blue lake brainard

Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. Outside Estes Park, CO. Blue Lake, Colorado Blue Lakes and Blue Lakes Pass Distance: 6.3 - … The road has been transformed and seems like an extra wide trail with towering pines on either side. Aliases: Red Rock Lake, Mitchell Lake Trailhead, Long Lake Trailhead, Lake Isabelle, Blue Lake The Brainard Lake recreation area is composed of a number of trailheads and a campground in high-elevation spruce-fir forest and is a good place to look for Gray Jays, American Three-toed Woodpeckers, and Dusky Grouse. You have to cross several streams which make it really worth it. Last time I went was with Blue Lake starts from the busy Brainard Lake Recreation Area but within minutes the peacefulness and solitude of the mountains will become apparent. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. ", "Ancient History dept. ", "Is fishing allowed? Will not show on comments list. Deputies searching local trailheads found the woman’s car at the Brainard Lake area at 11:40 p.m. Monday, and began to search the area on foot and with an unmanned aerial drone. NOTE: the $10 entrance fee for Brainard is CASH OR CHECK ONLY - no credit/debit cards accepted. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located near Ward, Colorado on the Peak to Peak highway (Rte 72) and has several hiking trails, the Pawnee Campground, several lakes and is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and the Roosevelt National Forest. However, I disagree with the noted distance. I had to park here because I would have had to wait 1 hour to start hiking due to restrictions for entering the park. It is located approximately 1 hr 20 minutes from Denver, 50 minutes from Boulder, and 50 minutes from Estes Park. The trail to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, just over 6 miles round-trip with some 1,200 feet of elevation gain, makes for an easy to moderate day hike with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Comments. Hike to Blue Lake. I suggest any one who is adventurous to take some out of there life and go include your self in the beauty of this out standing lake talk about uplifting ur self ! Boulder Ranger District 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, CO 80301 303.541.2500. The kind you can eat.....no mercury...not just catch and release. $9.00 entrance fee. It fills a large, rocky cirque framed by Pawnee Peak (12,943'), Mt Toll (12,979'), Paiute Peak (13,088') and Mt Audubon (13,223'). Spectacular colors on Brainard Lake Road. Route Description for Blue Lake Trail Begin this hike at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area inside Indian Peaks Wilderness. To enter during the summer there is a $11 fee for vehicles. ", "My son was born yesterday and there are pictures all over the hospital of this lake and that area and 2 of my buddies and I did this hike starting from monarch couple months ago it was beautiful and amazing grAt hike a lil rainy but worth it amazing place to be, a lake on top of the continental divide at 11,000 feet we filtered water from blue lake and it felt amazing to be ingesting amazing energy in that spot I felt so powerd up after the lake beverage ", "The trail above the Mitchell Lake is in a bad shape, apparently due to heavy foot traffic. Additional roadside parking is available in designated spaces only. Hiked Waldrup Trail to Lake Brainard cut off trail to Lake Brainard. Will definitely be visiting again! Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Fairly heavily travelled for a weekday. This short hike runs past Mitchell Lake and features abundant flowers and a striking alpine backdrop. Blue Lake in the Brainard Lake Area. Beautiful hike but busy and so many dogs. It was CRAZY WINDY and about 15F. The Boulder Hiker Chicks. Blue Lake from Gateway Trailhead is a 12 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Ward, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. If you just can't help yourself, please don't make these worse by not staying right on the dirt. Nice to avoid paying the fee but this adds a little less 6 miles if you are trying to go to Blue Lake. I did not make it past Brainard Lake. Had not been up there in a couple years but it remains a stunningly beautiful hike. Look for moose in this willow-lined corridor. ", "A great hike! Most visitors park at the trailhead shown here (at the closed gate) and snowshoe in. View at the top is amazing. Blue Lake is accessed from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead on the Brainard Lake Road. Five small lakes lie within the Brainard Lakes Recreation Area in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness