Brainard Lake Road Parking to Long Lake Trailhead 6.3 miles (Round Trip) Long Lake Trailhead to Lake Isabelle 4.89 miles (Round Trip) Map to Lake Isabelle and Jean Lunning Trail From mid-June to September, the hike to Lake Isabelle provides relatively easy access to a beautiful alpine lake in the heart of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Ounce for ounce, this is probably the most scenic hike on the Front Range.Since the hike is in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, there is a day use fee of $11. Four of the five Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle can only be reached on foot. Trail Description: The first quarter mile of the Pawnee Pass Trail to Long Lake is a very heavily used trail. It then makes a short climb to Lake Isabelle, which sits below treeline. Along with several other wonderful trails, the hike to Long Lake, Lake Isabelle, and Pawnee Pass starts at Brainard Lake Recreation Area just an hour's drive from Boulder. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409), Apache (13,441) and Shoshoni (12,967) peaks. Who would of thunk that in the middle of June there would still be a consistent snow base throughout the park? Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake Isabelle. Lake Isabelle lies hidden in a high, isolated bowl-shaped basin at the top of the South St. Vrain drainage in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The Z7 exposures for the images averaged between 0.8 seconds to 1/8 of a second at f/11, f/14, f/16 and f/20. DEN. Begin the hike to Lake Isabelle from the main entrance gate following the Brainard Lake Road, past Brainard Lake. The trail travels from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle, which sits just below the tree line. Its one of my favorite hikes in this state. Prices and availability are subject to change. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. Additional terms apply. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for Lake Isabelle sits 4.4 miles from the trailhead. The trailhead is a half mile beyond this lake at about 10,500 feet. The area is incredibly beautiful in the winter, as you'll find an abundance of snow and white peaks in the near distance. The Jean Lunning trail offers some really nice wildflowers without too much of a walk. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. Great opportunity for snow-showing, X-Country Skiing, or even hiking. Take Lee Hill Drive up to Lefthand Canyon Drive and turn left. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. Close. Ask for a map. After ~0.1 miles turn left onto Long Lake Road and follow it for ~0.4 miles to the trailhead parking lot. The real begins en route to the Lake Isabelle / Isabelle Glacier trail, where the route abruptly climbs and pass through a tumbling waterfall before reaching Lake Isabelle. Brainard Lake Rd Ward CO 80481. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County. From the Its just south of Estes Park, west of Boulder, and north of Nederland. Distance: 4.2 miles round trip. route of Pawnee Pass Trail and head west. Length: 8.4 miles round-trip and 1,700 vertical feet. The lake is situated just under tree line and its crystal-clear waters reflect the jagged Indian Peaks. It is approximately five miles west from Colorado Highway 72 at Ward to reach Brainard Lake. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. Turn left (west) on Brainard Lake Road (CR 102), driving about 5 miles to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. I was recommended the Lake Isabelle trail from a friend and after googling photos, we were dying to try it out. It's roughly 2.25 miles from the Winter Lot to the base of Brainard Lake. The trail begins off of the western end of the parking lot. The trail enters the Indian Peaks Elevation gain: 350 feet Lake Isabelle is a little gem located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. Roads a little tight, and backing into some sites difficult for larger rvs. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Distance 4.46 miles round trip (7.18 km) Height Closely behind come moose, another animal I don't see in Texas. