Overview
If you want a true hiking adventure to a stunning alpine lake, Lake Isabelle is a great choice. This gorgeous alpine lake is accessible via a 5-mile round trip hike. It's legit one of my favorite hikes in the area, and it's an incredible spot for an elopement.
Location
Lake Isabelle 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 Lake Isabelle 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
Lake Isabelle is a 5-mile round trip hike with 475 feet of elevation gain. Here's the link on AllTrails. It's a beautiful out-and-back trail. If you're used to hiking, this isn't that bad of a trail, but make sure you're prepared!
Parking
There is a parking area at the trailhead. Timed entry permits are required for each specific parking lot within Brainard Lake Recreation Area (see permit section above).
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!
- The water level at Lake Isabelle is significantly lower in the fall starting in about September.
- Weather at the lake can change quickly and dramatically. Even in the summer, be prepared for rain, clouds, wind, sun, heat, cold, and anything in between.
- There are restrooms at the parking lot but nowhere else on the trail.
- This hike takes about 3 hours to complete, but that's with just straight hiking (no ceremony, breaks, photos, activities, etc). Most elopements at Lake Isabelle take a minimum of 6 hours from start to finish.
- You must be prepared to hike if you choose this location. I'll go over more specific details with you based on the season and what we're doing, but know your abilities and yourself.
Reasons to love this location
- One of the best mountain lakes near Boulder
- Requires a 5-mile hike
- Absolutely incredible alpine lake
- The hike isn't that hard.
Example Galleries
- Fall elopement
- Fall Elopement (This couple started at Lake Isabelle and ended at Long Lake)
- Summer elopement with guests (it was a little rainy this day!)
