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The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. For road status, check the Road Status Table. PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness permit requirements and regulations including group size, camping and campfire restrictions. Late June through mid-October (summer operating season): Summer Season Map 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. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations) Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). Check summer trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Mid-October through late June (winter season): Winter Season Map The gate is closed and the area free of charge for winter recreationists Park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads Check winter trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Recreational shooting closures exist year round in this area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations set by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Moose are present in the area. Be considerate of all wildlife. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable.
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the Brainard Gateway Trailhead, and continue another two miles to Brainard Lake. The entrance station is open seasonally.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply during the summer operating season (typically late June through mid-October):
Passenger Vehicles & RVs (per vehicle/3 days): $12
Vans (per vehicle/1 day): $30
Buses (per vehicle/1 day): $48
Motorcycles (per cycle/3 days): $7
Hiker/Biker/Walker (per person/3 days): $1
Short-term Bicyclist: 30 minute free pass
American Land & Leisure Season Pass (passenger vehicles): $66
American Land & Leisure Season Pass (hiker/biker/walker): $24
Interagency Annual, Military, Senior or Access passes, Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted. No fee is charged when the seasonal gate is closed (winter season).
Beautiful mesmerizing Brainard lake. Breath taking views !! Please reserve online else you will be asked to turnaround and can try to park free at Gateway trail head parking. Brainard lake is almost 2.5 miles from there. Plenty of parking inside if purchased near Brainard lake winter parking lot. Both parking lots had restrooms as well. Clean and well maintained pristine lake.
I have enjoyed my visits to Brainard Lake Rec Area. I've hiked from the Long Lake TH as well as the Mitchell Lake TH. Both hikes were gorgeous and the trails were well maintained. While it was sunny and about 50° F on our last hike, we did get the lightest sprinkle of snow which was lovely. Weekends are busier but not bad. Timed entry is a must and with the America the Beautiful pass the cost was $2.00 per one vehicle.
Brainard Lake RA never disappoints. The trails are great and reasonable for nearly everyone to have an enjoyable day. Ive done Mitchell Lake trail and Lake Isabelle/Long Lake trails. Amazing beauty and the trails are well marked. I brought some friends who were new to the area, we will all be back next season.
Awesome place for winter recreation! Arrived at 9am on a Sat. Still plenty of parking but it was filling fast. The bathrooms were super clean for the traffic they see. It’s an utterly gorgeous place.
This is one of our favorite places for engagement sessions and elopement weddings! You cannot beat the huge mountain views so close to Boulder! There's loads of beautiful hikes around the area, and of course the alpine lake! Such a beautiful place!
