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 … What mountain are you on? Brainard Lake Loop Trail is a 5.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Nederland, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Going to be camping the Brainard Lake area mid December. “This is definitely unfortunate,” Armstrong said. With a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities available, Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA) is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. The camp hosts had clearly posted which campsites were available, as this campground takes reservations online 6 months in advance. ADD TO LIST. DIRECTIONS. Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Already got all supplies required for winter camping and backpacking (snowshoes, pull sled, etc.) Nestled high in the sub-alpine forest next to the Continental Divide, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area offers a wealth of wonder that shifts with the seasons. Brainard lake recreation area has many hiking trails from beginner to the die hard adventurers. Brainard Lake sunset. The 14-acre lake is easily accessible with non-motorized boats from the concrete public boat launch near the small dam over South St. Vrain Creek. Naturally, as we are talking about winter camping in Colorado, the situation stays the same. They would hike the 2 miles on the road between the entrance gate and Brainard Lake, which offers a stunning panorama framed by the rugged Indian Peaks. Brainard Lake is located in Ward, Colorado and part of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. Hiking Marazion -> Falmouth SW Coast Path. Brainard Lake. There are no RV hookups or dump stations. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose. Add Your Photos. It reflects drastically more than the 60-car reduction we’ve done in the upper lots on the other side of the entry station to meet that 80% capacity. Brainard Lake Recreation Area A winter sunset at Brainard Lake. North of South St Vrain Creek dispersed camping is permitted within the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Brainard Lake Snowshoe Trail is only open for use in the wintertime under snowy conditions. Brainard Lake recreation area is one of Colorado’s best natural winter playgrounds. Organized groups (maximum size of 12) must have permit for camping or hiking at all times. Winter weekends can be busy with lots of … 1. Temperatures are crisp during fall and spring when areas become open for hunting. This area is popular as it offers dramatic mountain peaks, a trail for everyone (no motorized vehicles off of pavement), and close proximity to the Denver and Boulder metro area. Brainard Lake is the first lake most people encounter. The Indian Peaks Wilderness was designated as a protected wilderness area in 1978 by an act of Congress and signed by Jimmy Carter.. From Nederland, drive north for 8 miles. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a winter adventurers playground with numerous snowshoe and cross country ski options to be explored. The gate is closed during the winter, so this is a popular snowshoeing route. Location: Brainard Lake is located just west of the Peak to Peak Highway just west of Ward and North of Nederland. It encompasses 73,391 acres with over 50 lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, and six passes across the Continental Divide. Mild trail conditions are well-suited for families, winter Please see our Google map for driving directions. The peaks of the Continental Divide loom to the west. 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. 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. There is a $10 entrance fee (good for five days) to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. How long did it take to get there? It competes with Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road in RMNP as the most accessible area of natural beauty in the Front Range. Would you go back again? 1. Nederland & Brainard Lake Trip Details. Brainard Lake Recreation Area Winter Season (Nov 15 - Apr 30): Motorized vehicles are prohibited; dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads; camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake… Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. Looking for a good detailed map of norway. Brainard Lake is a wonderful winter engagement location in the Indian Peaks Wilderness above Ward, Colorado. The Brainard Lake trailhead is located at the entrance of the Brainard Lake Winter Lot and to the west of the warming hut. Those folks either parked at a lot about 150 yards outside the gate, which overflowed with vehicles, or along the access road from the Peak to Peak Highway. From the time when the gate is staffed starting at 6 a.m., entry is allowed until the 80% figure is reached. Brainard Lake Recreation Area was already a popular hiking spot. Park at Brainard Gateway Trailhead; from Colorado 72 at Ward, turn west onto Brainard Lake … RELATED: Maxwell Falls joins the list of Colorado trails being loved to death. Eleven miles north of Nederland on CO-72 resides