Lake Isabelle is a little gem located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. Brainard Lake. The main road to visit Brainard Lake Recreation area is in the town of Ward, off of Highway 72. In 2.6 miles you'll reach a pay station. to the Pawnee Pass Trailhead. The flowers are still beautiful and abundant higher up. For a longer, more difficult hike with a breathtaking reward, extend your adventure to include Lake Isabelle. Who would of thunk that in the middle of June there would still be a consistent snow base throughout the park? Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Thursday I hiked from the campground to Brainard and Long lakes, and then up to Lake Isabelle. The whole area was dazzlingly gorgeous under a deep blue sky. Climbed SE aspects to summit. Meadows Field. My go-to place and time for bull moose in the past has been Brainard Lake at sunrise. Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake Isabelle. Mountain goats are always atop the list of wildlife I hope to photograph when visiting Colorado in the summer. 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. Close. The park itself is beautiful and so is the hike to Blue Lake as well. From Pueblo go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. 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. 24 reviews of Brainard Lake Recreation Area "I visited Brainard Lake on Saturday. 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 an easy and family friendly hike. Its one of my favorite hikes in this state. 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. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. 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 not a natural lake but a reservoir. Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. Phone Number. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County. It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. Once you reach a bench at just over 11,800, leave the approx. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. 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. 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 MENU. As experienced locals will tell you, there is nothing off the beaten path about this trailhead or the trails in its immediate vicinity. DEN. If you enter the park before 8 a.m. theres a better chance of finding parking in the Long Lake Trailhead. Your trailhead instructions cannot be for the Indian Peaks Isabelle out of Brainard Lake area! Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (a.k.a. Why We Love It: Blue glacial ice is a magical (and increasingly rare) sight. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. Elevation gain: 350 feet One of our favorite winter snowshoe adventures leads you from Brainard Lake up to Lake Isabelle. Heres more info to help you on your journey. Print/PDF Map. Brainard Lake trailhead. I grew up in Squirrel Valley and I have so many great memories from those easy, carefree days of the 1960s and '70s. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. 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. Length: 8.4 miles round-trip and 1,700 vertical feet. Turn right (north) and enter the Pawnee Basin. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. Soon the Lake Isabelle junction comes into view. The trail enters the Indian Peaks Brainard Lake is the first area youll see when you first enter the Brainard Lake Recreation area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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 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. 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 itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Isabelle Glacier is most easily accessed out of the bustling Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Welcome to the first of our Rocky Mountain Ride Adventures blog series where the RMR team takes you with them on their outdoor excursions. Use the 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. Hiked to long lake, used the Pawnee pass trail to lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass. Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. County Rd. 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. Closely behind come moose, another animal I don't see in Texas. Elevation: 10,500 feet at the Long Lake TH; 12,541 feet at Pawnee Pass. The main starting point for this hike is the Long Lake Trailhead at Brainard Lake Rec Area. The trail information is now correct. Photos (1,079) Directions. The hike to Lake Isabelle begins from the Long Lake Our first trip to Brainard Lake Thursday, June 27, was a smashing success. 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. Its just south of Estes Park, west of Boulder, and north of Nederland. The Brainard Lake Trails are easily some of our favorite winter trails in Colorado. Great opportunity for snow-showing, X-Country Skiing, or even hiking. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409), Apache (13,441) and Shoshoni (12,967) peaks. From Nederland, drive 13 miles north on Colorado Highway 72 to the town of Ward - you will see the sign for 303-541-2500. The limited parking spots at The reservoir is named for Isabella Brainard, the wife of physicist Edward Teller. Restrooms, drinking 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. Experience this 5.7-mile loop trail near Ward, Colorado. It begins at Forest Trail 858 and ends at San Isabel Lake. 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. The cost was $11 cash. 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. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located outside Boulder just north of Nederland. Close. After a few days of haze, the smoke has finally begun to clear and reveal the beautiful views Colorado has to offer. 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. The Pine Lodge - San Isabel Lake -. Lake Isabelle is a 5.5 mile out & back trail that is heavily trafficked. Welcome to BRAINARD LAKE Recreation Area / Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado! I went with family with various levels of stamina. 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. In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. 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 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. We arrived after 11 a.m, oops! How to Get to Brainard Lake. $228 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago $228. This was my fourth time hiking to Lake Isabelle, having previously completed it in summer, fall, and winter. We made it to the lake in record time and were able to watch the clouds turn pinkish-orange. Todays trip was about five miles out and back. Map of Lake Isabelle from the Long Lake Trailhead. At a split in the road, hike up Long Lake Rd. Contact Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, Phone 303-541-2500, for more info. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. Follow the Pawnee Pass summer trail up a ridge to the left, using the Keyholes to your right as markers. The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. But this time, for the first time ever, I hiked beyond the lake. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409), Apache (13,441) and Shoshoni (12,967) peaks. Savannah Chandler Photography | Colorado Elopement Photographer | Brainard Recreation Area Hiking Elopement. A sunrise hike up to Lake Isabelle followed by a vow ceremon the next day at Brainard Lake. However, they are accessed by the same roads and suffer from identical red tape. Colorado Tourism Colorado Hotels Colorado Bed and Breakfast Colorado Vacation Rentals Colorado Vacation Packages Flights to I wanted to say up and back, but the climb was only about 400 feet to 10,868 feet at Lake Isabelle. 102, FDR 112). 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 strongly recommend getting an early start. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. Available Tickets. Distance: 4.2 miles round trip. 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). 8/30/2007 10:20:42 AM. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. 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. Probably the easiest hike on this list, Lake Isabelle is a quick and easy out-and-back with a huge payoff. 4382 Brainard Lake Road Ward CO 80481. From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road. Its one of my favorite hikes in this state. We parked the car near Brainard Lake and walked to the Long Lake Trailhead. The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. Selected fares from Pittsburgh to Lake Isabella. Lake Isabelle is a dreamy lake located northwest of Denver and just west of a little town called Ward. 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. Hiking to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle or to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, you have to drive to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The trailhead is a half mile beyond this lake at about 10,500 feet. Begin the hike to Lake Isabelle from the main entrance gate following the Brainard Lake Road, past Brainard Lake. However, it's incredibly beautiful. 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). Distance 4.46 miles round trip (7.18 km) Height Start your hike from the Long Lake trailhead. 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. 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. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. It's roughly 2.25 miles from the Winter Lot to the base of Brainard Lake. 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. A $1 per person fee applies to those riding bicycles into the recreation area during the summer operating season. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. Better revise thanks. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. The trail wasnt too busy since it was a weekday. Ask for a map. The cost was $11 cash. Prices and availability are subject to change. Lake Isabelle is a gorgeous alpine lake that is tucked within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and connects to both Long Lake and the Pawnee Pass trail. Pro tip: the Brainard Lake Recreation Area that this hike is located in Drive about 15.6 miles to Nederland. Dont get eaten by a mountain lion! These mid summer photos were all taken on the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 Mk2 Apex tripod. Photo by John Kowalski. Brainard Lake. Begin at the Long Lake trailhead, which is located inside the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Fernando Boza. Lake Isabelle Nederland Colorado Lake Day Trips Explore St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel in PSICC Colorado with Recreationgov.. But beyond Brainard Lake are four more lakes; two up each of the valleys in the photo above. while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. Brainard and Isabelle Lakes, July 2018. Turn left (west) on Brainard Lake Road (CR 102), driving about 5 miles to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Four of the five Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle can only be reached on foot. Thu, Nov 24 - Mon, Dec 5. The Lake Isabelle Trail is a 4.2-mile round-trip, out-and-back, adventure in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Long Lake: .2 miles ; Lake Isabelle: 2.1 miles; Description: The Brainard Lake area is a busy little bee during the warm season, as is much of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Brainard Lake Road circles Brainard Lake and leads to Pawnee Campground. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Hike: Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail Length: 4.5 miles one way Level: Moderate Fee: 10$ per vehicle Dogs: On leash. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. I went with family with various levels of stamina. Photo by USDA. Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. 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. Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area. Navajo Peak rises above one of the glistening alpine lakes along the Isabelle Glacier Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 556. The area is incredibly beautiful in the winter, as you'll find an abundance of snow and white peaks in the near distance. 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. Its not terribly difficult and well, the beauty speaks for itself. Follow the trail alongside Long Lake, which, true to its name, is a long and lengthy lake. In celebration, I decided to venture over to Indian Peaks Wilderness for the first time and hike to Lake Isabelle. The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. Lake Isabelle is an intermediate hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County, Colorado. 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'. 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. I was recommended the Lake Isabelle trail from a friend and after googling photos, we were dying to try it out. From the 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. Brainard Lake Rd Ward CO 80481. 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 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. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. Take Lee Hill Drive up to Lefthand Canyon Drive and turn left. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. After less than half a mile, you will arrive at Long Lake. This short climb ends abruptly, with Lake Isabelle popping into view. 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.
