Hiking Guide to Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Having recently moved to Denver, we did what anyone does; we began looking at nearby hikes that wouldn’t be too far of a drive for a weekend excursion. When we came upon Brainard Lakes Recreation Area and Lake Isabelle, we figured, sure, this looks good!

What we didn’t realize was that the photos online did no justice to how stunningly beautiful the terrain was (don’t worry, mine are below). Our hike, in early July, gave us peak wildflower season, tons of moose, and majestic alpine views. The one negative, though, is that I didn’t do enough research about the permitting system. This meant we had to walk (and then hitch a ride) to the trailhead.

Now, this isn’t a secret hike by any means, with only a 90-minute drive between a metro area of three million. But it’s totally worth it. And widely, it’s a pretty easy hike to reach Lake Isabelle. If you’re looking for a great hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, add this one to your list!

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Hiking Guide to Gorgeous Long Lake and Lake Isabelle in Colorado

1-minute hiking details for hiking Lake Isabelle and Brainard Lake Recreation Area

The must-know info before your hike. If you want to limit your miles, you definitely want a permit and avoid parking in the furthest parking lot.

Location: Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Hike Length: 4-5 miles, depending on route
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Permits Required (click here) or add 4 miles of walking
90-minute drive from Denver (location)
No Drones Allowed

a hiker walks on a trail near a lake surrounded by trees — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

My Trail Report for hiking Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

When we arrived at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Jaimie and I quickly realized we needed an entry permit. I was a bit shocked because in 99% of all cases, a recreation area is unpermitted and easily accessible. Not for the Lake Isabelle hike, apparently.

The parking lot outside of the entrance gates is pretty large, so we easily found a place to park around 9:30am and began hiking towards the lake. The normal route is on the right side of the road, but I found a snowshoe trail that looked to cut off half a mile or more.

That wasn’t the best route at all. It’s a bit hilly, and then you go through a marsh area that is not fun to cross. If you take two things from this article, the first is to get your permit. The second is not to hike on the left side of the road. Eventually, we made it back to the road and stuck out our thumbs.

Related: Hiking gear for 14ers

After a few cars passed, a friendly retired family medicine doctor picked us up and drove us the last mile to start the hike.

Hiking next to Long Lake to Lake Isaballe

a wooden sign that says indian peaks wilderness in colorado — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

We started hiking at the Niwot Picnic Area. Technically, we could have been dropped off further up, but this looked good to us. So, our route would be to hike along Long Lake on the left side, wrap around it at the top, and then connect up with the standard trail to Lake Isabelle.

This was a little longer, but also had almost no crowds. And, the wildflowers on this portion of the trail were exquisite. Additionally, there were all of these small creeks we crossed over, trickling into Long Lake. The sounds of nature were unparalleled.

When we connected with the trail that heads directly to Lake Isabelle, Jaimie and I took a break to refuel before the last mile of the trail.

Lake Isabelle and Indian Peaks Wilderness

This is where it got good! Not that the earlier hike wasn’t nice, but this is the apex of the hike. As we hiked further in, the forest began to clear and the jagged mountains of the Indian Peaks Wilderness came into view.

As we headed up the final incline to the lake level, we passed by a beautiful waterfall surrounded by wildflowers of various colors. The scene was utter perfection.

a perfect reflection on lake isabelle of mountain peaks behind — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

lake isabelle with a columbine on the shore — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

yellow flowers on the lake's edge with towering mountains behind — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Shortly after that, we found a spot next to the lake, where we pulled out our sandwiches and enjoyed the view. I, per usual, ran around taking photos and finding interesting compositions.

Then, the coolest thing happened. Jaimie spotted large brown shapes at the far end of the lake. After closer inspection, they were MOOSE! And a handful of them. Two were having zoomies, running on the shore and then into the lake.

moose on the far side of the lake looking very small — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Then and there, we decided we’d keep on hiking along the lake, in hopes of getting a closer view. (A safe, but closer view. Standard practice is 25 yards from wildlife.)

We quickly went counterclockwise around the bottom of the lake and headed further into the basin. (Same route if you were to go to the glacier or visit Airplane Gully). I estimate that some of us hiked another mile before reaching a rocky/boulder section. Here, we safely watched a bull moose graze for 20 minutes. I got plenty of photos, and then it was time to head back.

Moose on the Loose

a moose stands in a meadow — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The return trip was uneventful until we almost literally ran into two moose on the trail. Jaimie was in front, and she turned a corner and saw them on the trail. This slowed us down considerably.

After letting them get in front of us, we kept on hiking, only to find them up ahead again. This time, they were swimming and grazing. We watched them for a while until they finally gave way, and we had enough space to pass.

But it didn’t end there! Fifteen minutes later, we came to a meadow with a HUGE bull moose on the far side, near the lake. As we were watching him, a female moose began crossing the trail. This forced our group to split into different sides.

massive bull moose looks at the camera — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Eventually, that moose walked far enough into the meadow that there was no more threat, and we could continue the final 3/4s of a mile to the parking lot. It was a wild day on the trail hiking Lake Isabelle. In all, we saw at least five moose, stunning views, and brilliant wildflowers.

For our first hike together in Colorado, we definitely nailed it with our selection.

Photos from Brainard Lake Recreation Area and Lake Isabelle

Enjoy photos from the Colorado Rockies of Lake Isabelle and the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy nature without having to drive too far.

See everything in my camera bag.

FAQ about hiking to Lake Isabelle and the surrounding area

Is this an easy hike? Is this good for families?

This is a perfect hike for families. It has minimal elevation gain, and the trail is easy to navigate. I would call this an easy hike, which is why it’s so popular in Colorado. At less than five miles round trip and under 500 feet of gain, people of all ages can do this trail.

What is the starting elevation at Brainard Lake Recreation Area?

The starting elevation of the hike is around 10,500 feet. So you are very high up and will immediately feel it as you’re walking. Thankfully, it’s a flat hike for the first mile, giving you a nice way to warm up.

Are permits easy to get?

If you plan two weeks out, I think you’ll have a pretty good chance at landing permits, even on the weekends. If you are looking to visit during the week, I bet you can find permits just a few days out. (However, don’t quote me. You’ll have to look for yourself.)

Is hiking to Lake Isabelle worth it?

I absolutely loved the hike to Lake Isabelle and believe it’s one of the top trails in Colorado. You get a massive bang for your buck, with epic views, without having to drive too far or put in too much effort.

What do I need to bring for this hike?

This hike, like any at high altitude, requires you to come prepared. Afternoon storms can come out of nowhere. You’ll want to have your standard hiking gear, but make sure you bring a rain jacket and another warm layer just in case.

Thankfully, this is such a short hike from the parking lot that most people should be able to get down in an hour.

Is there gas nearby?

There is no gas in the area around Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The town of Ward does not have one. I would recommend filling up in Boulder. The next best option is Nederland, which is a 15-20 minute drive.

When is peak wildflower season?

Unsatisfactory answer: It depends. But generally, peak wildflower season in the Rockies is in July. We did this the first weekend of July, and it was probaly 85% bloomed. There were still some Indian Paintbrush flowers that were beginning to bud.

Final thoughts on hiking to Lake Isabelle in the Colorado Rockies

I strongly recommend this hike to people who are visiting or have just moved to Colorado. It offers everything you can hope for in a hike without clogging up too much of your day. I was so stoked for the conditions and my photos. Plus, the moose were the icing on the cake. I had no idea we’d see so many and so close.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Hiking to Beautiful Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness