Niwot Picnic Area

Area Status: Closed

Photo of a picnic table, raised grill, and metal fire pit in front of Brainard Lake

Located on the west side of Brainard Lake, Niwot Picnic Area is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The area offers four picnic sites with tables, pedestal grills, metal fire rings and trash receptacles.

View a COTREX map.

View a picnic area map.

At a Glance

Fees:	Brainard Lake Recreation Area CASH OR CHECK ONLY fees apply during the summer operating season (typically late June through mid-October).
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Prohibited: Pack animals (horses/llamas); recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) and being on trails posted as 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; camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake; skis only on Little Raven and CMC Ski Trail. 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. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Fishing and Hunting: Permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Closest Towns:	Ward, Colorado
Water:	Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking.
Restroom:	Vault toilets
Operated By:	Concessionaire: American Land & Leisure

General Information

Directions:

From Colorado Highway 72 at Ward, turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the entrance portal, continue another two miles to parking at Brainard Lake, and walk 0.5-1.0 mile (depending on the parking sites available) to Niwot Picnic Area.

Accessibility:

Due to its high elevation, the Brainard area is not generally snow-free until July. The seasonally-open Brainard Lake Road typically opens in late June and closes mid-October.