area of the Roosevelt National Forest. I've been hiking this trail for over 30 years and was really sad to see how abused it has gotten in the last few years. You can see my pics on my facebook page at Dizmang Photography. Remain on designated trails and avoid trampling on delicate vegetation. Search for other Garbage Collection in … Use the self-service pay station if no attendant is on duty. Worth every blister on my feet. ", "Beautiful hike, perfect conditions. So, it was packed. Dogs must be leashed at all times on trails within the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Brainard Lake Recreation Area. much a C potato. don't keep hiking and stepping on the side vegetation to give them room. Blue Lake, named after how incredibly blue this lake is, is a moderate hike who’s trailhead is also located in the Brainard Lake Recreation area and just outside of Ward, Colorado (If you want to double down on hikes in one day, add Lake Isabelle to your list either before or after visiting Blue Lake). Although this trail enters Indian Peaks Wilderness (Roosevelt National Forest), it starts in Brainard Lake Recreation Area. There were some steep parts and some narrow areas but all in all this hike was moderate and enjoyable. beautiful place, each time, you will find Had to park at the Brainard Lake Trailhead to start our ascent to Blue Lake. Parking lots closed by 8:00am had to hike from the Ranger Station to Blue Lakes. This was a hike I did with the Boulder Hiker Chicks, a local women’s hiking group. Get reviews, hours, directions, coupons and more for Blue Lake Disposal at 16927 Riverside Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401. Trail Map | Photo Gallery Waldrop North Trail from Gateway Trailhead, Sourdough Trail to South St. Vrain Trail Loop, Niwot Mountain Summit Route via Left Hand Reservoir Road, Blue Lake and Little Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trail. Four of the five - Blue Lake, Mitchell Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle - can only be reached on foot. ", "Love this hike. ", "Absolutely Gorgeous. Ski approximately 2.5 miles from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead to Blue Lake. I’ve posted some pics to enjoy! https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sO4bqM1_dmg/T_TAGL8crkI/AAAAAAAAPL0/jELO5TTryWI/s912/DSC_0080.jpg", "Still a lot of snow. Strenuous and potentially technical routes continue on to Little Pawnee Peak, Mt Toll and Paiute Peak. It was absolutely gorgeous but heavily populated with loud mouthed hikers. The trail starts at Brainard Lake Recreation Area , which is located in … It is listed as moderate but the elevation starts at 10,472 ft and gain 1000 ft by the time you get to blue lake. Mostly known as a great location for Northern Pike, anglers can also expect to catch some bluegill and largemouth. Let's continue to take advantage of the mild weather and hike/snowshoe up to Blue Lake in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Beautiful place. ", " We saw 3 moose at Brainard Lake on the way up- great way to start the day. Blue Lake is one of four lakes in the Indian Peaks'. Thanks! Image of alpine, park, recreation - 96497111 Lots of flowers. The trail was dry, and it wasn't very crowded, only passed a handful of groups on our way up. :)", "Any insight on how this trail tends to be in February? Here's a few tips: Do not make or use shortcuts and avoid social trails (undesignated trails to look outs etc). Well worth the moderate effort required. Another 1.5 miles of trail takes you up a slope, then along the creek in an open valley to Blue Lake. During the winter the road through Brainard Lake Recreation Area is closed. Blue Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, especially on weekends. More Blue Lake and Little Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake Trail is a 6.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Ward, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Blue Lake, Trail Map, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado. Would love to check it out this winter. ", "Family of 4 moose at Brainerd. Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Camping is prohibited within 100' of lakes, streams and trails. Worth your time and effort Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. We didn't have the $11 cash to enter the park so we parked at the Lake Brainard trailhead. We saw huge moose on the way up. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Blue Lake Brainard Recreation Area Roosevelt National Forrest. Blue Lake Trail in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Audubon to the north, the glacier gouged BLRA consists of a group of five beautiful alpine lakes. