Niwot Ridge Trail at Brainard - Carpool from Winter Lot

We’ve done this hike a couple times now and I think the views from the ridge are just spectacular! In addition to mountain & lake views, we’ve seen moose and you get to see Lake Isabelle from up high. Note that once we get to the top, walking is somewhat iffy as there are lots of rocks with large gaps, but to see all the views you need to walk around. Weather allowing, we will take a lengthy 30 minute+ break up top, so those who want to maneuver the rocks and explore the views can do so.

NOTE THAT EVERYBODY WILL BE REQUIRED TO CHIP IN $CASH TO HELP WITH THE COST OF TIMED ENTRY TICKETS IF NECESSARY.

TIMED ENTRY TICKETS: Brainard Lake Rec. Area has a timed-entry pass system this year again. Each vehicle needs a timed entry ticket to enter the park. When the purchase date opens, I will coordinate the timed entry purchase with the group, as only 1 ticket per person is allowed. So I will need volunteers to purchase additional tickets. If you have the American the Beautiful Pass, the entry ticket if free, except for the $2 processing fee. We will get tickets for the Long Lake Trailhead.

Difficulty: about 11.5 to 12 miles with 2,200+ feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 12,275 feet.

This will be a group hike, where we will hike together and everyone will wait at all trail junctions, creek crossings, and occasionally otherwise so that no one hikes on their own for safety reasons. Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: The Niwot Ridge Trail is simply spectacular and the view from the top of Niwot Ridge is one of the best views of the Indian Peaks that you can get. It's an interesting view because you are not looking down on the peaks (as if you climbed Mt. Audubon) you are almost eye level with the peaks. This makes for a unique and inspiring view of the Continental Divide and the Sawtooth Ridge above Isabelle Glacier. This top of the ridge is amazing and either way you look you'll be rewarded with tremendous views. Head north to get a great view of Lake Isabelle, Isabelle Glacier, Shoshoni Peak, Apache Peak, and Navajo Peak all linked together by one hell of a sawtooth ridge. From there circle around to the south where you will get a rare glimpse into the Green Lakes Basin, which is off limits as it constitutes Boulder County Watershed. This basin consists of a stunning series of about 6 pristine alpine lakes...the Green Lakes. Up-valley is a wonderful alpine cirque of Kiowa Peak, Arikaree Peak, and Navajo Peak. See the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/niwot-ridge-trail

DOGS: NO dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will carpool into the park. So everybody must meet at the Winter Lot (aka Gateway Trailhead Parking Lot) which is the parking area on your right, right before the entry station to the park. We will carpool from the Winter Lot to the trailhead. To get to the Winter Lot for carpooling, you can do one of the following:

1. Use the following alltrails link and click directions https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-isabelle-trail-winter. Do NOT click the alltrails link above in the Hike Description above, as it will take you to a different location.
2. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Brainard Lake Winter Lot” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.61920521171974&lat=40.06759559246888

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.