Hikes Near Brainard Lake: Lake Isabelle and Long Lake

When it comes to hikes near Brainard Lake, one of the top moderate routes winds past both Long Lake and Lake Isabelle, providing spectacular alpine views. The hike is located in Brainard Lake Recreation Area, about an hour’s drive west of Boulder, Colorado. Brainard Lake sits on the edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the Front Range, due to its rugged scenery and variety of trails. While most visitors flock to Rocky Mountain National Park, Brainard Lake is not to be missed. For those looking for a moderate day hike near Brainard Lake, with spectacular views of the area’s lakes, don’t miss hiking Lake Isabelle and Long Lake via Pawnee Pass and the Jean Lunning Loop.

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Hikes Near Brainard Lake Highlights

• Hiking to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake
• Best Time to Hike to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle
• Other Great Day Hikes Near Brainard Lake
• Hiking Tips
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area Parking Permits and Entry
  • Where to Stay Near Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Hiking to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake via Pawnee Pass and the Jean Lunning Loop

• Distance: 5.3 miles round trip (8.5 km)*
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 600 feet (183 meters)
• Trailhead: Long Lake Trailhead (Brainard Lake Recreation Area)
• Map: Alltrails link

*Note that Alltrails shows this loop as 4.9 miles round trip and 475 feet of elevation gain. We’ve included distances and elevations that we captured on this hike.

Pro Tip: For those who’d prefer a slightly shorter hike, you can do this hike as an out and back to Lake Isabelle via the Pawnee Pass Trail, resulting in a roughly 4.2 mile hike.

This loop begins at the Long Lake Trailhead. You’ll need to get a permit to access Brainard Lake Recreation Area and this parking area (see permits below). If you can’t get a parking permit for Long Lake, you can also park at Niwot Picnic Site, Lake Mitchell Trailhead, or Brainard Lake Picnic Site. You’ll need permits for these, and will need to add some mileage to your hike getting from your parking spot to the Long Lake Trailhead.

Long Lake Trailhead to Isabelle Lake

Begin at the Long Lake trailhead, following the Pawnee Pass trail that runs along the north side of the lake.

The first section is quite flat, following a stream until the first trail junction. Take time to stop at the bridge on your left to enjoy the views before continuing straight/slightly right on the Pawnee Pass Trail.

While the Pawnee Pass Trail heads slightly uphill and away from the lake on a heavily forested trail, you’ll enjoy intermittent views of the lake.

After the end of Long Lake, you’ll reach this trail junction, with the Jean Lunning Loop left and Pawnee Pass and Isabelle Glacier Trail right. The correct trail to follow to go to Lake Isabelle is the Pawnee Pass/Isabelle Glacier Trail on the right.

The Pawnee Pass trail climbs gently toward Lake Isabelle. It feels easy, until the last climb towards Lake Isabelle, which gets quite rocky. On our latest visit, a small waterfall streamed across the trail. It was easy to cross the streams on the rocks, but trekking poles came in quite handy to keep from getting our feet wet.

Just before reaching the lake, follow signs for the Isabelle Glacier Trail (going straight), while the Pawnee Pass Trail heads right.

After clambering over rocks, and potentially a small waterfall running across the trail, catch a first glimpse of Lake Isabelle, an alpine lake framed by jagged peaks.

Take one of the small trails down to the water’s edge. Keep in mind that water levels tend to be lower later in the summer and into the fall. Even when the levels are low, the lake is beautiful, and you can enjoy a beach walk at 10,910 feet (3,325 meters) in elevation.

Return Trip and the Jean Lunning Loop

Begin your return trip by retracing your steps. Once you reach the junction of the Pawnee Pass Trail and the Jean Lunning Loop. You have 2 options:

• For a shorter hike, simply retrace your steps to the trailhead (roughly 4.2 miles round trip).
• To complete the walk around Long Lake, turn right onto the Jean Lunning Loop. This scenic hike takes you around Long Lake, through dense pine forest and open meadows filled with wildflowers.

Best Time to Hike to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area typically opens for the summer season in mid-June once snow has melted from the roads and trails, and remains open through early-mid-October. The upper trailheads, including Long Lake, often don’t open until July due to snow levels.

The best time to do this hike is from mid-July through September for wildflowers, or early October for stunning golden aspens. Keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer—start early for the best experience.

How to Reach the Long Lake Trailhead in Winter

In winter, the road into the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is closed at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead, about two miles below Brainard Lake. To reach the Long Lake Trailhead, you’ll need to park at the Gateway lot and hike, snowshoe, or ski along the snow-covered road. This adds about 3 miles (5 km) each way to your outing, so plan for a longer day and bring proper winter gear. The trail out to Long Lake and Lake Isabelle is not maintained in winter, meaning often deep snow to hike / snowshoe through. The scenery is stunning though!

Other Great Day Hikes Near Brainard Lake

Tips for Hikes Near Brainard Lake

• Dress in Layers: The temperatures can fluctuate widely. Packing hats, gloves, rain jackets, and warm layers is key.
• Footwear Matters: Waterproof boots or trail shoes can make or break your experience. While these may not be 100% needed to go to Long Lake, they are strongly recommended for the route to Lake Isabelle.
• Trekking Poles make a world of difference when the trails are wet, muddy, or even slippery with rocks or gravel. Most fold up easily to attached to your day pack when not in use.
• See the full day hike checklist for more recommendations on how to prepare for your hike.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area Parking Permits and Entry

From late June through mid-October (June 12 – October 10 for 2026), the Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a timed-entry parking reservation to access the site, and to park in specific parking areas. Permits are managed through Recreation.gov and must be reserved in advance throughout the summer (you can't purchase these on site).

Pro Tip: If you reserve a campsite at Pawnee Campground, you do not need a timed entry permit.

Permit Tips:

• Day-use tickets are made available for purchase 15 days in advance at 8:00 am mountain time / 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time.
  • You'll need to select which parking area you'd like to use. Long Lake is ideal for this hike, though Niwot Picnic Site, Brainard Lake Picnic Site, and Lake Mitchell Trailhead are all walking distance to the trailhead.
  • Select the entry time window. We'd recommend early morning to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• You can purchase up to 2 parking permits at a time. Each vehicle must have the permit with them upon entry.
• Cell phone coverage is very spotty throughout the Brainard Lake area. Be sure to purchase your reservations in advance, and print (or take a screen shot) to bring with you to access the site.

Where to Stay Near Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Hikes Near Brainard Lake Wrap-Up

Whether you’re hiking the to Lake Isabelle and Long Lake or exploring one of the many alternative hikes near Brainard Lake, the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is one of Colorado’s premier alpine playgrounds. Enjoy its shimmering lakes, abundant wildlife, and stunning views of the Indian Peaks! Plan ahead with permits, arrive early to beat the crowds, and be prepared for fast-changing mountain weather—and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most memorable hikes near Brainard Lake.

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