Go Hike Colorado: Lake Isabelle

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Lake Isabelle

Lake Isabelle and the Jean Lunning Trail - Off-Season
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Roosevelt National Forest

October 2, 2013

Distance:
Brainard Lake Road Parking to Long Lake Trailhead 6.3 miles (Round Trip)
Long Lake Trailhead to Lake Isabelle 4.89 miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain - 883 ft

U.S. Forest Service - Brainard Lake Recreation Area Information
U.S. Forest Service Winter Map
Map to Lake Isabelle and Jean Lunning Trail

From mid-June to September, the hike to Lake Isabelle provides relatively easy access to a beautiful alpine lake in the heart of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Just drive, or take the shuttle, to Brainard Lake and the Long Lake Trailhead. From there it is roughly 4 miles roundtrip with an option to explore Long Lake via the Jean Lunning Trail adding a little less than a mile to the trek.

Off-season however, the trip along Brainard Lake road can be an adventure in itself. I hiked to Lake Isabelle this past fall when the Brainard Lake Road gates were closed but there was no snow on the road. It is roughly 2 miles to Brainard Lake and another mile to the Long Lake Trailhead making the trip to Lake Isabelle a much longer endeavor...but still absolutely worth it.

On this trip, I decided to hike the winter snowshoe trail, which in the winter is wonderful. Tip - do not take this trail if it is not covered in snow. The trail is not maintained and if wet, becomes a trudge through a muddy creek. Save your strength and walk the road to Brainard Lake. That being said, make sure to stop at Red Rocks Lake along the way.