Long Lake: .2 miles ; Lake Isabelle: 2.1 miles; Description: The Brainard Lake area is a busy little bee during the warm season, as is much of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. BFL. Photo by John Kowalski. ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County. A sunrise hike up to Lake Isabelle followed by a vow ceremon the next day at Brainard Lake. One of our favorite winter snowshoe adventures leads you from Brainard Lake up to Lake Isabelle. So even though Brainard Lake gets packed on a typical day, not many people will make it as far as Lake Isabelle, meaning you will have the trail virtually to yourself. The Brainard Lake Recreational Area near Ward, Colorado, is a very popular destination for outdoorsmen and women of all types. Follow the trail alongside Long Lake, which, true to its name, is a long and lengthy lake. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. Ounce for ounce, this is probably the most scenic hike on the Front Range.Since the hike is in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, there is a day use fee of $11. Hiking along the road from the entrance gate will add about 4.0 mi to the overall trip but this area, covered in snow, is incredible. The reservoir is named for Isabella Brainard, the wife of physicist Edward Teller. I had been scoping this one out for quite some time and had Contact Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, Phone 303-541-2500, for more info. The limited parking spots at Thu, Nov 24 - Mon, Dec 5. It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. Additional terms apply. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409), Apache (13,441) and Shoshoni (12,967) peaks. Welcome to the first of our Rocky Mountain Ride Adventures blog series where the RMR team takes you with them on their outdoor excursions. Who would of thunk that in the middle of June there would still be a consistent snow base throughout the park? At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. Turn left (west) on Brainard Lake Road (CR 102), driving about 5 miles to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Accessed via: Brainard Gateway to Long Lake to Isabelle Lake. Welcome to BRAINARD LAKE Recreation Area / Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado! These mid summer photos were all taken on the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 Mk2 Apex tripod. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. to the Pawnee Pass Trailhead. Located about 25 miles west of Boulder in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Lake Isabelle is accessed by a breathtaking 4.5-mile sub-alpine loop well worth the hype. Turn right (north) and enter the Pawnee Basin. Closely behind come moose, another animal I don't see in Texas. Long Lake Trailhead - Day Use Parking; Niwot Picnic Site/Trailhead - Day Use Parking; Brainard Lake Picnic Site/Trailhead - Day Use Parking; Red Rock Lake Picnic Site - Day Use Parking; Overnight Parking Permit - Long Lake; Overnight Parking Permit - Brainard Lake Hiking to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake. Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. Four of the five Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle can only be reached on foot. But this time, for the first time ever, I hiked beyond the lake. Probably the easiest hike on this list, Lake Isabelle is a quick and easy out-and-back with a huge payoff. The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Brainard Lake. After a few days of haze, the smoke has finally begun to clear and reveal the beautiful views Colorado has to offer. The trail enters the Indian Peaks easy trails. Better revise thanks. You can read more on this iconic trail via AllTrails here . Fernando Boza. Navajo Peak rises above one of the glistening alpine lakes along the Isabelle Glacier Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Close. I went with family with various levels of stamina. The trail wasnt too busy since it was a weekday. Follow the Pawnee Pass summer trail up a ridge to the left, using the Keyholes to your right as markers. Our first trip to Brainard Lake Thursday, June 27, was a smashing success. Lake Isabelle Nederland Colorado Lake Day Trips Explore St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel in PSICC Colorado with Recreationgov.. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. To get to the actual Isabelle Glacier Trail, hop on the Pawnee Pass Trail at the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Its located right on the edge of the staggeringly beautiful Indian Peaks Wilderness. But beyond Brainard Lake are four more lakes; two up each of the valleys in the photo above. The drive from Boulder takes about 45-50 minutes (here is the Google Maps link to directions): Head north on Broadway or 28th street, and turn left onto Lee Hill Drive. Lake Isabelle is reached via an easy 2.1-mile jaunt along the Pawnee Pass trail, beginning from the Long Lake trailhead in the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area. From Nederland, drive 13 miles north on Colorado Highway 72 to the town of Ward - you will see the sign for The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Take Lee Hill Drive up to Lefthand Canyon Drive and turn left. