Brainard Lake Recreation Area — Attraction in Nederland

Brainard Lake Recreation Area, nestled within the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado, is a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located approximately 50 miles northwest of Denver, it offers a stunning array of activities amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. At an elevation of around 10,300 feet, the area is characterized by its beautiful glacially-formed lake, dense forests, and dramatic mountain vistas, including views of the Continental Divide.

In summer, visitors flock to Brainard Lake for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The network of trails ranges from easy walks around the lake to challenging hikes leading into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, such as the Blue Lake and Mitchell Lake trails. Anglers enjoy fishing in the pristine waters, which are stocked with trout. The area is also popular for wildlife viewing, with common sightings of moose, deer, and various bird species.

Winter transforms Brainard Lake into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing. The Brainard Lake Winter Recreation Area provides groomed trails and backcountry routes, offering serene and scenic winter adventures.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for entry, which helps maintain its facilities and natural beauty. Its accessibility, diverse recreational opportunities, and striking landscapes make it a prime destination for year-round...

I am absolutely disgusted by an employees behavior here.

I had a photography session at this location tonight, someone BROUGHT my client some wildflowers they had picked and gave them to her because she looked “so beautiful” - we decided to take photos with them. Then we had an old vile woman come up to us and SNATCH the flowers from her (she is a CHILD) - and say “how dare you pick the flowers” - I tried to tell her she did not do it but she was on a mission to ruin our time. This was borderline assault the way she snatched them out of her hands and absolutely harassment. She stated that she worked there and I feel as if this should be brought to the attention of the hiring staff here. There’s no place for this kind of behavior, at her old age I would assume she would know better. She was a very short woman, brown hair, glasses. She might have been with her husband but she looked a lot older than him so maybe that was her son. This behavior should not be accepted by ANY EMPLOYEE. if she wouldn’t have been so aggressive the situation could’ve be explained. Instead my client started crying and was upset, couldn’t even finish the session. They drove 6 hours to use this location. I am absolutely disgusted by this behavior and I will be making complaints wherever I can. Shame on this woman, she is a horrible example of this...

We visited this past Friday, and it was nothing short of magical! The alpine lakes glistened under the summer sun, framed by rugged peaks and lush greenery, it felt like stepping into a nature painting. The timed entry system is a brilliant idea; it keeps the trails from feeling overcrowded and allows you to truly immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings. Each trail we explored was well-marked and offered its own charm, from quiet forest paths to open meadows bursting with wildflowers. The hikes to the lakes were the highlight, every turn revealed another jaw-dropping view, whether it was crystal-clear water reflecting the mountains or a hidden waterfall along the way. Tips for visiting: Reserve your timed entry in advance, they do sell out, especially on weekends. Arrive early in the day for cooler temperatures and softer morning light, which makes the lakes even more photogenic. Wear sturdy shoes, as some trails have rocky or uneven sections, and bring plenty of water since there are no facilities along the paths. A light jacket is a good idea, too; even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly. And of course, pack a camera, you’ll want to capture every angle of this...