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. To get to the actual Isabelle Glacier Trail, hop on the Pawnee Pass Trail at the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. Restrooms, drinking Use the Lake Isabelle is a gorgeous alpine lake that is tucked within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and connects to both Long Lake and the Pawnee Pass trail. Welcome to BRAINARD LAKE Recreation Area / Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado! At a split in the road, hike up Long Lake Rd. My go-to place and time for bull moose in the past has been Brainard Lake at sunrise. Located about 25 miles west of Boulder in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Lake Isabelle is accessed by a breathtaking 4.5-mile sub-alpine loop well worth the hype. Phone Number. Huge changes have been made in particular, the road that ran north of Brainard Lake and up to the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake trainheads is being rerouted so the area east and north of Brainard is now traffic-free, a nice Fernando Boza. Follow HWY 72 north for 13 miles to the town of Ward. Its busy when you get to the start of the lake, so we wandered a bit farther to find a secluded spot to enjoy lunch with a view. The park itself is beautiful and so is the hike to Blue Lake as well. Yes, there is a $9 fee to enter but the pass last for 5 Hiking along the road from the entrance gate will add about 4.0 mi to the overall trip but this area, covered in snow, is incredible. Navajo Peak rises above one of the glistening alpine lakes along the Isabelle Glacier Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. MENU. Here, we will cover everything you need to know to hike to Lake Isabelle as well as the stunning Long Lake. County Rd. I went with family with various levels of stamina. La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. Take a look around this beautiful lake before continuing on the trail. Its located right on the edge of the staggeringly beautiful Indian Peaks Wilderness. Hikers start on the Brainard Lake Game House (instructions, parking, and allow data under), the place there are dozens of incredible day hike choices for all talent ranges. Climbed SE aspects to summit. The Brainard Lake Recreational Area near Ward, Colorado, is a very popular destination for outdoorsmen and women of all types. The lake is accessible year round but late spring through the first large snow is the best time to hike up to this stunning lake. But beyond Brainard Lake are four more lakes; two up each of the valleys in the photo above. Turn right (north) and enter the Pawnee Basin. Brainard Lake trailhead. The journey starts at the Long Lake Trailhead located on Brainard Lake Road just west of the town of Ward. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Long Lake Hiking to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle or to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, you have to drive to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Only about 3.5 miles from Brainard Lake, 900ft in elevation gain (mostly right before Lake Isabelle.) The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. The next day, Shelby and Derik gathered friends and family together at Brainard lake for their ceremony. Lake Isabelle. BFL. Better revise thanks. Tue, Sep 13 - The cheapest prices found with in the last 7 days for return flights were $438 and for one-way flights to Lake Isabella for the period specified. This short climb ends abruptly, with Lake Isabelle popping into view. Pro tip: the Brainard Lake Recreation Area that this hike is located in Protrails Corona Lake Photo Gallery Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Colorado Colorado Colorado Hiking Colorado Mountains . 4382 Brainard Lake Road Ward CO 80481. Today I wanted to go back to Lake Isabelle, where I hadnt been since October 5, just before they locked the gate for the winter. It is drained every year in late July to early August, so be sure to call the Boulder Ranger District 303-541-2500 before your hike. The flowers are still beautiful and abundant higher up. From the round-about, go north on the Peak to Peak Highway (CO 72) for about 8 miles to Ward. Hiked to long lake, used the Pawnee pass trail to lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass. The drive from Boulder takes about 45-50 minutes (here is the Google Maps link to directions): Head north on Broadway or 28th street, and turn left onto Lee Hill Drive. For a longer, more difficult hike with a breathtaking reward, extend your adventure to include Lake Isabelle. Address: 1334 Brainard Lake Road in Ward. How to Get to Brainard Lake. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. ProTrails | Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, We made it to the lake in record time and were able to watch the clouds turn pinkish-orange. The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. Long Lake: .2 miles ; Lake Isabelle: 2.1 miles; Description: The Brainard Lake area is a busy little bee during the warm season, as is much of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. The trail wasnt too busy since it was a weekday. Follow the trail alongside Long Lake, which, true to its name, is a long and lengthy 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. Once you reach a bench at just over 11,800, leave the approx. 