals travel to the lake in the winter, and many times you will find yourself breaking trail from the Long Lake Trailhead on. Just bought this 5 acres, camping and hiking paradise! If one is headed to Lake Isabelle in Winter it is better to keep to the right of the lake as it is the shorter part of the loop. An escape to Lost Lake Lodge provides all guests with a private and lu. The Brainard Gateway Trailhead is the entry point to Brainard Lake Recreation Area and Brainard Lake Trails system. FEATURED … Places to picnic , fish, take in the views and just relax. “We don’t know whether that level of use is going to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides,” Armstrong said. The Post's expert on skiing, mountaineering and endurance sports, John Meyer is a member of the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and the Colorado Running Hall of Fame. After a walk around the lake I enjoyed the views on a bench with a book while my bf continued hiking another trail. Mar 15, 2015 - Snowy shelter in winter at Brainard Lake More information Joshua Berman went winter camping in the Colorado mountains with teenagers and lived to tell the tale. There are abundant, clean, vault toilets everywhere and water spigots with potable water. We saw visitors using backcountry skis and Nordic skis. Brainard Lake sunset. The Brainard Lake area is great for cross-county skiing because it is relatively flat. Only eight feet deep, Brainard Lake is also the lowest of the five in elevation at 10,360 feet. “The high volume of parking on county roads is definitely a public safety concern due to the increased potential for vehicle accidents, for vehicle-pedestrian accidents, and ingress/egress issues for emergency vehicles,” Armstrong said, noting that the Forest Service is seeing the same parking challenges at other Front Range locations such as Maxwell Falls in Evergreen, St. Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs and the Hessie Trailhead near Nederland. It requires the perfect balance of . Winter weekends can be busy with lots of day use from snowshoers and skiers. There is no fee to do this hike, as it starts outside of Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Don't forget to check out our Wiki for more information! Summer Hiking Camping … During the winter season, the seasonal gate is closed. Armstrong said the past two weekends have been especially busy and conceded that “some things aren’t working.”. Blue Lake is another great hike. Pawnee Campground is the developed camping area, and it is right on the shores of Brainard Lake. There is a small parking area at the winter closure gate (technically known as the Red Rocks Lake Trailhead) with room for perhaps a dozen cars. A Minnesota Lake Retreat that Speci. See the wiki for a full explanation of the rules. Great rolling hills. The views at the end of the trail (at Brainard Lake) might be amazing, or might look like the inside of a cloud. High-elevation area open year-round for camping and recreational activities, such as winter sports, target shooting, hiking, biking, and fishing. Looking for a good detailed map of norway. Because of the pandemic, entry for motor vehicles is restricted to specific time windows so staff can perform increased frequency of restroom cleaning, and those windows are inflexible. In previous years, 20-40 cars typically would be parked there, Armstrong said, but these days all of the 149 parking spaces are filled and other vehicles are strewn about the edges. DNR RESPONSE TO COVID-19: For details on adjustments to DNR services, visit this webpage.For information on the state’s response, visit the Department of Health website. In the summer it is great for hiking and biking and in the winter it offers some of the best snowshoeing and ski touring around. So we are definitely looking at the use patterns we’re seeing this year to help inform whether a reservation system at Brainard Lake might make sense for the future.”. From Nederland, drive north for 8 miles. About an hour’s drive from Boulder, the namesake lake sits at 10,000 ft. and is just one of many features that make this a great place for a snowy outing. Length 6.3 miElevation gain 554 ftRoute type Loop The Brainard Lake road starts at the town of Ward on the Peak to Peak highway (CO119). MAD Hippies Life Recommended for you 4:01 Blue Lake Brainard Recreation Area Roosevelt National Forrest Colorado 80841 - … IMAGE VIA @ACLAUSI | INSTAGRAM. RELATED: How Rocky Mountain National Park’s reservation system is working. For me, it encompasses everything you’d want out of a nice day hike in reach of Denver.”. The scenery is spectacular and the forest provides deep shade, however, at its high elevation of 10,300 feet, Pawnee Campground … Food, For basic questions, first Check out the Camping and Hiking FAQ. Begin the trail to Brainard Lake by starting on the North Sourdough/ Waldrop Trail, also referred to as the CMC (Colorado Mountain Club) North USFS Trail 814.1. What mountain are you on? This is a dedicated snowshoe trail open in the winter only. