Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located just outside of Ward, Colorado, halfway between the towns of Nederland and Estes Park. As one of the most beautiful and popular places in the area, it's perfect for every level of elopement, from a short ceremony and photo session to a full day adventure.
so what's out there?
The Brainard Lake area is part of the Indian Peaks wilderness, just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. It shares the same iconic mountain landscapes of the park, without all the hassle of obtaining a wedding permit and ceremony site. In fact, this is my favorite place to recommend to couples whose first choice was Rocky Mountain but couldn't get a permit.
The scenery consists of alpine meadows and pine trees for the most part, with plenty of opportunity for wildflowers in the summer. Since Brainard Lake sits at 10,300 ft, it's too high altitude for aspens to grow. There are three lakes accessible from this area ranging from a short walk to the parking lot to eight miles round trip.
brainard lake
This one's the namesake. It's visible from the parking lot, and is only a short walk down to the shoreline. This is where most people tend to gather, but with a little walking it's easy to find a private spot for your ceremony. There is a road that leads all the way around that is walkable. The shore is sandy and accessible, perfect for a picnic or to wade in the water.
long lake
Long Lake is number two out of three. It requires a 0.7 mile hike each way with a little elevation gain, but is definitely doable for those coming from lower altitude. The scenery is a little more rugged, with open meadows and towering pine trees, but the lakeshore isn't as accessible. There is also a parking lot not far from long lake, but it requires a separate permit than the Brainard Lake parking and it only opens at the beginning of July.
lake isabelle
The highest elevation lake in the trio is Lake Isabelle, a seven mile round trip hike that goes through more difficult terrain. It is nestled right against the base of the mountains and is absolutely worth the trip for the dramatic peaks and blue water. This is not a hike I recommend for couples who aren't used to altitude or strenuous activity.
mitchell lake
The lesser known offshoot of the first three lakes, Mitchell Lake is an easy 2 mile round trip hike that is usually a lot less crowded. It has the same severe peaks and pine trees, but less crowds. The trail is doable for anyone that wants privacy without the strenuous hiking.
blue lake/little blue lake
This pair of lakes is more along the same vein as the Lake Isabelle hike. They're seven miles out and back from the Mitchell Lake parking lot, but are also tucked up against the base of some pretty dramatic ridgelines. And, as their name says, they are incredibly blue!
what permits do we need?
This is the best part- since the area is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Roosevelt National Forest, the only permit you need is a timed entry day pass, which is somewhere around $20. No ceremony or special use permits are needed unless you have more than fifteen people in your group or you're putting up decorations. Permits for Brainard Lake are considerably easier to get ahold of than permits for Rocky Mountain National Park.
For parking permits, there are a few options:
- Brainard Lake Parking Lot - You'll have to add on an extra mile or so to your Long Lake and Lake Isabelle hike, but it's the biggest parking area.
- Niwot Picnic Area - Located on the west side of Brainard Lake. Only a handful of parking spaces and picnic tables, but it's right next to the 0.7 mile trail up to Long Lake. Only open after July 1st.
- Mitchell Lake Trailhead - Best for the Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake hikes. Only open after July 1st.
- Long Lake Trailhead - Right outside Long Lake, this parking lot is also a good starting point for Lake Isabelle if you want a shorter hike. Only open after July 1st.
Each parking lot requires its own permit. The Brainard Lake Day Use pass does NOT cover all the parking lots, only the lot AT Brainard Lake. If you're planning to stay overnight, you will need an overnight permit for your specific parking lot.
Permits can be booked online at Recreation.gov . Make sure your photographer and any other vendors are able to get a timed entry permit for the same time and day, or they won't be allowed in and you'll be outta luck.
when should we go?
Brainard Lake and the surrounding area is best for elopements taking place from mid-June to mid-October. Since the parking lot sits above 10,000 ft elevation, the road is closed at the main gate for the winter and spring until the snow melts. It is possible to get there in the winter, but it'll be an extra two miles of snowshoeing/cross country skiing just to reach Brainard Lake from the main gate. Personally, I think early summer elopements are the best here. Late summer draws a lot of crowds, though it is better for hiking up to higher spots like Lake Isabelle and Blue Lake because the snow is sure to be melted. Fall will be less crowded, but if you're chasing those golden aspens then this isn't the right place. Due to its high elevation, this area consists of only pine trees.
As for timing, this is the one area where you can't really go wrong. Sunrise will be quiet, with the alpenglow hitting the mountains in the background during your ceremony. Late morning into mid day won't ever get too hot thanks to the elevation, but just watch for afternoon thunderstorms. Luckily, they'll be easy to spot because they'll roll in right over the mountains! Since the mountains are west of the lakes, the sun will set behind the peaks with some dramatic golden hour lighting and awesome sunset clouds. There isn't a bad choice when it comes to this location.
anything else we need to know?
oversized vehicle parking
At the Brainard Lake parking lot, there is a separate lot for oversized vehicles with much more room. Please park your vans/RVs here.
bathrooms
There are vault/pit toilets available at the parking lots. If you're wearing a dress, I recommend bringing help and leaving your easily removable accessories outside.
cell service
There is NO cell service once you pass the main gate, and it's spotty along the road from either Estes Park or Nederland. Make sure you have your reservation screenshotted, and confirm with your photographer which parking lot to get a permit for, what time you'll be there, and where you're meeting them at BEFORE your elopement day. It's a big place and without cell service, you don't want to waste time running around searching for each other.
Have more questions?
If there's something else you'd like to know or if you're interested in a brainard lake elopement, let's chat!