Brainard Lake Recreation Area

The breathtaking beauty of this destination is truly captivating. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the first lake. For those seeking an adventurous experience or an extended walk, designated trails offer access to the other side. Additionally, a picnic area is conveniently located nearby. The scenic drive to this location is approximately 1:10 hours from Denver proper, traversing winding roads. Arriving early minimizes traffic congestion. Parking is available for $18 without a pass, with a reduced rate of $2 for military personnel and veterans. To secure parking, reservations must be made in advance through recreation.gov. Utilizing the app is recommended for a seamless booking process.

Bring your national park pass. Conditions were great on the trails leading to the lake. It was very windy up at the lake but the trees blocked the wind while hiking. Recommend snow shoes right now. If you want a break from the trails you can also walk the road to the lake.

We visited this past Friday, and it was nothing short of magical! The alpine lakes glistened under the summer sun, framed by rugged peaks and lush greenery, it felt like stepping into a nature painting. The timed entry system is a brilliant idea; it keeps the trails from feeling overcrowded and allows you to truly immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings. Each trail we explored was well-marked and offered its own charm, from quiet forest paths to open meadows bursting with wildflowers. The hikes to the lakes were the highlight, every turn revealed another jaw-dropping view, whether it was crystal-clear water reflecting the mountains or a hidden waterfall along the way. Tips for visiting: Reserve your timed entry in advance, they do sell out, especially on weekends. Arrive early in the day for cooler temperatures and softer morning light, which makes the lakes even more photogenic. Wear sturdy shoes, as some trails have rocky or uneven sections, and bring plenty of water since there are no facilities along the paths. A light jacket is a good idea, too; even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly. And of course, pack a camera, you’ll want to capture every angle of this incredible place.

My most favorite place in Colorado! So beautiful in every season If you want to see wild flowers, better to come i. july or August

It is very beautiful and therefore extremely popular place. Day fee is required ($10?), but if you have National Parks Annual pass fee is waived.

As a Colorado elopement photographer, I love sharing this beautiful location with couples. Brainard Lake Recreation Area has so much to offer from alpine lakes to starlit skies, wildlife to alpenglow. Because of its popularity, I recommend planning your elopement for a weekday or at sunrise to enjoy extra privacy.

It is gorgeous. Since it is so easily accessible by car in the summer, there are timed reservations required. You can get a reservation on recreation.gov Brainard lake, Long lake, Lake Isabelle are all gorgeous alpine lakes you can hike along.

Just went here at the end of April. Came to Colorado to go to a show at red rocks and wanted something to do before the show. The hike to Brainerd Lake recreation area was beautiful. It was crazy to see how much snow was still there considering how warm the weather was. It made it extra fun actually to see snow all the way up to stop signs and the tops of trees. Since we couldn’t park in the normal lot, we trekked through knee high piles of snow and weren’t dressed appropriately but it was a fun adventure anyhow. Even saw some moose nearby on the drive back to our Airbnb