lake isabelle

Description: You'll be hard pressed to find a more scenic alpine lake than Lake Isabelle.  Situated in the cirque of the Indian Peaks it offers unequaled views of the Continental Divide and Isabelle glacier.   It is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA), part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (IPWA).  On this hike you will be provided with many memorable views of the Indian Peaks, Niwot Ridge, Isabelle Glacier and Mt. Audubon.  This hike is an extension of the easier Long Lake Trail  that circles Long Lake.  

Challenge Level: Intermediate, 6.7 Miles, 787' Total Elevation Gain, 4 Hours -  Lake Isabelle should be reserved for later in your vacation when you are more acclimated to higher altitudes as it starts at 10,300'.  It's a hike best suited for adults in reasonably good physical condition and active kids.   For those desiring a less strenuous hike, check out the equally beautiful Long Lake Trail.  For the more athletic who are looking for an all day adventure, you may want to consider the longer version of this hike up to Pawnee Pass.

Driving Directions: Brainard Lake Recreation Area.  The BLRA is west of Ward, CO.  There are two popular ways to reach Ward, one via Canyon Rd west to Nederland and then north on the Peak To Peak Hwy to Ward.  The other is to travel north from Boulder on CO 36 toward Lyons, turning left onto Left Hand Canyon Rd following the signs toward Ward.  Left Hand Canyon Rd ends at the Peak To Peak Hwy where you will turn right. Both options will take you about an hour.  Once on the Peak To Peak in Ward you will see a sign for BLRA indicating a left turn onto Brainard Lake Rd 112.  This road will switchback up to the Visitors Entrance.  There is a $11 per car fee.  BLRA can become very crowded causing parking issues in the summer, especially on weekends, so early hiking is advised during the high visitor months of June-August.  

Parking: Parking in BLRA is mostly limited to the overflow parking area at the beginning of the Brainard Lake loop road. There is still some parking at the trailheads but don't count on finding a space unless you arrive very early. The distance and directions for this hike assumes you will be parking in the overflow area. If you manage to get a parking spot at the Long Lake TH just ignore the Trailhead info below.

Trailhead: The Niwot Cutoff Trail is best accessed by hiking down the south side of the Brainard Lake loop road. (See inset map above.)  It is about 0.5 miles from the new overflow parking area, right across from a restroom facility and picnic area.  You will see a large map board and sign for the trail.  As you start down the road keep a keen eye out toward the meadow on your left.  There is a young bull moose often sighted here.  (Note: You will pass one or two other trailheads along the road, so make sure you continue until you see the restrooms on the right and Niwot Cutoff on the left.)

Trail Guide:  Head up Niwot Cutoff as it winds through majestic pines.  You will probably notice that you are climbing both by the switchbacks and by the shortness of breath you are feeling.  Take rests as needed and you will soon notice how you are acclimating to the altitude.  If it's a hot dry day, you may run into swarms of mosquitos, so you might be wise to bring some bug repellant with you on your hike, or lather up at the parking area just in case.  Quickly the trail starts to flatten out a bit and open up providing a glimpse of Long Lake as you approach your first intersection at 0.6 miles from the trailhead.  Down to the right you will see the old bucket of a mining cart and a little further a wooden bridge you will cross on your return.  The banner image for Beyond Boulder was taken on this bridge.  Enjoy the view, then continue straight along the south side of Long Lake on the Jean Lunning Trail.  During July this meadow is covered with wildflowers.  You will wind in and out of pines along the trail and crossing small streams.  At about 1.7 miles from the trailhead you will come to a second wooden bridge where you cross the South St. Vrain Creek.  Here water coming from Lake Isabelle feeds into Long Lake.  At about 2.0 miles into your hike you will come to a split in the trail, with the Pawnee Pass Trail rising back to the left and Jean Lunning Loop continuing straight toward the north bank of Long Lake.  Turn left onto Pawnee Pass and start the climb to Lake Isabelle.  After a steady climb of about 3/4 of a mile you will reach the natural spillway of Lake Isabelle.  Look for a small trail that heads out to the falls for some great photographs.  Continue along the north side of the lake to find some great places to rest and look at the views.  When ready, head back down Pawnee Pass.  At the intersection with Jean Lunning Loop continue straight (don't backtrack the way you came) and in about a 1.0 miles you will come to a wide area in the trail.  Turn right to cross the bridge you saw earlier, and pass the mining cart bucket.  Rise to the south side of Long Lake and at the intersection turn left to return to the trailhead on the Niwot Cutoff Trail.  

Map Resources:  US Forest Service (Ward); Also, the BLRA offers a great map for the asking when you pay your entrance fee.

Après Hike:  Loving nature after this hike? Enough to hug a tree? Or, maybe you were hugging a tree just for support while you caught your breath. Regardless, Asher Brewing Co's Tree Hugger Amber Ale is the nature loving, organic beer for you après hike. Asher is a hidden gem of a brewery that has been making great organic beers for many years in Boulder's Gunbarrel neighborhood. Have a dog with you that still needs a little more exercise? No problem, Asher is across the street from Twin Lakes Open Space, which has an entire lake for off-leash fun! They are located at 4699 Nautilus Ct S #104, Boulder, CO 80301.

Picnicking: Many beautiful options with tables and grills around Brainard Lake and parking areas.

Restrooms:  Plenty at parking lot and trailhead.

Dog Friendly: Yes.

Cell Service: Nope.