556. The trail information is now correct. Brainard Lake Road circles Brainard Lake and leads to Pawnee Campground. The lake rests at the bottom of a treeline cirque in an impressive area surrounded by Navajo Peak (13,409), Apache Peak (13,441), and Shoshoni Peak (12,967). Lake Isabelle is a 5.5 mile out & back trail that is heavily trafficked. As experienced locals will tell you, there is nothing off the beaten path about this trailhead or the trails in its immediate vicinity. Our destination of the day was the valley on the far left, and the plan was to make it at least as far as the first lake Long Lake and possibly all the way back to the second Lake Isabelle. From Nederland, drive 13 miles north on Colorado Highway 72 to the town of Ward - you will see the sign for It was an easy 10 mile hike and I saw several moose which was a great bonus! The ultra-popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area is, more properly, actually two trailheads. Lake Isabelle. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. amg. Start your hike from the Long Lake trailhead. The Brainard Lake Trails are easily some of our favorite winter trails in Colorado. If you enter the park before 8 a.m. theres a better chance of finding parking in the Long Lake Trailhead. 303-541-2500. The hike to lake isabelle begins from the long lake trailhead in the brainard lake recreation area. Meadows Field. You can read more on this iconic trail via AllTrails here . It begins at Forest Trail 858 and ends at San Isabel Lake. The hike to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake Trailhead is an adventure I have done every summer since I moved to Colorado. Elevation: 10,500 feet at the Long Lake TH; 12,541 feet at Pawnee Pass. Follow the Pawnee Pass summer trail up a ridge to the left, using the Keyholes to your right as markers. In the town of Nederland, follow signs to the Peak to Peak Highway/HWY 72. Accessed via: Brainard Gateway to Long Lake to Isabelle Lake. Challenge Level: Intermediate, 6.7 Miles, 787' Total Elevation Gain, 4 Hours - Lake Isabelle should be reserved for later in your vacation when you are more acclimated to higher altitudes as it starts at 10,300'. Gulp down the fresh mountain air whipping across the open tundra as you tool around the lake. 556. (National Park annual and senior passes are accepted). The following camera gear was used in the Landscape Photography of Lake Isabelle Colorado Waterfalls and Streams: and the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens. It is not a natural lake but a reservoir. 8/30/2007 10:20:42 AM. Mountain goats are always atop the list of wildlife I hope to photograph when visiting Colorado in the summer. Throngs of summer visitors descend upon this region to enjoy more mellow hikes like Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. We parked the car near Brainard Lake and walked to the Long Lake Trailhead. Reservations can be made in advance by lot you want. While there are plenty of beautiful locations along the way, you'll be greatly rewarded if you make the trek to Long Lake or the areas beyond. Todays trip was about five miles out and back. At Lake Isabelle, follow Isabelle Glacier Trail #908 as it forks left from the Pawnee Pass Trail and continues along the north side of Lake Isabelle to the source of the South St. Vrain Creek - Isabelle Glacier. Map of Lake Isabelle from the Long Lake Trailhead. One of the highlights of my week is opening the Kern Valley Sun on my computer and reading about all the happenings at the lake, even though I have not been back in over 30 years. Lake Isabelle is reached via an easy 2.1-mile jaunt along the Pawnee Pass trail, beginning from the Long Lake trailhead in the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The reservoir is named for Isabella Brainard, the wife of physicist Edward Teller. Hikers start on the Brainard Lake Game House (instructions, parking, and allow data under), the place there are dozens of incredible day hike choices for all talent ranges. The Long Lake Trailhead is located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area off of CO 72 (12 miles north of Nederland, just north of the town of Ward). These mid summer photos were all taken on the Really Right Stuff TVC-24 Mk2 Apex tripod. Together we hiked to the alpine lake with just our headlamps to light the way. Difficulty: Most difficult. Turn west onto the Brainard Lake Road (a.k.a. Lake Isabella is a man-made reservoir located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Its one of my favorite hikes in this state. Additional terms apply. I strongly recommend getting an early start. The hike to Lake Isabelle begins from the Long Lake Brainard Lake sits just west of the Peak to Peak Highway in Colorado at an elevation of 10,300 feet. Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lakes Recreation Area. Brainard Lake. Share. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to easy trails. Why We Love It: Blue glacial ice is a magical (and increasingly rare) sight. However, they are accessed by the same roads and suffer from identical red tape. Drive about 15.6 miles to Nederland. Selected fares from Pittsburgh to Lake Isabella. