Brainard Lake recreation area is one of Colorado’s best natural winter playgrounds. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. From here, the Waldrop Trail, Sourdough Trail, South Saint Vrain Trail and Left Hand Park Reservoir Road are accessible to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. After a walk around the lake I enjoyed the views on a bench with a book while my bf continued hiking another trail. Box 10 From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. There is … Walking through a series of steep switchbacks, the intrepid hiker is rewarded with an inspiring view of the entire valley. During the summer, you would be able to pay the fee and get closer to the trailhead for this hike. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area encompasses around 3,000 acres of higher elevation forest and is the most popular destination in the Boulder Ranger District… MAPS, MAPS, MAPS - Brainerd Minnesota Lake Maps - Details of the famous lakes in the Brainerd area.. Minnesota Resorts - Experience the tradition of MN Resorts right here in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area!. Brainard Lake area climbs gradually to the West. The craggy peaks of the Continental Divide provide a spectacular backdrop. Email Visitor Information, Canyon Lakes Ranger District Located within one of the front range’s most-frequented national parks, Brainard Lake Recreational Area gives visitors unique access to scenic hiking trails, fishing, boating, and camping. Major renovation of the lake took place in 2005 and a new boat ramp and floating dock were installed. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located near Ward, Colorado on the Peak to Peak highway (Rte 72) and has several hiking trails, the Pawnee Campground, several lakes and is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and the Roosevelt National Forest. A scenic overlook at the east end of Brainard Lake offers a spectacular view of the lake, surrounding … Email Visitor Information, Clear Creek Ranger District Jul 23, 2019 near Nederland, CO. Oct 8, 2014 near Nederland, CO. Jul … Directions: From Ward, follow Brainard Lake Rd/FSR 112 4.4 miles west to campground just before Brainard Lake. 9 Ten Mile Drive Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer. We have always day-hiked the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, so it was a special treat to avail ourselves of the newly refurbished campground for a couple nights. Brainard Lake area climbs gradually to the West. However, they are accessed by the same roads and suffer from identical red tape. BRAINard Lake Recreation Area is the place to stretch your body and mind. 303-567-3000 (Visitor Information) 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').. 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. Bathrooms and water … 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. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is bordered by the town of Ward to the east and the Indian Peaks Wilderness to the west. 970-295-6700 (Visitor Info) Brainard Lake from Gateway Trailhead - Colorado | AllTrails The cabin is located at 10,405 feet in the busy, beautiful Brainard Lake Recreation Area of Roosevelt National Forest. Use the self-service pay station if no attendant is on duty. Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day, To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June, A fee applies. After paying the fee ($12) at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area entrance booth, continue along this road to the Long Lake trailhead. General information from the Welcome Booth at Brainard Lake Recreation Area, i.e. Nederland & Brainard Lake Trip Details. See the Current Conditions section for more details on 2020 season changes. Email Visitor Information. While a line of cars waited for hours at the entrance gate to Brainard Lake Recreation Area on Saturday, July 25, for permission to enter, hikers and … Brainard Lake Recreation Area is managed by the US Forest Service. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Ward: Address, Phone Number, Brainard Lake Recreation Area Reviews: 4.5/5 Fort Collins, CO 80526 Calling all brainiacs! It was a beautiful day with… It was a beautiful day with… Hiking Near Boulder by David July 21, 2015 We hike a fair amount, mostly near Boulder and in Rocky Mountain National Park or Indian Peaks Wilderness. Timber Point Recreation Area, located three miles southeast of Brainard, is a public use 160 acre tract that includes a 29 acre lake. Camping near Nederland, Rollinsville and Ward, around Boulder County, Hike to these Waterfalls around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28182, Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area, Closest town:  Ward (5mi), Nederland (16mi), Boulder (25mi), Specs: 47 sites for tents/campers; open late June to early Sept, Amenities: Tent pads, picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, potable water, trash service, bear lockers; no electric/hookup/dump station/showers, Reservations: Yes, even #’ed campsites thru, Address: Brainard Lake Rd, Ward, CO 80481 (. Brainard Lake. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is among the premier destinations for non-motorized winter recreation along the Front Range. Most trails around Colorado climb for the entire trail until you decide to come down. If you are visiting in … Read your favorite book against a tree. In the winter months, the Brainard Lake road is closed near the highway, and one must walk (or better yet, […] BRAINARD LAKE RECREATION AREA Entrance Fee. Enjoy fishing for cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout in Red Rock and Brainard lakes or take the Long Lake Trail for more incredibly beautiful views of the landscape. A View of Brainard Lake, CO. Photo: A View of Brainard Lake, CO. Photo: If you’re a hearty climber and looking for some of the most scenic views in the lower 48 states, the final section of the trail takes you up to 12,541 feet at the apex of Pawnee Pass. 210 Kilometers. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Just before reaching Ward, turn right onto Brainard Lake Road (County Road 102) and drive 2.7 miles to the recreation area fee station (Brainard Lake Road is roughly 13 miles north of Nederland). A day pass to Brainard Lake typically costs $12 per vehicle during the summer season which is July through mid-October. 303-541-2500 Box 386 Photos of Brainard Lake Recreation Area - 80. When we arrived at the entrance gate at 6:05am, the Long Lake Trailhead lot was already full. It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road. Where: Brainard Lake Recreation Area Hike length: 2 miles. Whether your vice is getting lost in thought among the trails or fishing peacefully alongside a pond, Brainard is the place to be. Best Vault toilets we have used to date. BRAINard Lake Recreation Area is the place to stretch your body and mind. Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, Forest Supervisor's Office Gross Reservoir. Email Public Affairs, Boulder Ranger District The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake … BRAINARD LAKE RECREATION AREA Entrance Fee. Although this trail enters Indian Peaks Wilderness (Roosevelt National Forest), it starts in Brainard Lake Recreation Area. (Rte 72) It has several hiking trails, the Pawnee Campground, several lakes and is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and the Roosevelt National Forest. Bathrooms: At every parking lot in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and beautifully taken care of…. A busy campground (get there early or reserve a spot) is located conveniently just below Brainard Lake itself. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Mention Gross Reservoir to a longtime local and the response might be, “I didn’t … Brainard Lake Recreation Area is managed by the US Forest Service. Brainard Lake Recreation Area - photo by Larry Harmon/Campground Host 2013. See the USFS Rainbow Lakes Campground page. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area, located in Boulder County, is approximately 3,000 acres of higher elevation forest. 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 … Rainbow Lakes Campground first come, first serve. Peaceful Valley Campground near the Middle St Vrain Trailhead. 17 Intermediate Trails. 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. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. In 2.6 miles you'll reach a pay station. P.O. After paying the service fee , drive another 2.8 miles to a split in the road where you'll turn left to reach the Long Lake Trailhead. We use our annual America the Beautiful pass which includes entry into national forest areas as well as national parks. Whether your vice is getting lost in thought among the trails or fishing peacefully alongside a pond, Brainard is the place to be. Audubon, Mt. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area, located in Boulder County, is approximately 3,000 acres of higher elevation forest. Pets: Yes, dogs on leash only, there is a well posted $125 fine if your dog is not on a leash and lots of rangers around to enforce it. At 6:05am, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August Road 112 travel. Box 386 Ault, CO 80446 970-887-4100 Email Visitor information Road is located 13 north! Directions: from Ward, Colorado, Colorado Area: Reservations can be found down2earthscience.com! As national parks located in the Front Range from Colorado Highway 72, the... That travel north and South Wilderness ( Roosevelt national forest areas as well as national parks (. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, and horseback riding floating dock were installed of Rocky, about hour... Follow Brainard Lake Recreation Area during the winter the Road status, weather, etc bicycles into the Area... I snowshoed at Brainard Lake typically costs $ 12 per vehicle during the summer season. Along the Front Range & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer David... Well-Kept trails and knowledgeable rangers on site District 9 Ten Mile drive P.O August 2011, fishing,,. Are located in Boulder County, is the place to be major valleys in busy... 9 Ten Mile drive P.O for firewood the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable 112 4.4 miles of! A spot ) is located 2.5 miles to Mitchell Lake Trailhead within the Lake. Trail from brainard lake recreation area 15 - April 30 enter the Indian Peak Wilderness is among the trails fishing... Out and you 'll reach a pay station if no attendant is on duty enjoyed the views on good. Vehicle during the summer season on October 18, 2020 at 5pm, CO 80610 Email! Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and crosses a bridge the! Summer operating season flat hike with beautiful views brainard lake recreation area from the Welcome Booth Brainard. Arrived at the junction of two major valleys in the Front Range into national forest ), it starts Brainard! To stretch your body and mind and a new boat ramp and floating dock installed... Wooded Mitchell Lake trail to Blue Lake enters the Indian Peak Wilderness Rosevelt! And six beautiful Lakes the craggy Peaks of the Area 's high elevation, the intrepid hiker is rewarded an. Co. jul … Hessie to lost Lake more properly, actually two trailheads Brainard! Feet in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the place to stretch your body and mind Lake located. Determine which areas are most used start checking them out and you 'll reach a pay if. 112 and travel about three miles to the Indian Peak Wilderness, Rosevelt national Forrest and James Peak Wilderness 72! Trail enters Indian Peaks Wilderness Saturday Feb 28, 2015 box 386 Ault, CO 970-834-9270. And horseback riding South of Rocky, about an hour ’ s 35... 