long lake

Description: Long Lake is probably my favorite hike on Beyond Boulder because it puts you so close to the Continental Divide's beautiful Indian Peaks, and is a hike just about anyone and achieve and enjoy.  It is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (BLRA), part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (IPWA).  On this hike you will be provided with many memorable views of the Indian Peaks, Niwot Ridge, Isabelle Glacier and Mt. Audubon.  This hike is most commonly called the Jean Lunning Loop Trail  that circles Long Lake.  However, we've modified it a bit by having you start on the Niwot Cutoff Trail which is much more enjoyable than having to hike up an asphalt road to the Long Lake trailhead.  I have hiked this trail many times with visitors, and in the summer the wildflowers around Long Lake can be breathtaking.

Challenge Level: Easy, 4.5 Miles, 350' Elevation, 2.5 Hours - A great hike for most all ages and abilities, Long Lake its only real challenge is due to the altitude of the area, with trailhead above 10,300'.  It will take about 2.5 hours to complete the loop at a casual pace.  If you feel you have acclimated to the altitude in Boulder this hike should easily managed by most anyone, but watch for signs of altitude sickness and rest as needed.  The trail surface is very comfortable and there will be many places you will want to stop and take pictures, thus catching your breath.  It can also be combined with either the Lake Isabelle or Pawnee Pass hikes, both more difficult.

Driving Directions: Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The BLRA is west of Ward, CO.  There are two popular ways to reach Ward, one via Canyon Rd west to Nederland and then north on the Peak To Peak Hwy to Ward.  The other is to travel north from Boulder on CO 36 toward Lyons, turning left onto Left Hand Canyon Rd following the signs toward Ward.  Left Hand Canyon Rd ends at the Peak To Peak Hwy where you will turn right. Both options will take you about an hour.  Once on the Peak To Peak in Ward you will see a sign for BLRA indicating a left turn onto Brainard Lake Rd 112.  This road will switchback up to the Visitors Entrance.  There is a $11 per car fee.  BLRA can become very crowded causing parking issues in the summer, especially on weekends, so early hiking is advised during the high visitor months of June-August.  

Parking: Parking in BLRA is mostly limited to the overflow parking area at the beginning of the Brainard Lake loop road.  There is still some parking at the trailheads but don't count on finding a space unless you arrive very early.  The distance and directions for this hike assumes you will be parking in the overflow area. If you manage to get a parking spot at the Long Lake TH just ignore the Trailhead info below.

Trailhead: The Niwot Cutoff Trail is best accessed by hiking down the south side of the Brainard Lake loop road. (See inset map above.)  It is about 0.4 miles from the new overflow parking area, right across from a restroom facility and picnic area.  You will see a large map board and sign for the trail.  As you start down the road keep a keen eye out toward the meadow on your left.  The young bull moose in the pictures above is often sighted here.  (Note: You will pass one or two other trailheads along the road, so make sure you continue until you see the restrooms on the right and Niwot Cutoff on the left.)

Trail Guide:  Head up Niwot Cutoff as it winds through majestic pines.  You will probably notice that you are climbing both by the switchbacks and by the shortness of breath you are feeling.  Take rests as needed and you will soon notice how you are acclimating to the altitude.  If it's a hot dry day, you may run into swarms of mosquitos, so you might be wise to bring some bug repellant with you on your hike, or lather up at the parking area just in case.  Quickly the trail starts to flatten out a bit and open up providing a glimpse of Long Lake as you approach your first intersection at 0.6 miles from the trailhead.  Down to the right you will see the old bucket of a mining cart and a little further a wooden bridge you will cross on your return.  The banner image for Beyond Boulder was taken on this bridge.  Enjoy the view, then continue straight along the south side of Long Lake on the Jean Lunning Trail.  During July this meadow is covered with wildflowers.  You will wind in and out of pines along the trail and crossing small streams.  At about 1.7 miles from the trailhead you will come to a second wooden bridge where you cross the South St. Vrain Creek.  Here water coming from Lake Isabelle feeds into Long Lake.  At about 2.0 miles into your hike you will come to a split in the trail, with the Pawnee Pass Trail rising back to the left  Continue straight on the Jean Lunning Loop toward the north bank of Long Lake.  Around 3.0 miles you will come to a wide area in the trail and you turn right to cross the bridge you saw earlier, and pass the mining cart bucket.  Rise to the south side of Long Lake and at the intersection turn left to return to the trailhead on the Niwot Cutoff Trail.  

Map Resources: US Forest Service (Ward); Also, the BLRA offers a great map for the asking when you pay your entrance fee.

Après Hike: Because this hike is a long gentle upward slope through fresh air, and bright open meadows we feel the perfect pairing for after hike refreshment would be Upslope's Craft Lager. Upslope brews it's beers with an eye to the environment, using special processes to recapture water used in production, natural gas-powered delivery trucks, and aluminum cans for better recyclability and lowered transportation fuel costs. On your way back from Long Lake you will pass their North Boulder location at 1501 Lee Hill Dr
Boulder, CO 80304. All their beers are exceptional and of special note is their IPA and Belgian Style Pale Ale. Enjoy!

Picnicking: Many beautiful options with tables and grills around Brainard Lake and parking areas.

Restrooms:  Plenty at parking lot and trailhead.

Dog Friendly: Yes.

Cell Service: Nope.