Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead

Ward, Colorado

4.5/5

based on 7 reviews

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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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Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead Reviews

Marra Oldenkamp

Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead

09/26/19

For a semi-beginner hiker who is also not used to high elevations this hike was moderately difficult at some points especially near the top. I hiked in mid-June, and there was still a lot of snow on the ground, which definitely made the hike much more difficult. Really a beautiful sight once we made it to the lake. Tiring but would definitely do again!

5.0

Josh Hanilton

Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead

07/11/17

This trail is absolutely incredible. Decent in length from the parking lot you are currently forced to park in. Speaking of parking, 2017 season mandates $11 for parking instead of $10. From trailhead it is 2 miles but you have to hike about 1 mile to get to the trailhead, totaling 6 miles instead of 4. At any rate, the trail is amazing and well worth it. A little steep on some parts otherwise very flat and easy to manage. It's a very well manicured trail too so don't worry about snagging your clothes on trees as you pass by. Hardly any snow left on the trail (July 9th, 2017). The lake view is WELL worth the hike. Would recommend to a friend, 10/10 👏🏻

5.0

Kelley Dodge

Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead

12/31/16

This hike is relatively easy, which you would never guess from the stunning scenery. Towering peaks and alpine lakes make for a beautiful day out.

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Isabelle Glacier

Getting There The trailhead can be reached from Boulder by driving west through Boulder Canyon on Highway 42 to Nederland, then going north on the Peak-to-Peak Highway 72 to the town of Ward. From there, a National Forest Sign on the west side of the highway provides directions to the ranger station, which is five miles west on a paved park road. A five-day park pass costs $8; a seasonal pass i...

Snowshoe or Ski Lake Isabelle

Speechless. That’s how this hike will leave you. And not just because of its length. At over 10 miles, this snowshoe exploration is not for the faint of heart. But the language-defying beauty of this hike will make every sore muscle worth it.The Brainard Lake Recreational Area near Ward, Colorado, is a very popular destination for outdoorsmen and women of all types. Winter is no exception—and i...

Shoshoni Peak

Hike one of the most scenic 12ers in Colorado's front range, Shoshoni Peak, with an elevation of 12,967 feet. You can easily combine a summit of Pawnee Peak for wonderful views of multiple alpine cirques. Enjoy wonderful views of the Long Lake Valley, Isabelle Glacier, and Pawnee Pass regions. For the more adventurous there is a class 3 route that ascends its northeast face. THE HIKE Starting ...

Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak

Start at the Long Lake trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation area (there's a fee to park, if you don't have a pass). Take the trail towards Lake Isabelle for a few miles, winding through forest and past Long Lake. Signage towards Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass is apparent. Just as you reach Lake Isabelle, look for a junction that heads to the right and uphill to Pawnee Pass. You'll quickly...

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Start at the Long Lake Trailhead ($10 parking fee) and head up the trail towards Isabell Lake. You'll pass both Long Lake and Isabelle lake, with spectacular views at both. At Lake Isabelle, be sure to continue straight on the trail, further up the valley, not the right turn up to Pawnee Pass.Continue up past Lake Isabell, following the trail and cairns along the way. You'll reach an unnamed ta...

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Before you start your trip, get a camping permit from the Boulder Ranger Station. Plan to spend your first night in the Crater Lake BZ (Backcountry Zone), and your second in Buchanan BZ. If you're feeling particularly sedate, you can easily spend a third night in Coney Creek. Start early in the morning, as the parking lot tends to fill up quickly. From the Long Lake trailhead follow the Pawnee...

Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead

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Lake Isabelle via Long Lake Trailhead Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Isabelle Glacier

Snowshoe or Ski Lake Isabelle

Shoshoni Peak

Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak

Climb Apache Peak

Pawnee & Buchanan Pass Loop

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