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IPW - Brainard Lake Recreation Area


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IPW - Brainard Lake Recreation Area

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area, part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is set in a glacially carved valley with spectacular views of Brainard Lake, surrounding forest, and a number of high peaks along the Continental Divide. The Picnic Site is an alternate parking area and TH for many places. Parking permit required.

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. 

Indian Peaks Wilderness: This place is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, offering pristine alpine environments and challenging terrain. IPW restrictions for permits, parking, and entry vary by season and trailhead. Go here for current information. 

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

 

  • 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
Map
  • CoTrex
  • 14ers.com
  • AllTrails
  • SummitPost
  • Peakbagger
  • MountainProject.com
  • listsofjohn
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Lake Isabelle
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Isabelle Glacier
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Pawnee Pass
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Pawnee Pass & Pawnee Peak
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Pawnee & Shoshoni Peaks
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Jean Lunning Trail
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Navajo Peak
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Little Pawnee Peak
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Mitchell Lake
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Blue Lake
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Mount Audubon
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Paiute Peak & Mount Audubon
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Paiute Peak
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Mount Toll
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Pawnee & Shoshoni Peaks
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area - Upper Blue Lake
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