Overview
Long Lake is a great option within Brainard Lake Recreation Area if you want a short hike. You get to this lake by hiking about 20 minutes through a forested trail.
Location
Long Lake is located within Brainard Lake Recreation area about 45 minutes west of Boulder.
Permit Requirements
No permits are required to have a ceremony or take photos at the lake. However, a timed daily entry ticket is required. See this page for more info on Brainard Lake permits.
Pets
Pets are permitted at Long Lake but you must bring a leash.
Weather and Seasons
The road to Brainard Lake Recreation Area is only open from mid-June through mid-October every year. The rest of the year, the road is closed due to snow and while you can still access the lake, you'll have to walk, ski, or snowshoe a several miles from the winter parking lot.
Accessibility
Long Lake only requires a 20-ish minute hike from the parking lot to the lake. The trail is relatively flat and easy.
Parking
There is a parking area that is located about a 20-minute hike from the lake.
Other Notes
- It is almost always cooler at Brainard Lake Recreation Area than in Boulder due to the altitude. Bring layers and check the weather for Ward, CO which is the nearest town. Especially in the fall months, it can be pretty cold!
- Weather is very unpredictable due to the altitude.
- There is absolutely no cell service at Brainard Lake or anywhere nearby!
- There are restrooms at the parking lot
Reasons to love this location
- One of the best mountain lakes near Boulder
- Only requires a short hike from the parking area
- Offers some privacy with great views.
- If you want to experience two different lakes, Long Lake pairs will with Brainard Lake.
Example Galleries
- Fall Elopement (this couple started at Long Lake and then ended at Brainard Lake)
- Fall Elopement (This couple started at Lake Isabelle and ended at Long Lake)