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located outside Boulder just north of Nederland. Protrails Corona Lake Photo Gallery Indian Peaks Wilderness Area Colorado Colorado Colorado Hiking Colorado Mountains . $228 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago $228. Lake Isabelle Nederland Colorado Lake Day Trips Explore St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel in PSICC Colorado with Recreationgov.. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 7 min to complete. Brainard Lake is the first area youll see when you first enter the Brainard Lake Recreation area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 102, FDR 112). The lake itself is located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness and a part of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Experience this 5.7-mile loop trail near Ward, Colorado. At Lake Isabelle, follow the Isabelle Glacier Trail along the north side of Lake Isabelle. The lake was created by the construction of the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1940s and 1950s. Photo by John Kowalski. The cheapest prices found with in the last 7 days for return flights were $228 and for one-way flights to Lake Isabella for the period specified. Colorado Tourism Colorado Hotels Colorado Bed and Breakfast Colorado Vacation Rentals Colorado Vacation Packages Flights to Unfortunately, with the amount of intense wind in all areas of the Brainard recreation area, tracks on any of these back country trails are easily erased in one day, so you should always plan on having GPS to make sure you are on the Denver Intl. Brainard Lake Recreation Area to Blue Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle/Isabelle Glacier, Mitchell Lake, Mt Audubon, Mt Toll, Niwot Ridge, Pauite Peak, Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777. If you have a little more endurance and are OK with stepping over some small rocks you can make it to Lake Isabelle and if you really want to challenge yourself you can try for the But this time, for the first time ever, I hiked beyond the lake. I'm heading up thursday and wondering if I should hike lake isabelle or if I should do a different trail in the area Colorado. Hike We Like: Isabelle Glacier Trail. From pristine Lake Isabelle, the trail turns right (north) and climbs on a graded switchback trail. From the CO-72/Brainard Lake Road intersection near Ward, CO, follow the Brainard Lake Road west for ~5.1 miles (past Brainard Lake) and turn right onto Mitchell Lake Road. I awoke well before dawn to drive deep into the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area near Rollinsville, CO, to Lake Isabelle in order to capture a gorgeous sunrise elopement amidst the mountains. Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. In celebration, I decided to venture over to Indian Peaks Wilderness for the first time and hike to Lake Isabelle. Ask for a map. Prices and availability are subject to change. However, it's incredibly beautiful. At the Brainard Lake area, follow signs for From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road. Rainbow Lakes Campground first come, first serve. Lake Isabelle lies hidden in a high, isolated bowl-shaped basin at the top of the South St. Vrain drainage in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Soon the Lake Isabelle junction comes into view. Photo by USDA. A sunrise hike up to Lake Isabelle followed by a vow ceremon the next day at Brainard Lake. Photos (1,079) Directions. Your trailhead instructions cannot be for the Indian Peaks Isabelle out of Brainard Lake area! The cost was $11 cash. Hikers begin at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (directions, parking, and permit information below), where there are dozens of fantastic day hike options for all ability levels. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle. Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. Lake Isabelle is an intermediate hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Boulder County, Colorado. Hiking to Lake Isabelle from Long Lake. The whole area was dazzlingly gorgeous under a deep blue sky. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. The seasonally-open Brainard Lake Road typically opens in mid-June and usually is closed due to snow by late October. In 2.6 miles you'll reach a pay station. The Pine Lodge - San Isabel Lake -. Contact Boulder Ranger District, 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, Phone 303-541-2500, for more info. