Brainard Lake Recreation Area

4.8 291 reviews

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What people are saying

Kimberly Crist

a month ago •

Of course being an outdoorsy gal in Colorado, the timed entry reservations make me SO sad that I can't go for a hike on a random Tuesday when I wake up and feel like it - but on the flip side I guess the park is a lot less busy than it normally is. The campground is beautiful and well taken care of, the trails are incredible, and Brainard lake is one of those places I bring out of towers because you're pretty much gaurenteed to see a moose. Plus you get some serious reward for some easy drives and hikes!

Emily Evans

4 weeks ago •

Had a lovely hike here on a late June weekend. No snow on the trails, but there was a lot of runoff that have caused some trails to be wet and muddy. Gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape by the lake. Lots of picnic areas and restrooms at trailheads and at the lake. Parking by the Gateway Trail is free and you can walk to the lake, but there is a fee and required parking reservation inside of the gates.

朴Chloe

a month ago •

Spent great picnic on Sunday beside the lake. It's the perfect course to walk along the lake after eating! I saw people riding paddle boats and canoes, too! And there are a squat toilet without basin.

AJ Fitzgerald

in the last week •

Gorgeous area if a bit crowded. Moose galore, just don’t get to close to them. Trails were overall fairly busy for a weekday, definitely a few traffic jams on the trail. Location loses a star due to that. Remember to give the moose as much space as possible!