Niwot Mountain 🏔️ Hike at Brainard

Weather on Wednesday looks nice at Brainard so let’s hike up Niwot Mountain, then down along Lefthand Reservoir. Distance depends on our route…as trails on the mountain are not well defined and will require some off-trail hiking. So please be flexible if you sign up for this hike. I’ve hiked up to the Mountain once, but not down to the reservoir.

Difficulty: about 5.5 to 7.5 miles with about 1,400-1,500 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is 11,471 feet on Niwot Mountain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Nestled in Indian Peaks, Niwot Mountain is a gem of a peak that rests at 11,471 feet and offers stunning vistas. From Lefthand Reservoir to the summit, the views of surrounding peaks like Longs Peak, Mount Audubon and Mount Meeker are incredible as well as the views of serene plains and reservoirs below. The trail weaves through forests and meadows before reaching the treeline and rocky ridge to the summit…where a cairn marks the top. See the following hike in alltrails which we will mostly follow…but due to some areas without defined trails, our actual route could differ: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/niwot-mountain-summit-route-via-left-hand-reservoir-road

WE HIKE AS A GROUP: Especially on this hike due to less-defined trails, we hike as a group and will only be as fast as our slowest hiker. Our goal is a pace of 2.5mph so please only sign up if you can hike at that pace.

DOGS: NO dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Brainard Winter Lot (aka Gateway Trailhead Parking Lot) which is the parking area on your right, right before the entry station to Brainard Lake Recreation Area. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. 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, 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=-105.541&lat=40.07

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.