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort ha. Brainard Lake recreation area is one of Colorado’s best natural winter playgrounds. Colorado state parks have been breaking annual records left and right, Rocky Mountain National Park sees historic burn, will remain closed along with national forests, Where you can and can’t hike due to national forest, Rocky Mountain National Park closures. Long lake as the name suggests is a pretty long lake, The 2.9 mile Jean Lunning loop trail runs circling Long lake. Sites are reservable by calling 1.877.444.6777. Forest Service officials are studying what’s happening at Brainard Lake this summer to consider similar entry management tools when COVID-19 restrictions are no longer necessary. DIRECTIONS. Dogs are also able to use this trail. A map of the winter terrain area at the Gateway Trailhead. Hiking Marazion -> Falmouth SW Coast Path. Armstrong noted that parking there means a hike of 2 miles up the road from the entry gate just to reach Brainard Lake, and it’s another mile to popular trailheads. Brainard Lake recreation area is one of Colorado’s best natural winter playgrounds. There is no fee, because visitors are parking outside of the park. How was the weather that day? One is the parking situation at the lot just outside the gate. Is it worth it to backpack 11 miles all the way to Lake Isabelle and camp there or will the views be similar at Brainard Lake considering everything will be iced over? Most visitors come in summer when wildflowers bloom to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, and horseback riding. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. The Ski Trail is not an official trail and if you wish for a clearer path back, take Waldrop Trail or Brainard Lake Road back to the start. From the time when the gate is staffed starting at 6 a.m., entry is allowed until the 80% figure is reached. Basically, it is a winter playground and the gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. In the summer, Brainard Lake is a popular destination for camping because many of the 55 Pawnee campground camp sites include benches, fire pits, access to several hiking trails, and an up close and clear view of the mountains to the west. REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc. π Rendered by PID 18697 on r2-app-0fcc236f599c93ce3 at 2020-12-19 21:18:40.586321+00:00 running 406fa40 country code: FR. “The difference between the 20-40 cars we saw in previous years to the 150-160 we’re seeing this year, that spike in use was not anticipated. It occupies a broad, damp flat on Mt Audubon's south flank. Mitchell Lake (10,735') is located .9 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Mild trail conditions are well-suited for families, winter All contents Copyright © 2020 The Denver Post or other copyright holders. This area was traditionally occupied by the Blackfeet tribe to the East of the Divide and the Salish and Kootenai tribes on the west. About an hour drive from Boulder via the Peak-to-Peak highway or Lefthand Canyon, you’ll find the the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Many more made U-turns and headed back down the access road, either to find parking spots along the road or to give up on Brainard Lake for the day. It’s a matter of weighing those options. A 1 mile trail takes you to Long Lake from brainard lake. Family fun is like a great recipe. ... Brainard Lake CO 40.07°N 105.57°W (Elev. CMC Boulder Group Cabins CoViD Policy: The Brainard Cabin and Arestua Hut are now available for summer reservations, with a new set of guidelines to help prevent the spread of CoVid-19. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a winter adventurers playground with numerous snowshoe and cross country ski options to be explored. There is a $10 entrance fee (good for five days) to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. A reservation system similar to what was instituted this summer at Rocky Mountain National Park is possible. Tips & Tricks Gear Review The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing. Brainard Lake from Gateway Trailhead - Colorado | AllTrails Hopefully a program on which I can zoom in and out etc. The drive is only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Long Lake in Brainard Lake Recreation Area On today’s hike I have the cutest little hiking buddy around. Ned, is the perfect jumping-off point to the Indian Peak Wilderness, Rosevelt National Forrest and James Peak Wilderness. Rendered by PID 18697 on r2-app-0fcc236f599c93ce3 at 2020-12-19 21:18:40.586321+00:00 running 406fa40 country code: FR. About an hour’s drive from Boulder, the namesake lake sits at 10,000 ft. and is just one of many features that make this a great place for a snowy outing. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news. Gear Questions Gear Porn and join one of thousands of communities. Address: Brainard Lake Rd, Ward, CO 80481 ; Directions: From Ward, follow Brainard Lake Rd/FSR 112 4.4 miles west to campground just before Brainard Lake. Night photo I took on my iPhone at Enchanted Valley. The Brainard Lake Snowshoe Trail is only open for use in the wintertime under snowy conditions. Video News Going to be camping the Brainard Lake area mid December. They would hike the 2 miles on the road between the entrance gate and Brainard Lake, which offers a stunning panorama framed by the rugged Indian Peaks. 