Brainard Lake Recreation Area

This is one of my absolute favorite locations! If you want alpine lakes with mountain backdrops, this may be the perfect spot for you. Whether you want an easily-accessible spot or are looking for a bit of a hike, there are great options at Brainard Lake. There are several lakes and trailheads within the area. Pick a location below for more info! 

The road to Brainard Lake is only open from mid-June through mid-October every year. This is the official Forest Service page about the area. The road closes in the winter due to snow. While you do not need a permit to get married or take photos in the wilderness area, you do need to reserve a timed entry ticket 2 weeks in advance of your date. Here is the link to book an entry reservation. The tickets cost around $16. If you have a National Parks annual pass, that will get you into Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is an area within Indian Peaks Wilderness. The area itself is located about 45 minutes west of Boulder. Here's a link to a map. This is a little confusing, so stick with me. The area itself is called Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Within that area, there are multiple lakes, one of which is called Brainard Lake.