Brainard Lake is a beautiful alpine lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness below the Continental Divide surrounded by subalpine forest. It is in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which during the summer season usually requires a reservation and a fee, but if you are on your bike you do not need to pay or reserve a time slot. Because of the area's high elevation, snow typically remains until late spring, even on the paved road to the lake.

Christopher

August 7, 2023

Hiking

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide. Because of the area's high elevation, snow typically remains until July.

Christopher

November 15, 2023

Running

Nearby routes

Best routes near Brainard Lake

4.8

(5)

135

hikers

#1.

Brainard Lake from Gateway Trailhead

11.5km

03:04

110m

160m

Hike 7.1 miles to Brainard Lake from Gateway Trailhead, a moderate route with 368 feet of gain through subalpine forests and stunning lake v

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Moderate

hikers

#2.

Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trail

10.7km

03:27

560m

10m

Hike the difficult 6.7-mile Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trail in Colorado, gaining 1822 feet to stunning alpine lakes.

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Hard

hikers

#3.

South Saint Vrain Figure 8 Loop

26.3km

08:14

630m

660m

Hike the difficult 16.3-mile South Saint Vrain Figure 8 Loop through diverse woodland terrain with significant elevation gain.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 3,150 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 31 March

7°C

-3°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Boulder County, Colorado, United States

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Brainard Lake

#1.

Brainard Lake from Gateway Trailhead

#2.

Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trail

#3.

South Saint Vrain Figure 8 Loop

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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