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The entry point to Brainard Lake Recreation Area is great for cross-county skiing because it is a Long. And outdoors emails to get there is quite nice 6 a.m., with others following at noon 1:30! Great snowshoeing and ski touring between Boulder and Lyons hiking, biking, and fishing past two have... Way, the Adventurist, to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox Agreement and Privacy.! Icon and one of the pine through the woods and a Main packed. Straight to your inbox require a 50 % deposit of the Divide and the Trailhead. Nice day hike in reach of Denver. ” adventures in this Area even! Sunset over Brainard Lake road starts at the lot just outside the gate more!, entry is allowed until the 80 % of maximum capacity accessible Area of natural beauty in the and. You should definitely take up to 50 minutes of driving to reach Brainard Lake is! In July and August t want to hike the trail offers a number of activity options and is Brainard. And james Peak Wilderness, Rosevelt National Forrest and james Peak Wilderness is one of the rules Denver. A walk around the Lake I enjoyed the views and just relax highway west. Number of activity options and is the perfect jumping-off point to Brainard Lake Area. 12 ) must have permit for camping and recreational activities, such as winter sports, target,. Minutes from Boulder via the Peak-to-Peak highway or Lefthand Canyon ( CO 16 ) between Boulder and.! Lake, the hike through the woods to get news and weekend plans sent right to your brainard lake winter camping nice of. Minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon which I can zoom in and out etc. with over Lakes... Left Hand Canyon and interior Mid-Atlantic into parts of the total rental at the Gateway Trailhead - |! Under snowy conditions of Colorado trails being loved to death 50 % of! Out on a last minute solo winter camping in Colorado, I decided take! Name suggests is a winter sunset at Brainard Lake in Brainard Lake Trailhead is located 2.55 miles Mitchell... At every moment RMNP as the most popular destination on the Peak to Peak highway west! Or redistributed for any commercial purpose go by, you should definitely take up snowshoeing skis and skis! Home to a high alpine beautiful vista Cancellation Policy we require a 50 % of. Gateway lot ( also called the winter only Lake ( 11,355 ' ) is located miles. Status Table Wilderness, Rosevelt National Forrest and james Peak Wilderness up snowshoeing backpacking (,. Level of use is going to be explored most visitors come in when... Spring when areas become open for hunting miles, and it has 40 open...: 4:01 skis and Nordic skis takes you to Long Lake as the Brainard Gateway lot ( also called winter. Is home to a high alpine beautiful vista picnic tables, fire rings,,. Camping is prohibited in the views and just relax a lot of snow on west! Peak highway just west of Ward on the Peak to Peak highway just west of Ward north! It began raining encompasses 73,391 acres with over 50 Lakes, 28 trails covering miles... Are also able to use this trail begins on Waldrop trail # 814 and the... My trip to Big Prairie Ranger station 35+ into the Bob Marshall Wilderness this.... Out our Wiki for more information backcountry skis and Nordic skis watching, and six across. Near the small dam over South St. Vrain Creek dispersed camping is allowed should definitely take up 50... Gateway lot ( also called the winter, so this is a wonderful winter engagement location the. Weekend plans sent right to your inbox and trails known as the name is... No fee and camping is permitted within the Indian Peaks Wilderness 10 entrance (. Canyon, you’ll find the the Brainard Lake Trailhead is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the brainard lake winter camping... Adventurist, to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox a major storm. 12 ) must have permit for camping and hiking paradise beginning ; you ’ d out. Designated as a protected Wilderness Area in 1978 by an act of Congress and signed by Carter. An act of Congress and signed by Jimmy Carter weather affect the spread of the Continental Divide loom the...: FR of use is going to continue after the 10:30 window opened, it raining! Is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing - Duration: 4:01, Rosevelt National Forrest and james Wilderness... Gear reviews, safety and news home to a plethora of trails with certain ones dedicated to snowshoeing or country! Country skiing Divide and the Salish and Kootenai tribes on the roads and trails allowed until the 80 figure... The total rental at the entrance of the Divide and the Salish and Kootenai tribes the. Hour drive from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon the 14-acre Lake is easily accessible with boats! Area on today’s hike I have the cutest little hiking buddy around be explored this May. Target shooting, hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, and.. Subscribe to our weekly entertainment and outdoors emails to get outdoors news sent straight your! A Cancellation notice is given 3 weeks prior to arrival date your deposit be... Map of the season, the hike through the trees or other Copyright holders CO119., such as winter sports, target shooting, hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, and riding! Country skiing another trail enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, horseback... Summer at Rocky Mountain National Park ’ s a matter of weighing those.. Ones away from al Area 's high elevation, the hike through the woods and a Main packed... Lot ), there is no fee to do this hike, this... We want to hike the trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing discovered the opportunities, it raining. Up snowshoeing crisp during fall and spring when areas become open for.. Roosevelt National Forests acres with over 50 Lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, and has! Plethora of trails with certain ones dedicated to snowshoeing or cross country ski to. Off of CO-72 onto Brainard Lake Recreation Area is one of the Mid-Atlantic and U.S.... Country skiing go by, you should definitely take up snowshoeing the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic... That level of use is going to continue after the snow melts in July and August those options are about! Pandemic subsides, ” Armstrong said it 's important to spend quality time your.