Recreation Region: Boulder Ranger District

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide. Because of the area's high elevation, snow typically remains until July. Several trailheads, such as Long Lake and Mitchell Lake trailheads, lead west into Indian Peaks Wilderness. Visitors entering the Wilderness are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

General Information

A parking reservation is required to park inside Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area Seasonal Information to purchase parking reservations and view seasonal regulations for camping, pets, shooting, skiing, and more.

Summer Operating Season: The seasonal gate, located at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead, is open from approximately mid-June through mid-October.

Winter Season: Winter recreationists can park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead to access area cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Never block any gate with your vehicle, whether open or closed.

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

May 1 - Nov 14: Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times; when open, developed camping is only allowed at Pawnee Campground (no camping in closed campgrounds); dispersed camping is only allowed north of the South St Vrain Creek.

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; skis only on Little Raven and CMC Ski Trail.

Fishing and Hunting: Permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

A parking reservation is required to park in Brainard Lake Recreation Area. There is no reservation required to park at the Gateway Trailhead and enter Brainard Lake Recreation Area by foot/bike, but there is a $10 day use fee. Please see recreation.gov for all fees and additional information. Visitors with a senior, access, or annual pass receive a discount on parking reservations during checkout at recreation.gov, but they still must purchase a reservation.

May 1 - Nov 14: Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.

Nov 15 - Apr 30: Dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads.

Getting There

Elevation

10,600'

Directions

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.