Long Lake Trailhead
One of the most popular trailheads on the Boulder Ranger District, Long Lake Trailhead is located at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. In the summer, hosts are available to answer questions. This trailhead provides access to Pawnee Pass, Jean Luning, and Isabelle Glacier trails within the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailhead, are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements.
General Information
Pack animals (horses/llamas) and recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) are prohibited.
No 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 - April 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 is permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
This trailhead provides access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, which requires camping permits for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15. Day-hiking permits are free year round.
Day Use:
$16 per 1-day personal vehicle
$9 per 1- day motorcycle
$38 per 1-day Multi-passenger van
Day Use Area (Passenger Vehicle) Per vehicle, per day $16
Day Use Area (Up to 15-Person Van) Per vehicle, per day $38
Day Use Area (Bus) Per vehicle, per day $61
Day Use Area (Motorcycles) Per vehicle, per day $9
Day Use Area (Cyclists & Pedestrian Access) Per person, per day $0
May 1 - Nov 14: Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Nov 15 - April 30: Dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 40.0778
Longitude: -105.5844
Directions
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal, and continue another three miles to Long Lake Trailhead.
Parking
Parking is available for 30 vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is full of recreational activities. A timed-entry reservation is required to park inside Brainard Lake Recreation Area.