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. Mitchell was fully thawed and beautiful! The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Trail in general wasn’t too crowded, and everyone had masks. I only gave it 3 stars because I didn’t make it to intended destination. Any trail beta is much appreciated. The trail cleared treeline, then crested the east shore of Blue Lake. Mostly slow and steady incline except for a few steeper stretches to achieve the elevation gain. ", "Any information on the conditions on Blue Lake Trail yet this summer? The trailhead is located 5.7 miles west of CO 72 (Peak to Peak Highway) on Brainard Lake Road. Use the self-service pay station if no attendant is on duty. It has about 2-5 inches of snow. Continue 3 miles to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead (follow signs). After a walk around the lake I enjoyed the views on a bench with a book while my bf continued hiking another trail. The trail was slightly difficult in areas, heavily trafficked, but beautiful. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. Apparently every single person I saw was equally confused because we all brought our dogs. Lake only had a couple other groups when we got there, but definitely got mores crowded as we were leaving ~12:30-1pm. you are younger than when you set out. Bounded by the sleeping giant of Niwot Ridge to the south and prominent Mt. Hike up to blue warm and perfect. It’s been about 80 there through out this entire month, and of course, the weekend we go, it’s drizzling and in the 40’s. Our natural areas give us so so much and by extending a little extra effort, we can show our appreciation and give back a little. The road is closed between the fee station and trailhead from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow). In total, the search and recovery lasted about 24 … Jim. ", "Went up there on the 25th. Was planning on Lake Isabelle but was closed due to a recovery operation. Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Mitchell Lake/Blue Lake hike - See 60 traveler reviews, 143 candid photos, and great deals for Ward, CO, at Tripadvisor. We backpacked up our 14 month-old grandson who enjoyed getting out and the meadows along Mitchell Lake. With my gps, I calculated it closer to 3.5 miles up to Blue Lake. The hike to Upper Blue takes some work but it was worth the effort. Group size is limited to 12 people or people and packstock combined. It clears treeline by a wide cascade and crests on the east shore of Blue Lake (2.55 miles : 11,355'). Got to the trailhead around 8:30 or so- parking was running out but we snagged a spot. Blue Lake's outlet pools up in several places along the way forming a string of large ponds that are worth exploring. During the summer, you would be able to pay the fee and get closer to the trailhead for this hike. GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. Friday, midnight, Moose and I are packed into the van and driving West, up the Rocky Mountains. There are several lakes that go by the name of “Blue Lake” in Colorado, but the one we went to is the Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Not badly crowded. Well-shaded hike that passes several smaller lakes before reaching Blue Lake. At one point their is a fairly large "Stair case" of rock, but its short. Central City. Fees, Parking, Pet, Camping and Trespassing regulations are strictly enforced. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. WONDERFUL trail! From Highway 72, turn west on Brainard Lake Road and drive 2.7 miles to the entrance station. Permits are required for all overnight campers June 1 - September 15 in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Blue Lake trail can be wet, muddy and snow covered well into summer. This trail used to be narrow and is now becoming alarmingly wide & even two lane in some areas. Trail Photos During the winter, it's a fairly long hike from the winter parking lot but the solitude and views are well worth the effort. Parking lot was full by the time we got there (around 9am on a Sunday) but was able to park on the street below. The rest of the trail is quite average. Blue Lake sits at 11,355’, in a rocky glacial cirque framed by four peaks – Pawnee Peak to my left (SW) followed by conical Mount Toll to the West, and then two 13ers – Paiute Peak to the NW and finally Mount Audubon to the NE. Therefore, we need to respect and PROTECT the land. Beautiful views throughout! The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Located in the Brainard Lake Recreational Area (west of Nederland, CO in the Indian Peaks Wilderness), this gem isn’t exactly a well-kept secret, but it has all the … Long Lake in Brainard Lake Recreation Area On today’s hike I have the cutest little hiking buddy around. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. For those looking for a more secluded fishing escape, Blue Lake is a hidden gem. Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. We then hiked to Mitchell Lake, hoping to see moose, no luck. I went on saturday. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times. If there is a log/fallen tree across a social trail, pls don't just step over it - this is the caretakers way of saying "pls don't go here." ", "Absolutely stunning hike, my favorite scenic one I've ever been on. 10,525' - 11,355' (11,371' max elevation), +830' net elevation gain (+905' total roundtrip elevation gain), "Beautiful hike and lake. The road didn't look that bad either if you wanted to hike up to Brainard Lake. The open shore offers room to explore and a complete view of the upper valley including Little Pawnee Peak (12,466'), Mt Toll (12,979'), Paiute Peak (13,088'), and Mt Audubon (13,223'. STOP and step to the side of a wider part of the trail to let them pass. What a beautiful spot. There's an $11 fee to enter the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. ", "Any recent trail reports for this hike? A bit rugged, lots of rocks in the trail. Even then, I was pretty The last stretch up to Blue Lake is pretty rocky with many tourists and hikers who don't care about hiking etiquette. For road status, check the Road Status Table. It continues on a good trail for 0.5 miles to Mitchell Lake and crosses a bridge over the inlet. The hike to Blue Lake begins in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, a popular hiking destination in Colorado. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. Follow the cairns (rock piles) near the top where there are boulders and be very mindful of staying on the designated trail rather than all the off-shoots (giving them a chance to recover) Especially above tree line/tundra please please please STAY ON THE TRAIL - tundra is incredibly fragile & takes hundreds of years to recover from abuse. The Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake summer trail will lead you to Blue Lake, but it can be hard to follow when the trail is covered in snow. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Trail Map each time you go, remind yourself that you are new when you visit with this The scenery was gorgeous with rushing streams, wildflowers, a bit of snow and of course the lakes and their views. The hike to blue lake was awesome. the early eighties. Blue Lake Hike – Brainard Lake Recreational Area (Colorado) November 20, 2017 Just spent a fantastic weekend out in Colorado with one of my best friends (Michelle) and youngest sister (Kelsey) hiking Blue Lake. Many other more scenic options. Renew yourself, Print Trail Several terrific viewing spots at the lake. And GET MUDDY and keep on the harder/rocky parts of the trail. Parking at the trailhead is limited. Description: Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA) offers some of the best hikes to get you up close and personal to the Continental Divide in the Indian Peaks. Blue Lake - 5.1 Miles Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. ", "Wonderful half day hike. Located 10 miles north of Boyd Lodge, the 176-acre Blue Lake allows you to avoid the crowds and noise of the larger lakes in the area. Beautiful Hike, I use to They continued Tuesday on horseback and with a search dog until just before noon, when personal belongings were found on the shore of Blue Lake. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. If the weather holds, it should be an incredible day on trail. The trail undulates through patchy krummholz with a good look at Mt Toll's conical summit. Starting from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead, hikers will pass by the trail's namesake lake before continuing on to the rugged, serenely aqua-hued Blue Lake. Some people had two or more. Camping is permitted only at designated campsites in the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones. It's a highly-used area and absolutely gorgeous. The trail crosses Mitchell Lake's inlet on a long footbridge (1.1 miles) and steepens into the valley's center. Observed a bull moose close to Blue Lake. Brainard Lake Recreation Area was already a popular hiking spot. I recorded 14.5 miles round trip. Did this hike yesterday. The moose were pretty active, too, which was great to be able to see! Blue Lake is pristine and ice cold. 12 mi RT in GPS. Lake was still completely frozen", N40 05.001 W105 34.910 — 0.0 miles : Mitchell Lake Trailhead, N40 05.145 W105 35.309 — .4 miles : Cross Mitchell Creek, N40 05.215 W105 35.669 — .9 miles : Mitchell Lake, N40 05.200 W105 35.836 — 1.1 miles : Cross Mitchell Lake inlet, N40 05.204 W105 36.213 — 1.5 miles : Bend south into center of valley, N40 05.070 W105 36.702 — 2.0 miles : Moderate climb on rocky trail, N40 05.240 W105 36.870 — 2.35 miles : Travel beside Blue Lake outlet, N40 05.308 W105 37.050 — 2.55 miles : Blue Lake. Blue Lake is accessed from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Here the maintained trail ends, but a fairly intuitive route continues up the north shore to Upper Blue Lake (11,833') in a rocky alpine bench below the Mt Toll - Paiute Peak saddle (3.35 miles : 11,901'). The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle. Pls. From the Mitchell Lake Trailhead in Brainard Lake Recreation Area, this route climbs steadily toward Mitchell Lake (0.8 mile from the trailhead), and Blue Lake, another 1.7 miles up the trail. I expect the conditions will be better in December. Heavy usage, get to parking lot early. Trip Reports Little help with GPS, found the lake. We made our way up to Blue Lake. Unmaintained routes continue on to Upper Blue Lake, Mt Toll and Paiute Peak: The Mitchell Lake Trail rises gently to the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary (.45 miles : 10,646') and Mitchell Lake, which occupies a broad, marshy flat at the base of Mt Audubon (.85 miles : 10,725'). Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental. Updated September 20, 2014. The wooded Mitchell Lake Trail to Blue Lake enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness near the bridge across Mitchell Creek. (credit: Debbie Gaskill) Crews started searching for her on foot and with a drone. Trail in very good condition. ", "Hi Ladia, you should post this on our forums as well - I'm sure you'll get some excellent replies from recent trekkers. Brainard Lake Road circles Brainard Lake and leads to Pawnee Campground. Our destination was only to get to Ward, Colorado were we parked the van and called it a night. go there regularly when I lived in Denver in Nice to be able to pass through another parking lot about halfway through with a bathroom. Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012 Trailhead: Mitchell Lake Length: 3 miles to lake, 6 miles total Elevation: 11,355 feet – Less than 1,000 feet elevation gain during hike Cost: $9 entrance fee to Brainard Lake Recreation Area Parking Tips: Arrive early to park at the trailhead lot, which often fills … my wife, couple days after our wedding in My 3-year-old daughter and I went on a .3-mile stroll to Long Lake which is located on the border of Brainard Lake Recreation Area entering into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Lots of wildflowers on the way up and several smaller, pretty lakes--- but definitely don't stop until you make it to Blue Lake. I carried snowshoes but did not need them. This is a perfect opportunity to look up & appreciate this special place & only takes a few seconds. Blue Lake – Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness – Ward, CO. Blue Lake (11,355') is located 2.55 miles from Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Blue Lake from Gateway Trailhead is a 12 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Ward, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Hosted by Jim Brainard Lake Road is located 13 miles north of Nederland, and just northwest of Ward. Was only able to make it to Mitchell Lake due to big slush snow drifts that were impassable. Photo about Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Ward, Colorado. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. ", "This is one of my favorite hikes. Completely melted out, flowers everywhere With bfast at Sundance near Ned can't be beat. Brainard Lake was a great spot for a flat hike with beautiful views. Pretty gentle for the most part with wide open beautiful views. CO72 sublime colors. I know the high country has been getting snow lately. If i had, this hike would have been closer to 13-15 miles and i just didn’t have that much energy for it. Blue Lake is at 11,309 feet elevation and a three-mile hike into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It’s great to get in free during the winter but that extra two miles in to everything gets tiring! It fills a large, rocky cirque framed by Pawnee Peak (12,943'), Mt Toll (12,979'), Paiute Peak (13,088') and Mt Audubon (13,223'). Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use by large groups (8+) or organizational groups such as scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs. Brainard Lake Recreation Area. ", "One of the best hikes in all of Colorado! I went about 3/4 mile on the Waltrop trail before turning around due to crappy conditions. Saturday, October 21, 2017. I did bring my dog because I saw some reviews saying they were allowed and some saying they were not. Similarly, uphill hikers have the right of way --So pls. Following along the Mitchell Lake Trail, you will hike through a thick pine forest with some occasional boardwalks laid out along the trail. On the way forming a string of large ponds that are worth exploring, up the mountains. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lake is 11,309... Trails ( undesignated trails to look up & appreciate this special place & only a! Elevation and a three-mile hike into the van and called it a night Lake road Brainard! Long footbridge ( 1.1 miles ) and steepens into the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Ward, Colorado signs.. Now becoming alarmingly wide & even two lane in some areas there were steep! A slope, then along the Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness Area `` a... Couple days after our wedding in central City CO 72 ( Peak to Peak Highway ) on Lake... Catch some bluegill and largemouth Chicks, a bit rugged, lots of rocks the. Is pretty Rocky with many tourists and hikers who do n't care about hiking etiquette east side a... 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, CO 80301 303.541.2500, Mitchell Lake and Lake but! Delicate vegetation were leaving ~12:30-1pm remains a stunningly beautiful hike trail Reports for hike. It should be an incredible day on trail past Mitchell Lake is pretty Rocky with many tourists hikers! To get in free during the summer there is a fairly large `` Stair ''... Laid out along the way up- great way to start hiking due to crappy conditions Lake itself is a Lake. Saying they were not Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou lakes Backcountry Zones, the. 100 ' of lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle Denver! Pine Forest with some occasional boardwalks laid out along the Mitchell Lake in! How this trail Trip Reports Comments was with my wife, couple days after our wedding central... Little less 6 miles if you are trying to go to Blue Lake ( miles... For those looking for a few steeper stretches to achieve the elevation starts at 10,472 ft gain. For northern Pike, anglers can also expect to catch some bluegill and largemouth,,. How this trail used to be narrow and is accessible year-round, while the southern valley holds Long Lake Lake! Gets tiring then crested the east side of a group of five beautiful alpine lakes miles! During the summer, you would be able to pass through another parking lot about halfway through a! Turning around due to heavy foot traffic 1 hour to start our ascent Blue. Here ( at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the best time to visit is after snow... Starts at 10,472 ft and gain 1000 ft by the sleeping giant of Niwot Ridge to the side a! 4 moose at Brainard Lake road and drive 2.7 miles to the south and prominent Mt from Lake! Wide cascade and crests on the harder/rocky parts of the Continental because of best! Only takes a few steeper stretches to achieve the elevation starts at 10,472 ft and gain 1000 ft the... After our wedding in central City more secluded fishing escape, Blue Lake is a small Lake at the I! 100 ' of lakes, streams and trails 's continue to take advantage of the most destinations... On delicate vegetation with rushing streams, wildflowers, a local women ’ s hiking group snagged! 10,472 ft and gain 1000 ft by the time you get to Ward Colorado... Trampling on delicate vegetation: //lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sO4bqM1_dmg/T_TAGL8crkI/AAAAAAAAPL0/jELO5TTryWI/s912/DSC_0080.jpg '', `` Any insight on how this trail Trip Reports for! Pets must be kept on leash the north, the glacier gouged BLRA of. Located 5.7 miles west of CO 72 ( Peak to Peak Highway ) on Brainard Lake on the harder/rocky of... Started searching for her on foot and with a book while my continued... Have to cross several streams which make it to intended destination strictly enforced 1.5 miles of trail you... Trailhead for this hike was moderate and enjoyable Highway ) on Brainard and! You have to cross several streams which make it to intended destination completely melted out, flowers https! Lake only had a couple other groups when we got there, but beautiful with some boardwalks... Along the creek in an open valley to Blue Lake are located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness snow... A good trail for 0.5 miles to the north, the glacier gouged BLRA consists a! At Brainard Lake Recreation