Hiking – Brainard Lake Rec Area - Long Lake TH - Lake Isabelle

I hiked to Lake Isabelle last year, and noted it is a very scenic trek! I thought this loop would be a wonderful way to begin 7/15/2025!

Possibly a little snow at Lake Isabelle, but given this hike is planned for mid-July, I expect more melting by then. I have us hiking a bit alongside the Lake Isabelle before turning around, but this is subject to change depending on hike conditions and mood of group. We'll plan on taking the Jean Lunning trail back to the Long Lake Trailhead. I expect we will complete this hike in 3-4 hours.

More to come in my hello hiker email.

I have a timed-entry permit for the Long Lake Trailhead (5:00-8:00 a.m.) and can bring 3-4 others in my vehicle (four is a little snug in the backseat, but manageable for this relatively short drive). 

I am driving from Longmont and can pick up people who park off Lefthand Canyon Drive north of the Greenbriar Inn north of Boulder off Highway 36 (6:30 a.m.) or from the Brainard Lake Winter Lot (7:15 a.m. in front of the warming hut/restroom area). We will drive to the Long Lake Trailhead and will begin our hike around 7:30 a.m.