Recreation Region: Boulder Ranger District

Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead

The Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead is located 2 miles west of the Town of Ward and just east of the entrance into Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The site is an access portal that allows for year-round access to Brainard Lake Recreation Area and Indian Peaks Wilderness trail systems. The trailhead features a large parking area, warming hut, restrooms, self-service fee station and Wi-Fi service. Frequent maintenance ensures these features are available year-round. Check the current weather forecast before visiting.

Mid-June through mid-October (summer season)

Summer Season Map
Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day. Parking Map.
Day use of the site is free
Camping in the parking area is prohibited
Check summer trail conditions before your visit
See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations

Mid-October through mid-June (winter season)

Winter Season Map
Facilities and parking lot are plowed to facilitate access 24 hours a day
A $10 day use fee applies. A self-service fee station is located onsite
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are honored in lieu of paying fee
Camping in the parking area is prohibited
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

General Information

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.

Pack animals (horses/llamas); recreational shooting (except legal hunting) and being on trails posted as closed is prohibited.

Parking off pavement or in a manner that blocks traffic is prohibited. Overnight parking at the trailhead is permitted, but camping is not allowed.

When using Scan & Pay, your vehicle license number will be recorded in our system for that day. All other vehicles must properly display a day use registration receipt or interagency pass during winter operating season.

Be sure to take note of other winter regulations and important information when visiting Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead.

There is a $10 day use fee during winter months. Visitors should use the self-service fee station on the north side of the parking area to process payment using scan & pay or cash or check. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are honored in lieu of paying the fee. The Recreation.gov mobile app must be downloaded prior to using Scan & Pay system. To ensure effective use of this system download the app prior to your arrival. The on-site Wi-Fi system may experience temporary outages and cell phone reception is poor. Passes are non-transferrable between operators, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.