Together we hiked to the alpine lake with just our headlamps to light the way. 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. 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. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. County Rd. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 … 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Four of the five – Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle – can only be reached on foot. 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. 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. ... 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. The hike to Lake Isabelle begins from the Long Lake The trail wasn’t too busy since it was a weekday. Soon the Lake Isabelle junction comes into view. 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. 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. 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? 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. It’s one of my favorite hikes in this state. Heading out from the Long Lake Trailhead, the trail begins its relatively gentle ascent up to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. 556. It’s 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. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is less than an hour’s drive from Boulder, making it one of the area's most popular destinations for outdoors athletes. 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. Photos (1,079) Directions. Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. Turn right (north) and enter the Pawnee Basin. I was recommended the Lake Isabelle trail from a friend and after googling photos, we were dying to try it out. A $1 per person fee applies to those riding bicycles into the recreation area during the summer operating season. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409′), Apache (13,441′) and Shoshoni (12,967′) peaks. 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. Probably the easiest hike on this list, Lake Isabelle is a quick and easy out-and-back with a huge payoff. Lake Isabelle. Your trailhead instructions cannot be for the Indian Peaks Isabelle out of Brainard Lake area! Hikers begin at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (directions, parking, and permit information below), where there are dozens of fantastic day hike options for all ability levels. ... One of our favorite winter snowshoe adventures leads you from Brainard Lake up to Lake Isabelle. In celebration, I decided to venture over to Indian Peaks Wilderness for the first time and hike to Lake Isabelle. 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 … Our first trip to Brainard Lake Thursday, June 27, was a smashing success. Photo by Logan Abbott. After ~0.1 miles turn left onto Long Lake Road and follow it for ~0.4 miles to the trailhead parking lot. Lake Isabelle sits 4.4 miles from the trailhead. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. 102, FDR 112). The Jean Lunning trail offers some really nice wildflowers without too much of a walk. Available Tickets. Ask for a map. Colorado Tourism Colorado Hotels Colorado Bed and Breakfast Colorado Vacation Rentals Colorado Vacation Packages Flights to … Tue, Sep 13 - … Hiking to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake. Throngs of summer visitors descend upon this region to enjoy more mellow hikes like Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Climbed SE aspects to summit. It is drained every year in late July to early August, so be sure to call the Boulder Ranger District 303-541-2500 before your hike. The Pine Lodge - San Isabel Lake -. Today’s trip was about five miles out and back. Pro tip: the Brainard Lake Recreation Area that this hike is located in… Brainard lake, just a few steps from the parking lot offers some lovely views and some picnic areas. Start your hike from the Long Lake trailhead. 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. Take a look around this beautiful lake before continuing on the trail. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. We made it to the lake in record time and were able to watch the clouds turn pinkish-orange. Additional terms apply. 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. Only about 3.5 miles from Brainard Lake, 900ft in elevation gain (mostly right before Lake Isabelle.) 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. Brainard and Isabelle Lakes, July 2018. The following camera gear was used in the Landscape Photography of Lake Isabelle Colorado Waterfalls and Streams: and the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens. Ask for a map. 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. Brainard Lake. 4382 Brainard Lake Road Ward CO 80481. Selected fares from Pittsburgh to Lake Isabella. But beyond Brainard Lake are four more lakes; two up each of the valleys in the photo above. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. Savannah Chandler Photography | Colorado Elopement Photographer | Brainard Recreation Area Hiking Elopement. Lake Isabelle. 8/30/2007 10:20:42 AM. At a split in the road, hike up Long Lake Rd. The trail begins off of the western end of the parking lot. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. It is not a natural lake but a reservoir. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. Photo by John Kowalski. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for … Hiked to long lake, used the Pawnee pass trail to lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass. The trail information is now correct. Denver Intl. Experience this 5.7-mile loop trail near Ward, Colorado. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. But this time, for the first time ever, I hiked beyond the lake. The trail travels from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle, which sits just below the tree line. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. Five small lakes lie within the Brainard Lakes Recreation Area in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness area of the Roosevelt National Forest. Gulp down the fresh mountain air whipping across the open tundra as you tool around the lake. The reservoir is named for Isabella Brainard, the wife of physicist Edward Teller. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 7 min to complete. ... while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Yes, there is a $9 fee to enter but the pass last for 5 … The next day, Shelby and Derik gathered friends and family together at Brainard lake for their ceremony. If you have a little more endurance and are OK with stepping over some small rocks you can make it to Lake Isabelle and if you really want to challenge yourself you can try for the … Trail Description: The first quarter mile of the Pawnee Pass Trail to Long Lake is a very heavily used trail. These mid summer photos were all taken on the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 Mk2 Apex tripod. to the Pawnee Pass Trailhead. 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. The trail enters the Indian Peaks … At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for … I grew up in Squirrel Valley and I have so many great memories from those easy, carefree days of the 1960s and '70s. You can read more on this iconic trail via AllTrails here . 556. It is a pretty lake and it’s definitely the easiest option to get to if you aren’t looking to do any hiking on your wedding day, but it’s not my personal favorite in this area. Thu, Nov 24 - Mon, Dec 5. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. Meadows Field. 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. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. Protrails Corona Lake Photo Gallery Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Colorado Colorado Colorado Hiking Colorado Mountains . 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. Photo by USDA. Lake Isabelle Nederland Colorado Lake Day Trips Explore St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel in PSICC Colorado with Recreationgov.. Great opportunity for snow-showing, X-Country Skiing, or even hiking. Close. Isabelle Glacier is most easily accessed out of the bustling Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 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. The area is incredibly beautiful in the winter, as you'll find an abundance of snow and white peaks in the near distance. From the … My go-to place and time for bull moose in the past has been Brainard Lake at sunrise. Navajo Peak rises above one of the glistening alpine lakes along the Isabelle Glacier Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Follow the trail alongside Long Lake, which, true to its name, is a long and lengthy lake. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. MENU. The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (a.k.a. The lake was created by the construction of the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1940s and 1950s. Don’t get eaten by a mountain lion! Thursday I hiked from the campground to Brainard and Long lakes, and then up to Lake Isabelle. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. After a few days of haze, the smoke has finally begun to clear and reveal the beautiful views Colorado has to offer. 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'. 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 Length: 8.4 miles round-trip and 1,700 vertical feet. Difficulty: Most difficult. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County. It then makes a short climb to Lake Isabelle, which sits below treeline. 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. 24 reviews of Brainard Lake Recreation Area "I visited Brainard Lake on Saturday. Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake Isabelle. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. Take Lee Hill Drive up to Lefthand Canyon Drive and turn left. DEN. The main starting point for this hike is the Long Lake Trailhead at Brainard Lake Rec Area. Lake Isabelle is a 5.5 mile out & back trail that is heavily trafficked. Hike: Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail Length: 4.5 miles one way Level: Moderate Fee: 10$ per vehicle Dogs: On leash. The whole area was dazzlingly gorgeous under a deep blue sky. Prices and availability are subject to change. A sunrise hike up to Lake Isabelle followed by a vow ceremon the next day at Brainard Lake. 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. Turn left (west) on Brainard Lake Road (CR 102), driving about 5 miles to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The flowers are still beautiful and abundant higher up. Brainard Lake Recreation Area to Blue Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle/Isabelle Glacier, Mitchell Lake, Mt Audubon, Mt Toll, Niwot Ridge, Pauite Peak, ... Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777. I went with family with various levels of stamina. From pristine Lake Isabelle, the trail turns right (north) and climbs on a graded switchback trail. 303-541-2500. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. Lake Isabelle is an intermediate hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County, Colorado. Closely behind come moose, another animal I don't see in Texas. 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). However, they are accessed by the same roads and suffer from identical red tape. Brainard Lake trailhead. It begins at Forest Trail 858 and ends at San Isabel Lake. From Pueblo go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. I had been scoping this one out for quite some time and had … Follow the Pawnee Pass summer trail up a ridge to the left, using the Keyholes to your right as markers. 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. It’s located right on the edge of the staggeringly beautiful Indian Peaks Wilderness. Drive about 15.6 miles to Nederland.