About This Listing
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a public park managed by the U.S. Forest Service, situated near Ward, Colorado, along Brainard Lake Road. The area sits within the Roosevelt National Forest and offers outdoor recreation near Denver’s front range. It’s a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and other nature-based activities, with Brainard Lake as its central feature. The park provides access to trails around the lake, which is stocked with trout and accessible by foot or vehicle. Facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and boat ramps for those with personal watercraft. The site is open year-round, though hours for specific amenities may vary by season. Visitors should check the Forest Service website for updates on trail conditions, fishing regulations, or temporary closures. For practical information, the U.S. Forest Service office can be reached at (303) 541-2500. The website ([fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/brainard-lake-recreation-area](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/brainard-lake-recreation-area)) offers details on fees, permits, and nearby attractions. The area draws high visitor satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on hundreds of reviews. Arriving early or on weekdays can help avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.
Located in Ward, Colorado, this sports club offers quality facilities and services for sports enthusiasts.
Hours of Operation
Rating & Reviews
Photos
What visitors are saying
“The breathtaking beauty of this destination is truly captivating. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the first lake. For those seeking an adventurous experience or an extended walk, designated trails offer access to the other side. Additionally, a picnic area is conveniently located nearby. The scenic drive to this location is approximately 1:10 hours from Denver proper, traversing winding roads. Arriving…”
— Tam H. · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-29
“Bring your national park pass. Conditions were great on the trails leading to the lake. It was very windy up at the lake but the trees blocked the wind while hiking. Recommend snow shoes right now. If you want a break from the trails you can also walk the road to the lake.”
— Laura I. · ★★★★★ · 2026-2-1
“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…”
— Grace · ★★★★★ · 2025-8-14
“My most favorite place in Colorado! So beautiful in every season If you want to see wild flowers, better to come i. july or August”
— Sima V. · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-13
“It is very beautiful and therefore extremely popular place. Day fee is required ($10?), but if you have National Parks Annual pass fee is waived.”
— Slava F. · ★★★★★ · 2026-1-6
“As a Colorado elopement photographer, I love sharing this beautiful location with couples. Brainard Lake Recreation Area has so much to offer from alpine lakes to starlit skies, wildlife to alpenglow. Because of its popularity, I recommend planning your elopement for a weekday or at sunrise to enjoy extra privacy.”
— Stephanie R. · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-6
“It is gorgeous. Since it is so easily accessible by car in the summer, there are timed reservations required. You can get a reservation on recreation.gov Brainard lake, Long lake, Lake Isabelle are all gorgeous alpine lakes you can hike along.”
— Andrew C. · ★★★★★ · 2025-7-13
“Just went here at the end of April. Came to Colorado to go to a show at red rocks and wanted something to do before the show. The hike to Brainerd Lake recreation area was beautiful. It was crazy to see how much snow was still there considering how warm the weather was. It made it extra fun actually to see snow all the way up to stop signs and the tops of trees. Since we couldn’t park in the normal lot, we trekked…”
— Kelsey F. · ★★★★★ · 2025-5-20
Location
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Brainard Lake Recreation Area located?
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located at Brainard Lake Rd, Ward, CO 80481, United States. It is in Ward, Colorado.
What is the phone number for Brainard Lake Recreation Area?
You can call Brainard Lake Recreation Area at +1 303-541-2500.
What are the hours of Brainard Lake Recreation Area?
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is open as follows: Monday 5 am–10 pm; Tuesday 5 am–10 pm; Wednesday 5 am–10 pm; Thursday 5 am–10 pm; Friday 5 am–10 pm; Saturday 5 am–10 pm; Sunday 5 am–10 pm. Hours may change on holidays — call ahead to confirm.
How is Brainard Lake Recreation Area rated?
Brainard Lake Recreation Area has an average rating of 4.8/5 from 407 customer reviews on Google.
Does Brainard Lake Recreation Area have a website?
Yes. Brainard Lake Recreation Area's official website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/brainard-lake-recreation-area.
