Brainard Lake

The well-loved Brainard Lake area is one of the most popular portals into the spectacular alpine terrain above Boulder.  When conditions permit, it can also be a great place to spend a half-day on the water.  The jagged skyline of the Indian Peaks make Brainard Lake a very photogenic location, especially when the water is still enough for reflections.  

Brainard Lake with Indian Peaks beyond

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is generally open for summer use between mid-June and mid-October.  Most uses require a timed-entry reservation through recreation.gov.  The area is very popular and entry windows aren't always readily available.  It's best to plan a week or more in advance or try for a weekday visit.  

Vicinity map

    Rec Area Info: [key]    

    Use: High

    Non-motorized
    Fee: $10 day use;
    Timed entry info
    Access: Paved
    Rec map
    Rec info 
    Weather 

    Lake info:

    [Brainard / Long / Red Rock]
    Scenery: 4 / 5 / 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2 / 3 / 3

    Full elev (natural): 

    10350 / 10520 / 10200