Lake Isabelle Together we hiked to the alpine lake with just our headlamps to light the way. Colorado Day Hikes: Isabelle Glacier – Handstands Around the … Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. 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. Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. $228 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago $228. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. The lake itself is located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness and a part of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. ProTrails | Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, … The ultra-popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area is, more properly, actually two trailheads. Brainard Lake Elopement Guide - Boulder Elopement Photographer 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. I wanted to say up and back, but the climb was only about 400 feet to 10,868 feet at Lake Isabelle. Along with several other wonderful trails, the hike to Long Lake, Lake Isabelle, and Pawnee Pass starts at Brainard Lake Recreation Area just an hour's drive from Boulder. The lake is situated just under tree line and its crystal-clear waters reflect the jagged Indian Peaks. This was the perfect Colorado elopement! Lake Isabelle is a dreamy lake located northwest of Denver and just west of a little town called Ward. The Brainard Lake Recreational Area near Ward, Colorado, is a very popular destination for outdoorsmen and women of all types. It was an easy 10 mile hike and I saw several moose which was a great bonus! During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It’s just south of Estes Park, west of Boulder, and north of Nederland. The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. Summer’s here and the time is right - Boulder Reporter We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. Lake Isabelle Elopement Photographer | Ginesa and Brad County Rd. of Lake Isabelle Colorado Waterfalls and Streams 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. route of Pawnee Pass Trail and head west. The Brainard Lake Trails are easily some of our favorite winter trails in Colorado. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located outside Boulder just north of Nederland. However, it's incredibly beautiful. Length: Long Lake Trailhead (TH) to Long Lake - 0.2 miles; to Jean Lunning Trail - 1.2; to Lake Isabelle - 2.1 miles; to Pawnee Pass - 4.6 miles. Here, we will cover everything you need to know to hike to Lake Isabelle as well as the stunning Long Lake. Elevation: 10,500 feet at the Long Lake TH; 12,541 feet at Pawnee Pass. Brainard Lake sits just west of the Peak to Peak Highway in Colorado at an elevation of 10,300 feet. This short climb ends abruptly, with Lake Isabelle popping into view. IPWA 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. From Nederland, drive 13 miles north on Colorado Highway 72 to the town of Ward - you will see the sign for … Why We Love It: Blue glacial ice is a magical (and increasingly rare) sight. Colorado Day Hikes: Lake Isabelle – Handstands Around the World Skiers’ Heaven on Pawnee Peak In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. Share. (National Park annual and senior passes are accepted). The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. Lake Isabelle is a gorgeous alpine lake that is tucked within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and connects to both Long Lake and the Pawnee Pass trail. Long Lake, Lake Isabelle + Pawnee Pass | Outdoor Project If you enter the park before 8 a.m. there’s a better chance of finding parking in the Long Lake Trailhead. Phone Number. BFL. Lake Isabelle (Intermediate) — beyondboulder.com Brainard Lake Rd Ward CO 80481. 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. 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. 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 … Brainard Lake Recreation Area Timed Tickets At Lake Isabelle, follow the Isabelle Glacier Trail along the north side of Lake Isabelle. amg. Hiking to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle or to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, you have to drive to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. This 4.2 mile round-trip hike only gains 435 ft. of elevation. It's roughly 2.25 miles from the Winter Lot to the base of Brainard Lake. Lake Isabelle – Wandering the Gap Protrails Corona Lake Photo Gallery Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Colorado Colorado Colorado Hiking Colorado Mountains . The cost was $11 cash. Better revise… thanks. 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. Use the … Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. Mountain climbing Lake Isabelle, Colorado - Path Map, Photos ... Hiking Lake Isabelle, Colorado - Trail Map, Pictures, Description In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. Accessed via: Brainard Gateway to Long Lake to Isabelle Lake. Distance: 4.2 miles round trip. Brainard Lake Recreation Area – July 2016 Brainard Lake Winter Trails The lake rests at the bottom of a treeline cirque in an impressive area surrounded by Navajo Peak (13,409′), Apache Peak (13,441′), and Shoshoni Peak (12,967′). This was my fourth time hiking to Lake Isabelle, having previously completed it in summer, fall, and winter. ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY. Lake Isabelle (Ward Distance – 4.46 miles round trip (7.18 km) Height – I went with family with various levels of stamina. I strongly recommend getting an early start. Lake Brainard The cost was $11 cash. We parked the car near Brainard Lake and walked to the Long Lake Trailhead. In 2.6 miles you'll reach a pay station. Isabelle Glacier Trail - USDA Four of the five – Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle – can only be reached on foot. Brainard Lake Recreation Area Elopement Guide - Francis Sylvest 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. How to Get to Brainard Lake. From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road. Brainard Lakes, Colorado, USA Vacation Info - Lakelubbers Contact Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, Phone 303-541-2500, for more info. Once you reach a bench at just over 11,800, leave the approx. For a longer, more difficult hike with a breathtaking reward, extend your adventure to include Lake Isabelle. Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area. Print/PDF Map. It is set along the Frontier Pathways and Historic Byway in th. Restrooms, drinking … It’s one of my favorite hikes in this state. The seasonally-open Brainard Lake Road typically opens in mid-June and usually is closed due to snow by late October. Brainard Lake is the first area you’ll see when you first enter the Brainard Lake Recreation area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Mountain goats are always atop the list of wildlife I hope to photograph when visiting Colorado in the summer. Lake Isabelle (Ward): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ... easy trails. The trailhead is a half mile beyond this lake at about 10,500 feet. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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 Brainard Lake Road circles Brainard Lake and leads to Pawnee Campground. Fernando Boza. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. Lake Isabelle Trailhead: Long Lake Trailhead (near Brainard Lake) … It is an easy and family friendly hike. Elevation gain: 350 feet Begin the hike to Lake Isabelle from the main entrance gate following the Brainard Lake Road, past Brainard Lake. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to … 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. Lake It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. The park itself is beautiful and so is the hike to Blue Lake as well. It’s not terribly difficult and… well, the beauty speaks for itself. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. Welcome to BRAINARD LAKE Recreation Area / Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado! Camping at Brainard Lake After less than half a mile, you will arrive at Long Lake. Today I wanted to go back to Lake Isabelle, where I hadn’t been since October 5, just before they locked the gate for the winter. The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. 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. Lake Isabelle. Welcome to the first of our Rocky Mountain Ride Adventures blog series where the RMR team takes you with them on their outdoor excursions. Hike Isabelle Glacier Trail in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area 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. Prices and availability are subject to change. Lake Isabelle: A glorious late-summer trail The hike to Lake Isabelle begins from the Long Lake Lake Isabelle The trail wasn’t too busy since it was a weekday. Lake Isabelle Colorado Sunrise Elopement Soon the Lake Isabelle junction comes into view. to Lake Isabella Snowshoe or Ski Lake Isabelle, Ward, Colorado - The Outbound Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail - Colorado | AllTrails Brainard Lake from Gateway Trailhead - Colorado | AllTrails Long Lake As experienced locals will tell you, there is nothing “off the beaten path” about this trailhead or the trails in its immediate vicinity. Lake Isabelle Trail - Indian Peaks Wilderness Area - Nomad Colorado This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. Rainbow Lakes Campground first come, first serve. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409′), Apache (13,441′) and Shoshoni (12,967′) peaks. Lake Isabelle is a little gem located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. Begin at the Long Lake trailhead, which is located inside the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Fall fun to Lake Isabelle 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. Here’s more info to help you on your journey. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. Brainard Lake. The limited parking spots at … While there are plenty of beautiful locations along the way, you'll be greatly rewarded if you make the trek to Long Lake or the areas beyond. The main road to visit Brainard Lake Recreation area is in the town of Ward, off of Highway 72. Hike We Like: Isabelle Glacier Trail. We arrived after 11 a.m, oops! Close. Map of Lake Isabelle from the Long Lake Trailhead. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Who would of thunk that in the middle of June there would still be a consistent snow base throughout the park? Isabelle Lake Isabella is a man-made reservoir located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Additional terms apply. From the round-about, go north on the Peak to Peak Highway (CO 72) for about 8 miles to Ward.