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. to the Pawnee Pass Trailhead. Lake Isabelle is a dreamy lake located northwest of Denver and just west of a little town called Ward. I wanted to say up and back, but the climb was only about 400 feet to 10,868 feet at Lake Isabelle. This was the perfect Colorado elopement! Brainard Lake has been one of the most popular hiking destinations in the front range for but more recently has become more popular as a camping destination. Available Tickets. Follow the signs to the long lake trailhead. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. So even though Brainard Lake gets packed on a typical day, not many people will make it as far as Lake Isabelle, meaning you will have the trail virtually to yourself. Close. Brainard and Isabelle Lakes, July 2018. The Lake Isabelle Trail is a 4.2-mile round-trip, out-and-back, adventure in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. It is an easy and family friendly hike. Brainard lake, just a few steps from the parking lot offers some lovely views and some picnic areas. This 4.2 mile round-trip hike only gains 435 ft. of elevation. Five small lakes lie within the Brainard Lakes Recreation Area in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness area of the Roosevelt National Forest. Isabelle Glacier is most easily accessed out of the bustling Brainard Lake Recreation Area. I thought the hike was easy to Long Lake, and it got moderate to difficult closer to Lake Isabelle. Hike: Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail Length: 4.5 miles one way Level: Moderate Fee: 10$ per vehicle Dogs: On leash. Lake Isabelle is a surprising Colorado subalpine lake positioned within the Indian Peaks Desolate tract. Take a left on Brainard Lake Road (NF 112) and follow it for about 5 miles to the lake. I had been scoping this one out for quite some time and had It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409), Apache (13,441) and Shoshoni (12,967) peaks. A $1 per person fee applies to those riding bicycles into the recreation area during the summer operating season. Distance / Elevation Gain ~15 miles and ~3050 vert gained (approx) Prologue We decided to get a 6AM start at the base of the Brainard Lake Road and head up Pawnee. From Pueblo go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. The limited parking spots at Print/PDF Map. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is less than an hours drive from Boulder, making it one of the area's most popular destinations for outdoors athletes. Thursday I hiked from the campground to Brainard and Long lakes, and then up to Lake Isabelle. After a few days of haze, the smoke has finally begun to clear and reveal the beautiful views Colorado has to offer. Its not terribly difficult and well, the beauty speaks for itself. Photo by Logan Abbott. 24 reviews of Brainard Lake Recreation Area "I visited Brainard Lake on Saturday. Welcome to the first of our Rocky Mountain Ride Adventures blog series where the RMR team takes you with them on their outdoor excursions. One of our favorite winter snowshoe adventures leads you from Brainard Lake up to Lake Isabelle. while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. After less than half a mile, you will arrive at Long Lake. Savannah Chandler Photography | Colorado Elopement Photographer | Brainard Recreation Area Hiking Elopement. Lake Isabelle. We waited an hour in line to get into Brainard Lake Recreation area in Roosevelt National Forrest. I went with family with various levels of stamina. Heading out from the Long Lake Trailhead, the trail begins its relatively gentle ascent up to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. It is set along the Frontier Pathways and Historic Byway in th. I grew up in Squirrel Valley and I have so many great memories from those easy, carefree days of the 1960s and '70s. Probably the easiest hike on this list, Lake Isabelle is a quick and easy out-and-back with a huge payoff. Heres more info to help you on your journey. Brainard Lake. Length: Long Lake Trailhead (TH) to Long Lake - 0.2 miles; to Jean Lunning Trail - 1.2; to Lake Isabelle - 2.1 miles; to Pawnee Pass - 4.6 miles. It is a pretty lake and its definitely the easiest option to get to if you arent looking to do any hiking on your wedding day, but its not my personal favorite in this area. Dont get eaten by a mountain lion! ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY. The main road to visit Brainard Lake Recreation area is in the town of Ward, off of Highway 72. This year I did the hike in August and conditions were perfect. Our first trip to Brainard Lake Thursday, June 27, was a smashing success. The cost was $11 cash. This was my fourth time hiking to Lake Isabelle, having previously completed it in summer, fall, and winter.
Rush Copley Urgent Care, Pearlena Igbokwe Husband, Peter Wilds Instagram, France Crime Rate By Year, Shardor Coffee Grinder How To Use, Types Of Residential Buildings Ppt, Peter Bethlenfalvy Daughter, Tony Hightower Birthday, Lucia Sofia Ponti,
brainard lake to lake isabelle