The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. For road status, check the Road Status Table. PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness permit requirements and regulations including group size, camping and campfire restrictions. Late June through mid-October (summer operating season): Summer Season Map Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June A fee applies. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations) Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). Check summer trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Mid-October through late June (winter season): Winter Season Map The gate is closed and the area free of charge for winter recreationists Park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads Check winter trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Recreational shooting closures exist year round in this area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations set by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Moose are present in the area. Be considerate of all wildlife. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Beautiful 

This is one of my favorite spots. There are lots of trails nearby, beautiful views everywhere, lots of moose and wildlife in general, and huge pine trees. The road is closed for a good chunk of the year so make sure you check their website for closures!

A gem

This is a wonderful area to explore from Boulder, although the construction on the road up the canyon makes for a slow trip. Plus there can be a wait at the gate, which is regulated to make sure the parking areas don’t overflow. You can’t make reservations like up at Rocky Mountain NP. Here we arrived about 11 am and were directed to the Day Use Parking Area near the east end of Brainard Lake. I’m sure it’s more crowded on weekends. 
It worked fine for us. We walked by Brainard Lake and then up around Long Lake, about 6 miles altogether. There were lots of other people, but it didn’t seem overcrowded. Nearly everyone on the trail was wearing masks, or pulled them up as they passed others.
The views are absolutely breathtaking, as was the altitude (10,600’). 
There’s also camping at Pawnee, but reservations are hard to come by, and having a reservation doesn’t save you from waiting in line. 

Absolutely glorious

This is a scenic area but many of the campsites are not very good because so many dead trees were removed that there’s no shade or privacy at those campsites. The best campsites with some shade and privacy are 13, 14, 32, 35, 37 and 39.

The views at the lake are amazing!

We love Brainard. The campground is clean, spacious, and there are beautiful trails to ride your bikes, fly kites, read, hike, fish. Some campsites  are a little close, but if you pick a good spot you have great seclusion. It’s such a relaxing spot and we love how easy it is to get to from town. 

A favorite in Colorado

Pawnee Campground gets you on the trails early, and is great for enjoying the beautiful views of Indian Peaks Wilderness. 