Brainard Lake Recreation Area Activities
The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is full of recreational activities. A timed-entry reservation is required to park inside Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Please note many of the trails lead into the Indian Peaks Wilderness and all regulations and permit requirements must be followed.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and hig
This campground has a total of 47 campsites for tents, campers, trailers, or RVs. Picnic tables, fire grates, water, vault toilets, and trash services a
Located on the north side of Brainard Lake, Arickaree Picnic Site is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road.
Located on the west side of Brainard Lake, Niwot Picnic Site is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The area offers four picn
A very popular destination, Brainard Lake offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, surrounding forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide.
Located on the west end of Red Rock Lake in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, This site offers parking, picnicking and fishing access.
The Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead is located 2 miles west of the Town of Ward and just east of the entrance into Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
One of the most popular trailheads on the Boulder Ranger District, Long Lake Trailhead is located at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
One of the most popular trailheads on the Boulder Ranger District, Mitchell Lake Trailhead is located at the west end of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
The wooded Mitchell Lake Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness near the bridge across Mitchell Creek.
The Little Raven Trail/Little Raven Extension Trail is within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
The first quarter mile of the Pawnee Pass Trail to Long Lake is a very heavily used trail.
From the Niwot Picnic Area inside the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, the Niwot Cutoff Trail leads 0.6 miles west up a gradual slope and through the woods to Long Lake and J
The Little Raven Trail/Little Raven Extension Trail is within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
The first section of trail #835 runs north from the Sourdough Trailhead and climbs gently, sometimes on old roads.
The Beaver Creek Trail enters into the Indian Peaks Wilderness shortly after leaving the Beaver Creek Trailhead.
Red Rock Trailhead to Brainard Lake is 2.4 miles one-way. The CMC Trail is within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
The Snowshoe Trail begins at the Red Rock Trailhead, closely associated with the CMC Trail.