Lake Isabelle (A)

Name: Lake Isabelle (A)
Start: 2025-08-10T06:45:00-06:00
End: 2025-08-10T15:00:00-06:00
Location: Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Hosted By

Kathy C.

Details

Hike description: This moderately challenging and rewarding A Rated hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area near Nederland is about 7.5 miles in length with an elevation gain of about 700 feet. This stunning hike features two lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and abundant wildflowers & wildlife in an rocky alpine setting. The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is subject to a parking reservation fee per vehicle. We will likely park (two cars) at the Brainard Lake picnic site since parking permits are easier to obtain there. The rideshare includes this fee at this location. If interested, please let me know if you are willing to drive.
Hike length, starting elevation, elevation gain: The hike distance is about 7.5 miles, starting at 10,300'. The elevation gain is about 700'.
Meetup Location and rideshare amount: The meeting place for this hike will be at Jax West in Loveland at just before 6:45AM. Besides the Hike Leader, another driver with an America the Beautiful Pass will be needed to purchase a Parking Pass for $2.00 at the Brainard Lake Picnic Area for the 8AM to 11AM time slot. Roundtrip travel to the trailhead is around 110 miles so the rideshare fee is $11.00, which includes a $0.50 contribution to the Brainard Lake Recreation Parking Fee paid by your driver.
Lateness: We will wait only 5 minutes for late arrivals at the meetup location. Please allow extra time to get to the meetup location by 6:45.
Hike Pace: This hike will be at a moderate pace. We hike as a group and will stop at appropriate spots, as needed, along the way for water, snacks, photos, etc.
Things to Bring: Water, snacks, lunch, appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and hiking poles.
Weather Forecast: See the forecast for the trail area here: https://forecast.weather.gov (enter the location). Any changes to the hike due to weather conditions will be communicated on Meetup.
Cancellation of Hike: Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. You will be notified if the hike is cancelled for any reason.
Required Waiver: If you have not already done so, you must sign the LMC waiver available on our website (see below) prior to this hike. A copy will be available at the Meetup location if requested. Please print, sign, and bring it with you. The form is available at this link: https://lovelandmountainclub.org/images/Forms/2024application-renewal-waiver.pdf. If you choose to sign the waiver on the day of hike, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike on time. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you can perform this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.
Covid Protocol: Fully Covid vaccinated hikers only for carpooling. At the hike leader's discretion, non-vaccinated hikers may meet at the trailhead. Please contact the hike leader to discuss this matter.