Does Brainard Lake have snow?
In winter, the road into the lakes is almost always wind swept, but the trails in the trees often have lots of snow.
Is Brainard Lake Open 2020?
Operational Hours: Summer Operating Season: The seasonal gate, located at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead, is open from approximately mid-June through mid-October. Winter Season: Fees are not charged during the winter operating season.
Can you kayak on Brainard Lake?
There are no restrictions on boats or any fees to use the lake. Visitors can rent a pontoon boats, whalers, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to enjoy the exceptional views of the western side of the Front Range.
How much does Brainard Lake cost?
A day pass to Brainard Lake typically costs $12 per vehicle during the summer season which is July through mid-October. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is managed by the US Forest Service. You can find more information about fees and guidelines here.
Are dogs allowed in Brainard Lake?
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Summer Season (May 1 – Nov 14): Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times; when open, developed camping is only allowed at Pawnee Campground (no camping in closed campgrounds); dispersed camping is only allowed north of the South St Vrain Creek.
Where is Brainard Lake Colorado?
Brainard Lake is nestled in the front range Rockies north of Nederland in Ward. Situated within the Roosevelt National Forest, the area is the trailhead for the Indian Peaks Wilderness and a popular destination for hikers, campers and fishermen.
Does National Park Pass work at Brainard Lake?
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Reservations Required! Interagency passes are accepted in lieu of day use fee (but reservations are still needed). Arapaho National Recreation Area – Interagency passes or Arapaho National Recreation Area annual passes are accepted in lieu of day use fee.
Is Brainard Lake stocked?
The Brainard Lakes are some of the most heavily visited lakes along Colorado’s Front Range. Three lakes attract anglers looking for catches of rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout, which are regularly stocked. Brainard Lake is the first lake most people encounter.
Can you paddleboard on Brainard Lake?
No swimming allowed, but paddleboards are fine. Just try to stay on. Brainard Lake, Route 72, Ward: If you want to spend some time in the mountains on your paddleboard, this alpine lake west of Boulder has incredible views. It’s smaller (only 14 acres) but that also means fewer crowds, especially on the weekdays.
Are dogs allowed in Indian Peaks Wilderness?
Dogs must be on hand-held leashes (no more than 6 foot in length) at all times while in the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas and within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA). Failure to leash your dog may result in a fine.
Do you need a pass for Arapaho National Forest?
The Arapaho National Recreation Area requires visitors to display a valid activity pass at day use sites where required within the recreation area. All visitors to Arapaho National Recreation Area must display a valid pass at day use fee sites where required.
Can you kayak Brainard Lake?
The 440-acre lake offers back range views, fishing, camping, picnicking, and paddling. There are also fingers of the lake to explore and to disappear into. Swimming, wading, scuba diving or other water activities are not allowed on the reservoir. Nearby camping is available in adjacent national forest campground.
Where can I cross country ski in Boulder?
Suggested Cross Country Skiing Properties
- Betasso Preserve.
- Caribou Ranch.
- Heil Valley Ranch.
- Meyers Homestead Trail at Walker Ranch.
- Mud Lake.
Are reservations required at Brainard Lake?
A timed-entry reservation is required to enter Brainard Lake Recreation Area. There is no fee to park at the Gateway Trailhead and enter by foot/bike.
How does cross country skiing work?
There are two techniques of cross-country skiing. Using the older classical technique, a skier travels with skis parallel and kicking backward to create a gliding motion across the snow. The more-recent skating, or freestyle, technique, developed in the 1970s, closely resembles the motions of ice skating.
Will Mount Evans be open in 2021?
Reaching an elevation of 14,130 feet above sea level, Mount Evans Highway is the highest paved road in North America. It’s a very popular tourist attraction, offerings travelers on the route access to stunning views and the summit of the peak.
Where is Brainard Lake ski trail in Colorado?
Brainard Lake via Waldrop and Ski Trail is a 6.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Ward, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Where to Park in Brainard Lake for winter?
Winter recreationists can park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead to access area cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Never block any gate with your vehicle, whether open or closed. A timed-entry reservation is required to enter Brainard Lake Recreation Area. There is no fee to park at the Gateway Trailhead and enter by foot/bike.
Is there a fee to Snowshoe at Brainard Lake?
There is no fee to do this hike, as it starts outside of Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The gate is closed during the winter, so this is a popular snowshoeing route. Although dogs are allowed in this area during the summer, they are not allowed to do this loop during the winter.
Is the Sourdough Trail open in Brainard Lake?
Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads, and Sourdough Trail (#835), as per the Forest Service. Show more During the winter the gate to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is closed, so visitors must park at the parking lot shown here.