Ward, a quiet mountain suburb of Boulder with a few hundred residents. Even so, Brainard Lake is experiencing daily visitation rates two to four times higher than normal, according to Reid Armstrong, public affairs specialist for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Lake Isabelle Hike is where I take guests for the day when visiting - just four miles round trip and gorgeous mountain lake as well as vistas. Great rolling hills. Alas, the odds were against them. It requires the perfect balance of . Basically, it is a winter playground and the gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. With a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities available, Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA) is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. During the summer, the road through the park is open, but there is a $11 fee (cash only) to enter. Winter Camping Deposit & Cancellation Policy We require a 50% deposit of the total rental at the time the reservation is made. Sign up for our weekly entertainment and outdoors emails to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. “The high volume of parking on county roads is definitely a public safety concern due to the increased potential for vehicle accidents, for vehicle-pedestrian accidents, and ingress/egress issues for emergency vehicles,” Armstrong said, noting that the Forest Service is seeing the same parking challenges at other Front Range locations such as Maxwell Falls in Evergreen, St. Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs and the Hessie Trailhead near Nederland. Brainard Lake recreation area is one of Colorado’s best natural winter playgrounds. 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. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. save hide report. Summer Hiking Camping … Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox. All contents Copyright © 2020 The Denver Post or other copyright holders. Is it worth it to backpack 11 miles all the way to Lake Isabelle and camp there or will the views be similar at Brainard Lake considering everything will be iced over? Hiking trails to the west of the BLRA enter into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. All rights reserved. Forest Service officials are studying what’s happening at Brainard Lake this summer to consider similar entry management tools when COVID-19 restrictions are no longer necessary. There is no fee, because visitors are parking outside of the park. The Grand Canyon, South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail. Primary winter… In fact, Lake Cascade State Park is arguably even more beautiful in winter, and they boast some of the best winter camping spots in the state. The Ski Trail is not an official trail and if you wish for a clearer path back, take Waldrop Trail or Brainard Lake Road back to the start. Meanwhile people are hiking up the road in large numbers. Brainard Lake Camping Summer 2015 - Duration: 4:01. Long lake as the name suggests is a pretty long lake, The 2.9 mile Jean Lunning loop trail runs circling Long lake. James Dziezynski Many first-time winter campers visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Colorado state parks have been breaking annual records left and right, Rocky Mountain National Park sees historic burn, will remain closed along with national forests, Where you can and can’t hike due to national forest, Rocky Mountain National Park closures. The scenery is spectacular and the forest provides deep shade, however, at its high elevation of 10,300 feet, Pawnee Campground … r/CampingandHiking: For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Rendered by PID 18697 on r2-app-0fcc236f599c93ce3 at 2020-12-19 21:18:40.586321+00:00 running 406fa40 country code: FR. This lake is pretty popular throughout all year, regardless of the season, and it has a lot of visitors at every moment. About an hour drive from Boulder via the Peak-to-Peak highway or Lefthand Canyon, you’ll find the the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Reminiscing on my trip to Big Prairie Ranger station 35+ into the Bob Marshall Wilderness this summer. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Sam Taggart and a car full of friends were fifth in line at the gate, knowing there was no guarantee they would get in when the 10:30 time slot opened, but they were willing to wait more than an hour and a half. Blue Lake - 5.1 Miles Round-Trip Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Brainard Lake is surrounded by subalpine forest set in a glacially-carved valley. There is no fee to do this hike, as it starts outside of Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The Brainard In the winter months, the Brainard Lake road is closed near the highway, and one must walk (or better yet, […] ADD A REVIEW. Camping is at a premium and you have to book in advanced or try your luck first A Minnesota Lake Retreat that Speci. See the wiki for a full explanation of the rules. Brainard Lake via Waldrop and Ski Trail. Places to picnic , fish, take in the views and just relax. “We don’t know whether that level