It was an easy 10 mile hike and I saw several moose which was a great bonus! The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. 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. 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 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. Close. The trail information is now correct. The trail travels from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle, which sits just below the tree line. It then makes a short climb to Lake Isabelle, which sits below treeline. Elevation gain: 350 feet The Brainard Lake Trails are easily some of our favorite winter trails in Colorado. From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road. As experienced locals will tell you, there is nothing off the beaten path about this trailhead or the trails in its immediate vicinity. Its one of my favorite hikes in this state. Lake Isabelle. Map of Lake Isabelle from the Long Lake Trailhead. Elevation: 10,500 feet at the Long Lake TH; 12,541 feet at Pawnee Pass. 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. The trail wasnt too busy since it was a weekday. Restrooms, drinking Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake Isabelle. 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. The trail enters the Indian Peaks How to Get to Brainard Lake. 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. 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. Lake Isabelle. 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. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. But this time, for the first time ever, I hiked beyond the lake. Begin at the Long Lake trailhead, which is located inside the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area. Photo by John Kowalski. Welcome to BRAINARD LAKE Recreation Area / Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to This 4.2 mile round-trip hike only gains 435 ft. of elevation. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. A $1 per person fee applies to those riding bicycles into the recreation area during the summer operating season. After a few days of haze, the smoke has finally begun to clear and reveal the beautiful views Colorado has to offer. I went with family with various levels of stamina. Brainard and Isabelle Lakes, July 2018. Follow the trail alongside Long Lake, which, true to its name, is a long and lengthy lake. The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. The whole area was dazzlingly gorgeous under a deep blue sky. Throngs of summer visitors descend upon this region to enjoy more mellow hikes like Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. Lake Isabelle sits 4.4 miles from the trailhead. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County. If you enter the park before 8 a.m. theres a better chance of finding parking in the Long Lake Trailhead. Why We Love It: Blue glacial ice is a magical (and increasingly rare) sight. 303-541-2500. We made it to the lake in record time and were able to watch the clouds turn pinkish-orange. Close. Turn right (north) and enter the Pawnee Basin. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. Its one of my favorite hikes in this state. After less than half a mile, you will arrive at Long Lake. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. Meadows Field. Print/PDF Map. Available Tickets. Follow the Pawnee Pass summer trail up a ridge to the left, using the Keyholes to your right as markers. Heres more info to help you on your journey. 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. ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY. The limited parking spots at 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. Its located right on the edge of the staggeringly beautiful Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Brainard Lake Road circles Brainard Lake and leads to Pawnee Campground. These mid summer photos were all taken on the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 Mk2 Apex tripod. It begins at Forest Trail 858 and ends at San Isabel Lake. 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. Ask for a map. Start your hike from the Long Lake trailhead. Brainard Lake. I wanted to say up and back, but the climb was only about 400 feet to 10,868 feet at Lake Isabelle. Lake Isabelle is an intermediate hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County, Colorado. From Pueblo go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. 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. 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. The hike to Lake Isabelle begins from the Long Lake The cost was $11 cash. 4382 Brainard Lake Road Ward CO 80481. It is not a natural lake but a reservoir. The cost was $11 cash. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. At Lake Isabelle, follow the Isabelle Glacier Trail along the north side of Lake Isabelle. Thursday I hiked from the campground to Brainard and Long lakes, and then up to Lake Isabelle. I was recommended the Lake Isabelle trail from a friend and after googling photos, we were dying to try it out. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for 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. Welcome to the first of our Rocky Mountain Ride Adventures blog series where the RMR team takes you with them on their outdoor excursions. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The lake itself is located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness and a part of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 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. From Nederland, drive 13 miles north on Colorado Highway 72 to the town of Ward - you will see the sign for 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. For a longer, more difficult hike with a breathtaking reward, extend your adventure to include Lake Isabelle. Colorado Tourism Colorado Hotels Colorado Bed and Breakfast Colorado Vacation Rentals Colorado Vacation Packages Flights to amg. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 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. The Pine Lodge - San Isabel Lake -. Its just south of Estes Park, west of Boulder, and north of Nederland. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Todays trip was about five miles out and back. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for Hike: Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail Length: 4.5 miles one way Level: Moderate Fee: 10$ per vehicle Dogs: On leash. Fernando Boza. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. 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. We arrived after 11 a.m, oops! 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. while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. 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. Four of the five Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle can only be reached on foot. Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (a.k.a. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. However, they are accessed by the same roads and suffer from identical red tape. Prices and availability are subject to change. $228 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago $228. Drive about 15.6 miles to Nederland. In 2.6 miles you'll reach a pay station. Hiking to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle or to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, you have to drive to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Lake Isabelle is a dreamy lake located northwest of Denver and just west of a little town called Ward. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. Its not terribly difficult and well, the beauty speaks for itself. 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. 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'. Who would of thunk that in the middle of June there would still be a consistent snow base throughout the park? Photo by USDA. In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. Once you reach a bench at just over 11,800, leave the approx. to the Pawnee Pass Trailhead. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. Contact Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, Phone 303-541-2500, for more info. Phone Number. The main starting point for this hike is the Long Lake Trailhead at Brainard Lake Rec Area. Denver Intl. Better revise thanks. 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. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. 102, FDR 112). Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. Our first trip to Brainard Lake Thursday, June 27, was a smashing success. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. ProTrails | Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, 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). (National Park annual and senior passes are accepted). The seasonally-open Brainard Lake Road typically opens in mid-June and usually is closed due to snow by late October. The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. Additional terms apply. One of our favorite winter snowshoe adventures leads you from Brainard Lake up to Lake Isabelle. Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. Selected fares from Pittsburgh to Lake Isabella. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. 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. Navajo Peak rises above one of the glistening alpine lakes along the Isabelle Glacier Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. 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. The trail begins off of the western end of the parking lot. Dont get eaten by a mountain lion! The next day, Shelby and Derik gathered friends and family together at Brainard lake for their ceremony. Photo by Logan Abbott. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. Prices and availability are subject to change. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Mountain goats are always atop the list of wildlife I hope to photograph when visiting Colorado in the summer. County Rd. Thu, Nov 24 - Mon, Dec 5. Brainard Lake. You can read more on this iconic trail via AllTrails here . 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. Trailhead: Long Lake Trailhead (near Brainard Lake) Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. 24 reviews of Brainard Lake Recreation Area "I visited Brainard Lake on Saturday. I grew up in Squirrel Valley and I have so many great memories from those easy, carefree days of the 1960s and '70s. Long Lake Take a look around this beautiful lake before continuing on the trail. It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. Photos (1,079) Directions. Heading out from the Long Lake Trailhead, the trail begins its relatively gentle ascent up to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. This was the perfect Colorado elopement! However, it's incredibly beautiful. 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. Hiked to long lake, used the Pawnee pass trail to lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of 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 Lake Isabelle from Long Lake. The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. 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 My go-to place and time for bull moose in the past has been Brainard Lake at sunrise. The ultra-popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area is, more properly, actually two trailheads. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Protrails Corona Lake Photo Gallery Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Colorado Colorado Colorado Hiking Colorado Mountains . 8/30/2007 10:20:42 AM. Hike We Like: Isabelle Glacier Trail. The flowers are still beautiful and abundant higher up. Difficulty: Most difficult. Share. Your trailhead instructions cannot be for the Indian Peaks Isabelle out of Brainard Lake area! 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. Lake Isabelle is a little gem located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. Isabelle Glacier is most easily accessed out of the bustling Brainard Lake Recreation Area. This was my fourth time hiking to Lake Isabelle, having previously completed it in summer, fall, and winter. It is a pretty lake and its definitely the easiest option to get to if you arent looking to do any hiking on your wedding day, but its not my personal favorite in this area. Tue, Sep 13 - A sunrise hike up to Lake Isabelle followed by a vow ceremon the next day at Brainard Lake. We parked the car near Brainard Lake and walked to the Long Lake Trailhead. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Gulp down the fresh mountain air whipping across the open tundra as you tool around the lake. Take Lee Hill Drive up to Lefthand Canyon Drive and turn left. From pristine Lake Isabelle, the trail turns right (north) and climbs on a graded switchback trail. MENU. The reservoir is named for Isabella Brainard, the wife of physicist Edward Teller. But beyond Brainard Lake are four more lakes; two up each of the valleys in the photo above. I had been scoping this one out for quite some time and had The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Rainbow Lakes Campground first come, first serve. The park itself is beautiful and so is the hike to Blue Lake as well. Yes, there is a $9 fee to enter but the pass last for 5 Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. 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. Brainard lake, just a few steps from the parking lot offers some lovely views and some picnic areas. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 7 min to complete. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. Pro tip: the Brainard Lake Recreation Area that this hike is located in 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. Additional terms apply. From the round-about, go north on the Peak to Peak Highway (CO 72) for about 8 miles to Ward. 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. route of Pawnee Pass Trail and head west. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. 556. Accessed via: Brainard Gateway to Long Lake to Isabelle Lake.