Crosscountry snowshoe guide photo by gorilla images. Many of the centers are near or connected to colorado s ski areas and resorts, but there are also ranches, clubs and nonprofit organizations that maintain networks of trails each winter. Plan your brainerd lakes area winter vacation today and choose from luxury resort accommodations or small hunting cabins. The boulder group of the colorado mountain club built the brainard cabin in 1928. As long as there is good snow coverage, you can snowshoe almost anywhere. The lake at the base is a perfect starting point yearround, though in the warmer months, you wont need your snowshoes until you get to the glacier itself its a great way to beat the summer snowshoe blues. If fastpaced is your thing, hit the miles of snowmobile trails. Snowshoeing at beaver creek resort, co snowshoeing at the 10th mountain divison jackal hut near leadville snowshoeing trails are abundant across colorado, with some of the best trail systems located in our national parks and forests, 41 state parks and a network of dozens of nordic centers and ranches. Lefthand is much steeper and harder than the hike to brainerd.
About an hours drive from boulder, the namesake lake sits at 10,000 ft. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Brainard lake is located just west of the peak to peak highway just west of ward and north of nederland. Take a tranquil loop around a pristine mountain meadow. Nederland, colorado closest town is ward driving directions.
From colorado highway 72 just north of ward, turn west onto the brainard lake road. From the brainard lake winter th, head to the gate station. Also some other lakes further past brainerd with bigger fish. A beginners guide to snowshoeing in northern colorado jacy marmaduke, the coloradoan published 7. If you are new to snowshoeing, be sure to check out previous snowshoe blog posts before you set out on your snowshoeing journey. Choose from many resorts for an enjoyable, comprehensive lodging experience.
At this large reserve an hour north of brainerd, the public is welcome to snowshoe on nearly 10 square miles of forest set on rolling glacial moraine, with seven lakes. A beginners guide to snowshoeing in northern colorado. Brainard lake recreation area is one of colorado s best natural winter playgrounds. Brainard lake trails ski and snowshoe nomad colorado. The total roundtrip should be closer to 6 miles i took a couple of detours. Trails reported to allow leashed dogs are marked with a allenspark. Brainard lake area is a haven for cross country skiers. Brainard lake snowshoeing, hiking, camping ward, colorado. From there it is about 2 miles to lefthand or brainerd. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, fun for everyone, and can be a great high energy cardio workout. Hiking trails to the west of the blra enter into the indian peaks wilderness. Before moving to colorado, i honestly thought snowshoeing meant walking on things that looked like tennis rackets. The hike to lost lake is a fun outing for any level skier or snowshoer who wants to appreciate the beauty of colorado. To subscribe to brainerd lakes specials emails, or news and updates, please complete the name and email fields.
If you cant find it, just follow the road this short bit to the lake. Snowshoe info grand lake metropolitan recreation district. Colorado snowshoe trails todays post will provide a brief overview of some of the best snowshoeing trails in the state of colorado. National and state parks are loaded with scenic trails, as are many ski resorts. The colorado mountain club assumes no liability for the safety of persons using this map. Brainard lake campground, coloradoward tripadvisor. Access is easy in the summer months as a paved road leads to the lake and parking is available around the lake. Even when the lakes freeze, the fishing doesnt stop. Drive on colorado 72 peak to peak highway to the turnoff to brainard lake, 0. We proudly offer you the finest selection of quality. Brainerd doesnt sleep in the winter months, we only get better.
With a wide variety of yearround outdoor recreation opportunities available, brainard lake recreation area blra is the most popular destination on the boulder ranger district. Gorgeous views with easy hiking options brainard lake was a great spot for a flat hike with beautiful views. The semipermanent snowfield is perfect for snowshoeing, and is easily reached from idaho springs, off i70. Colorado snowshoeing snowshoe trails and rentals in co. Find the trailhead by taking exit 240 off of interstate 70 near idaho springs and then following colorado 103 to parking just north of the mount evans entrance station. Not being a skier or snowboarder yet, for my first winter in colorado, i decided to take up snowshoeing. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 4 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Outdoor adventure club denver outdoor adventure company.
Plan to arrive before 9 on a weekend to get a parking spot in the. From the lake, you are looking up at the continental divide, which hosts some great hikes in the summer, and some popular backcountry ski lines in the winter. For naturalistled snowshoe hikes, the snowshoes are supplied. Take your family to mount ski gull for a day of snowtubing, skiing, or snowboarding. Brainard lake is surrounded by subalpine forest set in a glaciallycarved valley. I grew up in california and my tolerance for extreme cold is almost zero, so when i began to explore colorado s winter wilderness, i knew a good shoe was in order. Brainard lake snowshoe trail hiking trail, nederland, colorado. Several commercial centers and a multitude of backcountry sites give skiers and snowshoers plenty of. Recreation includes snowmobiling on the lakes and in the forests of northern minnesota. Lost lake is popular because of how close it is to denver and boulder, the area has numerous trails. Cmc boulder group cabins are currently closed to the public see notice on the cabins page. We continue to provide the best selection of furniture and cabin decor, known and trusted online since 1999 theres more about us in the information sidebar, just with a new and easier to use online furniture store. Drive west on the winding brainard lake road often icy. Enjoy the peacefulness of snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing through the woods.
You can drive off if 72 to brainerd winter parking lot. Brainerd mn winter resort lodging four season resorts. Hug the left south edge of the campground and youll soon find the trail again as it heads to brainard lake. Winter activities around brainerd include hunting, ice fishing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, dog sled rides, and hundreds of trails for hiking or snowshoeing. We visited in early may so there was still a lot of snow on the roads and trails. Many local businesses close for the winter, but there.
For immediate assistance, please call us at 8004502838. My husband cameron often says, there is no bad weather, just poor clothing choices and every girl knows that one of the best clothing choices you can make is picking a good shoe. This is a winteruse trail only, open november 15 april 30. Brainard lake is home to a plethora of trails with certain ones dedicated to snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Colorado s more than 20 nordic centers are a sure way to get on the snow quickly and start discovering the states winter wonderland. Day hosting, overnight reservations, calendar, training, reference documents, snow report, major events, miscellaneous general info. Brainard lake recreation area is located just west of ward, colorado. Shannon dizmang snowshoeing is affordable, fun, and a great workout too. Please complete this form to receive information about the brainerd lakes area. Apr 23, 2020 rent from people in brainerd, mn from. Take colorado highway 7 west from lyons or colorado highway 72 north from nederland to colorado highway 7. The peaks of the continental divide loom to the west.
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