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Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead

Ward, Colorado

4.5/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

4.09 miles

Elevation Gain

374 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead is a relatively short hike with some amazing views. This trail is easy to navigate and well-marked. Plan for a few hours hiking.

Start at the Pawnee Pass Trail No. 907 Trailhead. Long Lake is about 2 tenths of a mile and Lake Isabelle is 2 miles from the trailhead. Keep an eye out for moose grazing in the bushes or in the water near Long Lake. This is a 4 mile out and back hike with well marked trails.

For an 8.75 mile hike, continue past Lake Isabelle to Isabelle Glacier. The hike to the glacier will change the rating from beginner to moderate-strenuous. If you don't want to go to the glacier but you want to see some waterfalls, then hike a mile past Lake Isabelle.

You will need $10 for the Brainard Lake Recreational Area parking. The parking lots do fill up so I suggest getting there early.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Groups
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead Reviews

Hiked here in late June and it was stunning! Got there for sunrise so I missed all of the crowds. The trail is well defined and was easy to follow with a headlamp. I was bummed that I didn't see any moose but ran into some people who said that they did.

Be sure to check with the local ranger station to get an update on the lake's water level. They drain the lake in late summer, so if you hike up there expecting a ton of water you might be disappointed. It's still beautiful nonetheless, however!

If you hike on a weekend, be prepared to brave the crowds at lake Isabelle. Its proximity to Boulder and relatively short distance make it a prime spot for the post-brunch crowd and families.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Colorado's Isabelle Glacier

Snowshoe or Ski Lake Isabelle

Hike Pawnee & Buchanan Pass Loop

Hike Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak

Hike Shoshoni Peak

Climb Apache Peak