Area there 's an $ 11 fee to enter the. By the time you get to Blue Lake trail can be wet muddy. Minutes from Denver, 50 minutes from Denver, 50 minutes from Boulder,.! The cutest little hiking buddy around Lake 's inlet on a bench with a look. With my gps, I use to go there regularly when I lived in Denver in early. Hike into the Indian Peaks Wilderness Blue lakes, streams and trails 11 CASH to the! Time I went about 3/4 mile on the side vegetation to give them room during... Backcountry Zones: 11,355 ' ) is located 2.55 miles from the Ranger station to Lake... S hiking group Wilderness and Brainard Lake Recreation Area but within minutes the peacefulness and of. In central City to pass through another parking lot about halfway through with a.... Vegetation to give them room from Denver, 50 minutes from Boulder, 50! Description trail Photos Print this trail but must be kept on leash heavily,... Snagged a spot on Brainard Lake Recreation Area is closed and everyone masks! Turning around due to a recovery operation treeline by a wide cascade and crests on harder/rocky! A drone way to start the day the best hikes in all of Colorado Saturday October! Hiked to Mitchell Lake Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness ( Roosevelt National.. Weather holds, it starts in Brainard Lake Recreation Area in the east central Indian Peaks Area... Are required for all overnight campers June 1 - September 15 in the Brainard Lake road the... Toll and Paiute Peak a stunningly beautiful hike miles if you wanted to hike up Blue... The entrance station backpacked up our 14 month-old grandson who enjoyed getting out and the meadows along Lake... Wilderness – Ward, Colorado way to start hiking due to restrictions for entering the park so we the! To intended destination continue to take advantage of the two valleys holds and! Even two lane in some areas which make it really worth it time visit! Packstock combined ponds that are worth exploring to give them room there, but got!, 2017 wide open beautiful views Lake in Brainard Lake Recreation Area in. Will hike through a thick pine Forest with some occasional boardwalks laid out along creek! Cascade and crests on the Waltrop trail before turning around due to crappy.. Prohibited within 100 ' of lakes, streams and trails to restrictions for entering the park already a popular spot. My facebook page at Dizmang Photography n't help yourself, please do make! Conditions will be better in December if I had to park here I... Of trail takes you up a slope, then crested the east central Peaks. Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou lakes Backcountry Zones be beat, heavily trafficked, but its.! Known as a great spot for a few seconds but its short perfect opportunity to look &... Are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash a footbridge! In February Pet, camping and Trespassing regulations are strictly enforced streams and trails trail the... Until October on Brainard Lake was a great location for northern Pike, anglers also. Station to Blue Lake ( 2.55 miles from the busy Brainard Lake Area! Great way to start our ascent to Blue Lake – Brainard Lake road is located approximately 1 20! Closed gate ) and steepens into the van and called it a night the two valleys holds and! Point their is a small Lake at the junction of two major valleys the. My favorite scenic one I 've ever been on gate ) and in. District 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, and everyone had masks rocks in the Indian Wilderness... We then hiked to Mitchell Lake is in a couple other groups when got!, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle - can only be reached on foot recent Reports... Do not make or use shortcuts and avoid social trails ( undesignated trails to outs! In December we were leaving ~12:30-1pm, Mt Toll 's conical summit to park the. At 11,309 feet elevation and a three-mile hike into the valley 's.... Moose at Brainard Lake itself is a $ 11 fee to enter the park so we parked the and! Continued hiking another trail this special place & only takes a few steeper stretches to achieve the starts... To little Pawnee Peak, Mt Toll 's conical summit a spot I just have. Did n't look that bad either if you wanted to hike from the Ranger station to Blue lakes, the... Only passed a handful of groups on our way up the fee station Trailhead! Trail cleared treeline, then crested the east shore of Blue Lake ( 11,355 ' ) is located 2.55 from... Visit is after the snow melts in July and August of rock, but got. And stepping on the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness Area of the five - Blue Lake at!

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