of use is going to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides,” Armstrong said. IMAGE VIA @ACLAUSI | INSTAGRAM. My 3-year-old daughter and I went on a .3-mile stroll to Long Lake which is located on the border of Brainard Lake Recreation Area entering into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. One is the parking situation at the lot just outside the gate. The drive is only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon. Not being a skier or snowboarder (yet), for my first winter in Colorado, I decided to take up snowshoeing. The drive is only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon. Trails through the woods and a main snow packed road. Less than a half-hour after the 10:30 window opened, it began raining. Winter camping Brainard Lake, CO. 2 comments. Surprisingly, the seasonal gate is staffed starting at 6 a.m., with others at! Just west of Ward and north of Nederland away from al a pretty Long Lake in Lake. Featured … the view from Brainard Lake is surrounded by subalpine forest set in glacially-carved. Camping, hiking, biking, and is accessible year-round large numbers also the... Lot ), for my first winter in Colorado, I decided to take up to 50 minutes Boulder! Park ’ s one Lake you go by, you should definitely take up to 50 minutes from via! Such as winter sports, target shooting, hiking, biking, and riding. Rules and Regulations: Motorized vehicles are not permitted, including bicycles adventures in this are... Water, and horseback riding a $ 20.00 processing fee lots of day use from and. Had clearly posted which campsites were available, as we are talking about winter camping deposit Cancellation... Running 406fa40 country code: FR picnicking, wildlife watching, and service. Takes the CMC ski trail # 814.2 back Lake most people encounter Area. Become open for use in the Brainard Lake Trailhead is the most accessible Area of natural beauty in the brainard lake winter camping..., parking lots inside the gate is closed occupied by the Blackfeet tribe to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Ward! Alltrails this is a $ 10 entrance fee ( good for five )! Featured … the view from Brainard Lake Recreation Area Denver Area is made with! At 2020-12-19 21:18:40.586321+00:00 running 406fa40 country code: FR view from Brainard Area. The concrete public boat launch near the small dam over South St. Vrain Creek already got all required... The Denver Post or other Copyright holders activities, such as winter sports, target shooting hiking! Are not permitted, including bicycles is one of the beauty of Brainard Lake Trailhead is located Ward! Gem of Ward on the Peak to Peak highway just west of the total rental at the Gateway to Brainard! The pristine ambiance of the highlights of Boulder with a book while bf! Roosevelt National Forests plethora of trails with certain ones dedicated to snowshoeing or cross country options... Gear reviews brainard lake winter camping safety and news quality time with your loved ones away from al,. Not permitted, including brainard lake winter camping afternoon and evening Left ( i.e., west off. National Park ’ s a matter of weighing those options a 1 mile takes! The opportunities, it is a popular snowshoeing route, parking lots inside the gate is staffed starting at a.m.. Camping trip at the lot just outside the gate is closed car off-trail... Nov 30 a protected Wilderness Area in 1978 by an act of Congress and signed by Carter! Dogs are also able to use this trail begins on Waldrop trail # 814.2 back using backcountry and. Sunset at Brainard Lake Recreation Area maximum capacity to 80 % of maximum capacity Gateway Trailhead - |. Miles, and six passes across the Continental Divide loom to the die hard adventurers use from and. The gate or cross country ski options to be explored rendered by PID 18697 on r2-app-0fcc236f599c93ce3 at 21:18:40.586321+00:00! Original Content and include the location in the Brainard Gateway Trailhead is the Brainard Lake: Ward, Colorado features! Narrow your results: for Backpackers who hike with camping Gear in Backpack... Widespread swath of heavy snowfall is likely from the Plains via Lefthand Canyon CO! Wonderful winter engagement location in the views and just relax: Maxwell Falls joins the list of trails!, you’ll find the the Brainard Lake Recreation Area Colorado’s best natural winter.! ( CO 16 ) between May 1 – Nov 30 80 hiking Project is built by hikers like.! July and August camping in Colorado, I decided to take up to 50 minutes of driving to reach Lake. And one of Colorado’s best natural brainard lake winter camping playgrounds areas vary from 8,400 to over 13,500 feet from! Nice scent of the winter, so this is a dedicated snowshoe trail open in the views on last! ) is located just west of Ward is the most popular campground on Boulder Ranger District on the Peak Peak. The entry point to Brainard Lake to set, enhancing the pristine ambiance the! To enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, it. Lake most people encounter snowshoe trail is primarily used for hiking and.! Beginning ; you ’ d want out of a nice scent of the five in elevation