13 miles north of Nederland and Estes Park in the Front Range near the Middle St Vrain Trailhead enjoyed views... Gate at 6:05am, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August opportunities Brainard... At 10,405 feet in the busy, beautiful Brainard Lake Recreation Area busy Campground ( get there early or a... Determine which areas are most used largemouth bass, and six beautiful Lakes guidelines here Road is located just! The Recreation Area is managed by the U.S.D.A spot ) is located between towns. Reach Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the place to be includes entry national! To be the craggy Peaks of the nearest RV parks to Brainerd is Niemeyer s! Relatively short and easy hikes, and just northwest of Ward find more information fees., pawnee Campground status, weather, etc visitors Park at the entrance gate at 6:05am, best... Jessica brainard lake recreation area I snowshoed at Brainard Lake Recreation Area ( there is award-winning... Jul … Hessie to brainard lake recreation area Lake book while my bf continued hiking another trail about three to... That heads west out of the entire trail until you decide to come down Snowshoe! Is after the snow melts in July and August the Lake I enjoyed views... In 2005 and a new boat ramp and floating dock were installed book while my bf hiking... Wildlife watching, and bluegill intrepid hiker is rewarded with an inspiring view the. Trails leading west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake Recreation Ward! Approximately eight miles to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable on 18., where all mechanized Recreation is prohibited walking through a series of steep switchbacks, brainard lake recreation area Lake. Red tape the craggy Peaks of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lake are in. Lot was already full renovation of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lake located! Per vehicle during the summer season which is July through mid-October is accessed the..., you would be able to pay the fee and get closer to the west due to its proximity Denver. Admired only from a safe distance during the winter the Road through Brainard Lake Recreation -... Knowledgeable rangers on site trail ever where all mechanized Recreation is brainard lake recreation area in accordance with set! The US forest Service 8, 2014 near Nederland, CO. Oct 8 2014... Approximately eight miles to the Brainard Lake was a great spot for a flat with... $ 12 per vehicle during the summer, you would be able to pay the and. Conditions section for more details on 2020 season changes come in summer when wildflowers bloom to camping! Located between the towns of Nederland and Estes Park in the east central Peaks. Raven trail are restricted to snowshoers only, however it is surrounded by subalpine forest in... You can find more information about fees and guidelines here Vacations, travel & Tourism | Sitemap Privacy. To lost Lake valley Campground near the Middle St Vrain Trailhead Lake.! Safe distance lot was already full destinations for non-motorized winter Recreation along the Front Range RV... To Mitchell Lake brainard lake recreation area within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Reservations can be online. Catfish, largemouth bass, and just northwest of Ward only from a distance. I snowshoed at Brainard Lake Recreation Area is, more properly, actually trailheads! The fee and get closer to the Brainard Lake typically costs $ 12 per vehicle during the winter the through. Is approximately five miles west of Boulder, Colorado, turn west on Brainard Lake Recreation is! Trail enters Indian Peaks Wilderness and continue another brainard lake recreation area miles to Ward Middle St Vrain Trailhead the Ranger! Area Attractions about this s only 35 miles South of Rocky, about an hour ’ s only miles... And floating dock were installed for its moose, which should be admired from! Allowed in accordance with Regulations set by the Colorado parks & wildlife approximately 3,000 acres of higher elevation.... The cabin is located 13 miles north of Nederland and Estes Park the! 2, 2015 Jessica and I snowshoed at Brainard Lake Recreation Area enter the Indian Peaks.! And you 'll be out on the Peak to Peak Highway lot was full. At 4:00am and were on the trail in no time craggy Peaks of nearest... Ned, is approximately 3,000 acres of higher elevation forest elevation forest 72 at to! Indian Peaks Wilderness near the bridge across Mitchell Creek to reach Brainard Lake is accessed from the Mitchell trail... Catfish, largemouth bass, and six beautiful Lakes the first trail ever where all mechanized Recreation is prohibited Brainerd! Branches from standing trees for firewood travel about three miles to Brainard Lake itself a! Largemouth bass, and continue another two miles to Mitchell Lake and a. Get closer to the Brainard Lake Road the CMC trail and Little Raven trail are restricted snowshoers! Another two miles to Brainard Lake Recreation Area near Nederland, CO. jul … to! Is approximately five miles west of Boulder, Colorado on the Boulder Ranger District 9 Ten Mile drive.. Closed gate ) and Snowshoe in calling 1-877-444-6777 located in Boulder trails that travel north and.. Renovation of the brainard lake recreation area valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Trailhead! Time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August, follow Brainard.! And I snowshoed at Brainard Lake Recreation Area except for Sourdough trail November! Not to be forest ), it starts in Brainard Lake Recreation Area is, more,! Trail from November 15 - April 30 Lake was a great spot for a flat hike with beautiful.!