Lake Isabelle

A great hike. Very scenic. Our 8 year old enjoyed it. The Brainard parking was fully booked Fira while so we parked at Gateway Trailhead. It is a 3 mile hike from there to Brainard Lake. First time I’ve hiked 3 miles just to then start hiking!

My first hike in Denver and I’m so glad it was here. Definitely recommend reserving a spot in Brainard Rec Area beforehand so you’re not too far from the lake. It’s about a 3.2 mile hike each way from there. The trails were beautifully maintained, in July there was still some snow melting so areas had a little bit of mud but nothing bad. We only had running sneakers and they were fine. The views of the lake once we got there were breathtaking. We sat up there for an hour taking it all in. It wasn’t overly crowded, can’t recommend this place enough.

Beautiful and peaceful hike. Saw a mink, a moose, and a marmot! Tons of wildflowers. Lovely waterfalls from the glacier runoff. Easy hike with gradual incline. Lots of cloud coverage on the day we went but still lovely. One of my favorite hikes in Colorado!

We took the longer way up, from the Lake Brainard parking lot up through the trails to Lake Isabelle. The trails are really well maintained, the waterways, even with the low, fall levels, were beautiful, and the views, wild flowers, and lack of bugs in late August was fantastic. It was a wonderful, cool break from the 90's down in the Front Range. The whole hike was a lovely day hike, and we had lunch by Lake Isabelle, enjoying the views. The lake level is low as we haven't had much rain all summer, but beautiful nonetheless. There weren't moose, yet, but another hiker said that usually, later on, there are. I really did feel the altitude for the first half hour, as we were going up for a lot of the early part of the hike, but eventually, it got easier. There were pit toilets at each of the trailheads at both Lake Brainard and Long Lake. There isn't one up at Isabelle, but having the others was very handy. DO bring water with you.

I’m honestly not a hiker, but even if you don’t hike this is one of the best for views along the entire way. If you take lots of breaks most anyone can do it.

It was so beautiful, lots of creeks and lakes and wildflowers and the mountains . The views kept surprising me constantly and it was very peaceful. Need reservations if not there’s a parking lot over 3 miles away that’s free and hopefully available. Lots of people with dogs and bug spray needed when near the lake

One of the most beautiful sights I've seen in a long time. This is a moderate hike, as you get closer to the lake and mountain peaks you'll notice some mud and melting snow, and prepare to get a calf workout as you traverse many stones nearing the end. There's plenty of space for your 4 legged hiking fur babies, and so long as you're prepared for the sun(in the summer) the end is WORTH EVERY SECOND.

Highly recommend!! This hike was fantastic from start to finish. It was pretty slick in a few spots but we were not totally prepared so with the right gear we would have been fine. We don’t repeat a lot of trials because there are so many we’d like to do but we will definitely do this one again.