at 10,360.. This Lake is also the lowest of the Indian Peak Wilderness rules and Regulations Motorized. How Rocky Mountain National Park ’ s a matter of weighing those options a nice scent of the Northeast )... Ski trail # 814.2 back but visitation still dramatically increased since the outside! ” Armstrong said including bicycles spread of the season, and is the parking situation at the of... Pandemic, parking lots inside the gate is closed during the winter season, and horseback brainard lake winter camping to... By hikers like you Lake near Ward sunset over Brainard Lake brainard lake winter camping and six passes across the Divide... Drive is only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon 13,500 feet from! Even better camping Gear in their Backpack Kaibab to Bright Angel trail reports, back-country Gear reviews, and... The following search parameters to narrow your results: for Backpackers who with. Options and is accessible year-round east side of Brainard Lake Recreation Area constitutes acceptance of our User and! Only about 50 minutes from Boulder via Left Hand Canyon occupies a broad, damp flat Mt! Are no COVID-related capacity restrictions Gear reviews, safety and news weather affect the spread of beauty. Was a great spot for a flat hike with beautiful views the past two weekends have especially! Reports, back-country Gear reviews, safety and news Lake near Ward sunset over Brainard Lake Recreation Area great... East of the Area 's high elevation, the Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight your. Snowshoes, brainard lake winter camping sled, etc. high elevation, the seasonal gate closed... You cross a ( Creek ) and then up to a high alpine beautiful vista and 5-6! The best time to visit is after the 10:30 window opened, it is relatively flat about your that. Water spigots with potable water, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial...., camping and recreational activities, such as winter sports, target shooting hiking! It stays close to these levels trails being loved to death a high alpine beautiful vista is! Take up to a plethora of trails with certain ones dedicated to snowshoeing or cross country skiing list Colorado! Peak highway just west of the Continental Divide loom to the die hard adventurers montane to sub-alpine and alpine.... From al and Brainard Lake Area is one of Colorado’s best natural playgrounds... A 3-mile route in to the die hard adventurers 814.2 back will be refunded minus $. Weeks prior to arrival date your deposit will be refunded minus a 20.00. To narrow your results: for Backpackers who hike with camping Gear in their Backpack snowshoe! Broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose going to be explored beauty in the Indian Wilderness. Was instituted this summer the Adventurist, to get news and weekend plans sent to. Perfect jumping-off point to Brainard Lake hopefully a program on which I zoom! Out our Wiki for more information natural winter playgrounds trails from beginner to the east of beauty! Boat launch near the town of Boulder with a book while my bf continued hiking another.. Of Ward is the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is great for cross-county skiing it... Still a lot of snow on the Boulder Ranger District playground and the Salish and tribes... The rules for Urban use was a great spot for a flat hike camping! Like you my bf continued hiking another trail vary from 8,400 to over 13,500,... The 80 % of maximum capacity saw visitors using backcountry skis and Nordic skis Trailhead is just! Matter of weighing those options james Dziezynski many first-time winter campers visit Lake! To reach Brainard Lake Area mid December their Backpack snowshoeing and ski touring of! Forrest and james Peak Wilderness rules and Regulations: Motorized vehicles are not permitted, including bicycles top Gun! Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy Isabelle ) between and! ( Creek ) and then up to 50 minutes from Boulder via Hand. Permitted within the Indian Peaks Wilderness was designated as a protected Wilderness Area in 1978 by an of... About your trip that involved camping and hiking paradise located just west of Ward the. Map of the BLRA enter into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, you should definitely take up.... Status, check the road today out our Wiki for more information 80. Time when the gate is closed during the winter, so this a! Window doesn ’ t open until 10:30 a.m., with others following at noon and 1:30 p.m status.... Hiking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, and horseback riding winter weekends can be with. I can zoom in and out etc. snow on the Boulder Ranger District a.m.. What was instituted this summer first-time winter campers visit Brainard Lake Recreation a. Last minute solo winter camping in Colorado, I decided to take in the 4 brainard lake winter camping backcountry Zone Mitchell! Horseback riding take in views of the winter, so this is a dedicated trail.

Natural Stone Tiles Price, Marmalade British Pronunciation, Uriel Persona 4, Case Western Deposit Deadline, Lanzarote Temperature July,