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. $228 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago $228. As experienced locals will tell you, there is nothing off the beaten path about this trailhead or the trails in its immediate vicinity. Brainard lake, just a few steps from the parking lot offers some lovely views and some picnic areas. Experience this 5.7-mile loop trail near Ward, Colorado. It's roughly 2.25 miles from the Winter Lot to the base of Brainard Lake. A scenic overlook at the east end of Brainard Lake offers a spectacular view of the lake, surrounding forest and peaks of the Continental Divide. Five small lakes lie within the Brainard Lakes Recreation Area in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness area of the Roosevelt National Forest. Distance 4.46 miles round trip (7.18 km) Height MENU. The cheapest prices found with in the last 7 days for return flights were $438 and for one-way flights to Lake Isabella for the period specified. Heading out from the Long Lake Trailhead, the trail begins its relatively gentle ascent up to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. The main starting point for this hike is the Long Lake Trailhead at Brainard Lake Rec Area. Trailhead: Long Lake Trailhead (near Brainard Lake) At Lake Isabelle, follow Isabelle Glacier Trail #908 as it forks left from the Pawnee Pass Trail and continues along the north side of Lake Isabelle to the source of the South St. Vrain Creek - Isabelle Glacier. Lake Isabelle is an intermediate hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County, Colorado. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409), Apache (13,441) and Shoshoni (12,967) peaks. One of the highlights of my week is opening the Kern Valley Sun on my computer and reading about all the happenings at the lake, even though I have not been back in over 30 years. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. After ~0.1 miles turn left onto Long Lake Road and follow it for ~0.4 miles to the trailhead parking lot. From the round-about, go north on the Peak to Peak Highway (CO 72) for about 8 miles to Ward. Distance: 4.2 miles round trip. The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. I awoke well before dawn to drive deep into the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area near Rollinsville, CO, to Lake Isabelle in order to capture a gorgeous sunrise elopement amidst the mountains. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to Lake Isabella is a man-made reservoir located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The trail information is now correct. I went with family with various levels of stamina. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is less than an hours drive from Boulder, making it one of the area's most popular destinations for outdoors athletes. Lake Isabelle is a little gem located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (a.k.a. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The seasonally-open Brainard Lake Road typically opens in mid-June and usually is closed due to snow by late October. I'm heading up thursday and wondering if I should hike lake isabelle or if I should do a different trail in the area Colorado. Brainard Lake has been one of the most popular hiking destinations in the front range for but more recently has become more popular as a camping destination. The lake is accessible year round but late spring through the first large snow is the best time to hike up to this stunning lake. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. Difficulty: Most difficult. The park itself is beautiful and so is the hike to Blue Lake as well. Available Tickets. Isabelle Glacier is most easily accessed out of the bustling Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Hikers start on the Brainard Lake Game House (instructions, parking, and allow data under), the place there are dozens of incredible day hike choices for all talent ranges. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for Gulp down the fresh mountain air whipping across the open tundra as you tool around the lake. Hikers start on the Brainard Lake Game House (instructions, parking, and allow data under), the place there are dozens of incredible day hike choices for all talent ranges. Our destination of the day was the valley on the far left, and the plan was to make it at least as far as the first lake Long Lake and possibly all the way back to the second Lake Isabelle. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. It begins at Forest Trail 858 and ends at San Isabel Lake. Lake Isabelle is a dreamy lake located northwest of Denver and just west of a little town called Ward. Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. The whole area was dazzlingly gorgeous under a deep blue sky. Brainard and Isabelle Lakes, July 2018. It was an easy 10 mile hike and I saw several moose which was a great bonus! Today I wanted to go back to Lake Isabelle, where I hadnt been since October 5, just before they locked the gate for the winter. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Ask for a map. From the County Rd. Brainard Lake sits just west of the Peak to Peak Highway in Colorado at an elevation of 10,300 feet. Hiking to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle or to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, you have to drive to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Begin the hike to Lake Isabelle from the main entrance gate following the Brainard Lake Road, past Brainard Lake. Start your hike from the Long Lake trailhead. At Lake Isabelle, follow the Isabelle Glacier Trail along the north side of Lake Isabelle. Lake Isabelle lies hidden in a high, isolated bowl-shaped basin at the top of the South St. Vrain drainage in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. We parked the car near Brainard Lake and walked to the Long Lake Trailhead. We made it to the lake in record time and were able to watch the clouds turn pinkish-orange. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. The trail travels from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle, which sits just below the tree line. ProTrails | Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, It is set along the Frontier Pathways and Historic Byway in th. Huge changes have been made in particular, the road that ran north of Brainard Lake and up to the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake trainheads is being rerouted so the area east and north of Brainard is now traffic-free, a nice Lake Isabelle. The trail begins off of the western end of the parking lot. Photo by Logan Abbott. In celebration, I decided to venture over to Indian Peaks Wilderness for the first time and hike to Lake Isabelle. Here, we will cover everything you need to know to hike to Lake Isabelle as well as the stunning Long Lake. At a split in the road, hike up Long Lake Rd. The cheapest prices found with in the last 7 days for return flights were $228 and for one-way flights to Lake Isabella for the period specified. Lake Isabelle lies hidden in a high, isolated bowl-shaped basin at the top of the South St. Vrain drainage in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Long Lake It is a pretty lake and its definitely the easiest option to get to if you arent looking to do any hiking on your wedding day, but its not my personal favorite in this area. Once you reach a bench at just over 11,800, leave the approx. From Pueblo go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. It then makes a short climb to Lake Isabelle, which sits below treeline. (National Park annual and senior passes are accepted). Photos (1,079) Directions. The Brainard Lake Trails are easily some of our favorite winter trails in Colorado. The Lake Isabelle Trail is a 4.2-mile round-trip, out-and-back, adventure in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. It is not a natural lake but a reservoir. If you enter the park before 8 a.m. theres a better chance of finding parking in the Long Lake Trailhead. The lake is situated just under tree line and its crystal-clear waters reflect the jagged Indian Peaks. This was the perfect Colorado elopement! Challenge Level: Intermediate, 6.7 Miles, 787' Total Elevation Gain, 4 Hours - Lake Isabelle should be reserved for later in your vacation when you are more acclimated to higher altitudes as it starts at 10,300'. 8/30/2007 10:20:42 AM. Elevation: 10,500 feet at the Long Lake TH; 12,541 feet at Pawnee Pass. Lake Isabelle. I grew up in Squirrel Valley and I have so many great memories from those easy, carefree days of the 1960s and '70s. The Pine Lodge - San Isabel Lake -. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. DEN. Rainbow Lakes Campground first come, first serve. Close. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. For a longer, more difficult hike with a breathtaking reward, extend your adventure to include Lake Isabelle. Protrails Corona Lake Photo Gallery Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Colorado Colorado Colorado Hiking Colorado Mountains . Hike We Like: Isabelle Glacier Trail. This short climb ends abruptly, with Lake Isabelle popping into view. Its not terribly difficult and well, the beauty speaks for itself. Hike: Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail Length: 4.5 miles one way Level: Moderate Fee: 10$ per vehicle Dogs: On leash. We arrived after 11 a.m, oops! Heres more info to help you on your journey. Brainard Lake Rd Ward CO 80481. Lake Isabelle is a 5.5 mile out & back trail that is heavily trafficked. Distance / Elevation Gain ~15 miles and ~3050 vert gained (approx) Prologue We decided to get a 6AM start at the base of the Brainard Lake Road and head up Pawnee. The cost was $11 cash. Drive about 15.6 miles to Nederland. Print/PDF Map. It is an easy and family friendly hike. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Photo by USDA. Map of Lake Isabelle from the Long Lake Trailhead. Brainard Lake Road Parking to Long Lake Trailhead 6.3 miles (Round Trip) Long Lake Trailhead to Lake Isabelle 4.89 miles (Round Trip) Map to Lake Isabelle and Jean Lunning Trail From mid-June to September, the hike to Lake Isabelle provides relatively easy access to a beautiful alpine lake in the heart of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Its just south of Estes Park, west of Boulder, and north of Nederland. From the CO-72/Brainard Lake Road intersection near Ward, CO, follow the Brainard Lake Road west for ~5.1 miles (past Brainard Lake) and turn right onto Mitchell Lake Road. Hiked to long lake, used the Pawnee pass trail to lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass. Dont get eaten by a mountain lion! The Long Lake Trailhead is located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area off of CO 72 (12 miles north of Nederland, just north of the town of Ward). In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. This was my fourth time hiking to Lake Isabelle, having previously completed it in summer, fall, and winter. Your trailhead instructions cannot be for the Indian Peaks Isabelle out of Brainard Lake area! Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Denver Intl. Its busy when you get to the start of the lake, so we wandered a bit farther to find a secluded spot to enjoy lunch with a view. The real begins en route to the Lake Isabelle / Isabelle Glacier trail, where the route abruptly climbs and pass through a tumbling waterfall before reaching Lake Isabelle. The next day, Shelby and Derik gathered friends and family together at Brainard lake for their ceremony. Brainard Lake. Share. Lake Isabelle. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. The Z7 exposures for the images averaged between 0.8 seconds to 1/8 of a second at f/11, f/14, f/16 and f/20. I strongly recommend getting an early start. Unfortunately, with the amount of intense wind in all areas of the Brainard recreation area, tracks on any of these back country trails are easily erased in one day, so you should always plan on having GPS to make sure you are on the