distance: 6 miles (out and back) | elevation: 468’ (10,073’ starting) | difficulty: easy
Welcome to summer in Colorado, where the mountains are getting two feet of snow and ski resorts are looking to be open till the Fourth of July. Wait, what?! Yuppppp. Here in Colorado on the first day of summer, some towns were under winter weather adversaries. So yeah, looks like winter conditions aren’t going anywhere anytime too soon if you’re headed to higher elevations.
One of those places close to Denver? Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Basically, it is a winter playground and the gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Brainard Lake is home to a plethora of trails with certain ones dedicated to snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Not being a skier or snowboarder (yet), for my first winter in Colorado, I decided to take up snowshoeing. Before moving to Colorado, I honestly thought snowshoeing meant walking on things that looked like tennis rackets. I’m not joking, the image that popped into my head was Kirsten the American Girl doll. Guess the equipment for the sport has changed just slightlyyyy since the 1850’s (who would have thought?!).
Snowshoeing has quickly become one of my favorite things. And snowshoeing at Brainard Lake? Some of the best! There is nothing like walking through the snow covered trees while snow falls. It’s hard to explain that sound (or lack of sound) beside it is almost like an eerie, muted stillness.
Some may think winter conditions are the perfect time to resort to inside activities, but not for the majority of people here in Colorado.
how to get to brainard lake
From Denver, jump on 25N to 36W towards Boulder. Then take a left on Lee Hill Road where you’ll dead end at Left Hand Canyon Road where you take a left. You’ll follow this road (fyi, the road name changes a few times but just continue on the same road) through the town of Ward. At the intersection with Peak to Peak Highway/CO72W, take a right and then an almost immediate left on Brainard Lake Road.
During the winter, the gate for the park is closed and you need to park at the winter lot which is outside of the park. The perk? It’s free! (During the summer, it is $11 to park inside the park). Jumping out of your car, the wind will be howling and whipping! But luckily, the trail is almost completely surrounded by trees and as long as you’re dressed adequately, you should be pretty cozy amongst the pine trees.
From the parking lot, cross the street and look for blue trail markers on the south side of the road indicating the Red Rock Trailhead. The park has both dedicated snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails, so just look for the snowshoeing one! On that note, the trails cross at points so be on the lookout for skiers zooming past.
the hike to brainard lake
So from the Red Rock Trailhead, you’ll basically just follow the blue snowshoeing trail (located on the trees) the entire time. You will pass Red Rock Lake and continue south of the road. You’ll then jump back on the other side of the road back into the forest for the rest of the snowshow trail. Passing by the campground, take note of the picnic tables to see just how much snow is still on the ground. Check out Colorado Mountain Club’s map of the area here.
Soon enough, you’ll arrive at Brainard Lake. And the gorgeous views in front of you? The continental divide! Ya could get lucky and have clear skies and great views orrrr terribly windy and you can barely see the mountains behind the lake.
Most people stop at Brainard Lake, but continue past it to the Colorado Mountain Club cabin!! I suppose if you look at a map, it is not a secret at all, but it kinda felt like one!
The cabin is run by CMC volunteers all winter long and open on weekends for some warmth and hot drinks. And you guys. When I was here, the father daughter volunteer duo was making snickerdoodles!! I mean hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a fire going was dreamy enough after hiking in the snow, but fresh out of the oven cookies?! Come on, it was heaven. It is also possible to reserve a spot and sleep here (it sleeps 12)! There is a donation box when you enter, so make sure to bring some cash for that.
Returning, you have the option to take the snowy road instead of the trail. This is the most direct route (though still 3 miles), however this comes with HIGH wind. Soooo, you are warned.
before ya go to brainard lake:
- if you’re used to using a water bladder, you may want to bring a water bottle just in case too during the winter season! Even my insulated bladder hose froze a little!
- the snow is often superrrr powdery, so snowshoes are required along the snowshoe trails. Be courteous and don’t use the trail if you don’t have them as it ruins the trail – if you don’t own them, you can rent them from REI
- no pups allowed sadly in the winter on the snowshoe trail – if you opt to take the road both ways, they’re allowed (as well as on a few other trails – check out CMC’s map)!
after the hike:
You know me, hikes and beer just go together. Ward is not exactly the most happening spot, so you will need to head to either Nederland or Boulder. I suggest making the trek to Avery Brewing. Not only are their beers BOMB (30 plus beers on tap including ones you can only get in their tap room), but their food is soooo good. If it is warm enough, you can even enjoy their large patio.
directions:
Have you tried snowshoeing before?
