Brainard Lake Picnic Site and Trailhead

Brainard Lake Picnic Site/Trailhead is a large summer parking lot that many people use as an alternative to Long Lake Trailhead, Mitchell Lake Trailhead, or Niwot Picnic Site/Trailhead.  These upper trailhead parking lots are not scheduled to open until July 1.  The Picnic Area opens for use mid-June, before the other three mentioned lots open and is often used when the other three lots fill up. You  must add mileage to any hike planned from the upper lots if will have to hike to the actual trailhead you want to use. 

Parking permit required.

Indian Peaks Wilderness: This place is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, offering pristine alpine environments and challenging terrain.  IPW restricts usage, parking, and entry depending on season and trailhead location.  Please view this document with everything you need to know about Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Alternate titles:

Lake Isabelle - 6 miles

Isabelle Glacier - 10.2 miles

Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak - 10.8 miles

Jean Lunning Trail - 4.6 miles (did a loop for this one)

Navajo Peak - 11.1 miles

Little Pawnee Peak - 11.7 miles

Pawnee and Shoshoni Peaks

Mitchell Lake - 5.1 miles

Blue Lake - 7.1 miles

Upper Blue Lake (All Trails calls it - Little Blue Lake) - 8.1 miles

Mount Audubon - 9.2 miles

Mount Audubon and Paiute Peak - 9.9 miles

Mount Toll - 9.2 miles

• Suitable Activities: Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• High Point: 10,365 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Boulder Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12