Brainard Lake
Arickaree Picnic Site
Located on the north side of Brainard Lake, Arickaree Picnic Area is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The site offers five picnic sites with tables, pedestal grills, metal fire rings and trash receptacles.
View a COTREX map.
View a picnic area map.
First come, first serve
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide. Because of the area's high elevation, snow typically remains until July. For road updates, check Boulder Ranger District Road Status.
CAUTION: Several trailheads, such as Long Lake and Mitchell Lake trailheads, lead west into Indian Peaks Wilderness. Visitors entering the Wilderness are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements. Dogs must be on a leash in the Wilderness.
Requirements – A parking reservation is required to park inside Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area Seasonal Information to purchase parking reservations and view seasonal regulations for camping, pets, shooting, skiing, and more.
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Long Lake Trailhead
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. Parking is available for 30 vehicles. In the summer, hosts are available to answer questions. This trailhead provides access to Pawnee Pass, Jean Lunning, and Isabelle Glacier trails within the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailhead, are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements!
This trailhead is open seasonally. For current information on road openings and closures, check the Road Status Table.
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Mitchell Creek Picnic Site & Trailhead
Located on the northwest side of Brainard Lake, Mitchell Creek Picnic Area is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The area offers one picnic site with table, pedestal grill, metal fire ring and trash receptacle.
View a picnic area map.
First come, first serve
Niwot Trailhead
Located on the west side of Brainard Lake, Niwot Picnic Area is set in the shade of the subalpine forest adjacent to Brainard Lake Road. The area offers four picnic sites with tables, pedestal grills, metal fire rings and trash receptacles.
View a COTREX map.
View a picnic area map.
First come, first serve
Pawnee Campground
Pawnee Campground is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, 35 miles south of Estes Park and the main entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, canoeing and hiking opportunities.
The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Red Rock Lake Picnic Site
Red Rock Trailhead is one of four trailheads for the Sourdough Trail and serves as the winter trailhead for Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
View an area map here.
First come, first serve