Waldrop Trail
The Waldrop Trail is within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It begins on the north side of Brainard Lake Road at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead and drops from Brainard Lake Road about 50 yards west of the winter closure gate. It is possible to make a nice two-mile loop by following this cutoff to Brainard Lake Road and/or CMC Trail to return to the trailhead. For a longer adventure, continue west on Waldrop Trail as it crosses the creek and heads northwest to connect with the South Saint Vrain Trail. Turn west on South Saint Vrain Trail to get to Brainard Lake (turn east to return to the trailhead via South Saint Vrain and Sourdough trails).
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
View a trail map here.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area fees apply.
Pack animals (horses/llamas) and recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) is 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.
Getting There
Directions
From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal.
Nearby Recreation Sites
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.