Set in a glacially-carved valley, the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays to enter this area on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations). This line of vehicles can be up to a mile long at times. Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). The best time to visit this area is after the snow melts in July and August (Summer Season Map).
Because of the area's high elevation, motor vehicle access to Brainard Lake is not available year round (Winter Season Map). Opening and closing dates vary slightly each year (approximately mid-June through mid-October). When the gate is closed, park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead. When the gate is open, it remains open until closing for the season in mid-October. For current information on road openings and closures, check the Road Status Table. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth. Area trails can be snow packed until early or mid July. To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June. Check summer trail conditions (or winter trail conditions) before your visit.
PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements including group size, camping and campfire restrictions.
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.
At a Glance
Rentals & Guides:
Colorado Mountain Club Brainard Cabin
Fees
Brainard Lake Recreation Area CASH OR CHECK ONLY fees apply during the summer operating season (typically mid-June through mid-October):
American Land & Leisure Season Pass (passenger vehicles): $60
American Land & Leisure Season Pass (hiker/biker/walker): $22
Interagency Annual, Military, Senior or Access passes, Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted. No fee is charged when the seasonal gate is closed (winter season).
Usage:
Heavy
Best Season:
Mid July through August
Restrictions:
Prohibited: Pack animals (horses/llamas); recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) and being on trails posted closed.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Summer Season (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.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Winter Season (Nov 15 - Apr 30): Motorized vehicles are prohibited; dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads; primitive camping is allowed 1/4 mile away from developed recreation sites (e.g. trailheads, picnic areas) 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.
Closest Towns:
Ward, Colorado
Water:
Drinking Water
Restroom:
Vault toilets
Operated By:
Concessionaire: American Land & Leisure
Information Center:
Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, Phone 303-541-2500, Fax 303-541-2515; Contact Us
General Information
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.
Mountain biking is allowed on certain trails within and adjacent to Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Bikes are permitted on the CMC, Waldrop, South Saint Vrain and Sourdough Trails, Left Hand Park Reservoir Road and all paved roads. Trails leading west from Brainard Lake Recreation Area enter the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, where all mechanized recreation is prohibited.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a good side-trip for road cyclists. It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. 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. A $1 per person fee applies to those riding bicycles into the recreation area during the summer operating season. Restrooms, drinking water and trash services are provided at Brainard Lake.
Difficulty Level:
Easy to Intermediate
Camping & Cabins
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Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:
Pawnee Campground provides camping opportunities at Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Fishing
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Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:
Brainard Lake is surrounded by subalpine forest set in a glacially-carved valley. The craggy peaks of the continental divide provide a spectacular backdrop for visitors to enjoy. With a wide variety of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities available, Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District.
Fire Information
Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is among the premier destinations for non-motorized winter recreation along the Front Range. The Brainard Gateway Trailhead is located 2.5 miles west of Colorado Highway 72, at the seasonal closure gate on Brainard Lake Road. From here, the Waldrop Trail, Sourdough Trail, South Saint Vrain Trail and Left Hand Park Reservoir Road are accessible to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Snowshoe trail is not restricted to snowshoers only, however it is not well-designed for skiing. The CMC Trail and Little Raven Trail are restricted to skiers only. Dogs are prohibited on all single track trails in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area except for Sourdough Trail from November 15 - April 30.
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