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.
Pets
Pets are permitted at Lake Isabelle but you must bring a leash.
Seasonal Closure
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.
Reasons to love this location
- One of the best mountain lakes near Boulder
- Requires a 5-mile hike
- Absolutely incredible alpine lake
Lake Isabelle Trail
- Lake Isabelle is only accessible via hiking. It's about 2.5 miles each way.
- Hiking 2.5 miles may sound easy, but this is not a regular flat mile at sea level. The way there is mostly uphill and has about 475 feet of elevation gain. The trail also sits at about 10,300 feet above sea level, so there is significantly less oxygen!
- The trail isn't difficult, but if you want to do it, know your fitness level and ability and be prepared for an actual hike, not a walk!
- I usually allow about 1.5 hours to get to the lake and about 1.5 to get back down, which gives us enough time to take the hike at an easy pace and stop along the way back for photos.
- Here is a link to the trail on AllTrails.
Changing at the lake?
Should you change at the lake or wear your elopement/photo outfits for the hike? Great question!
It's ultimately up to you and what you feel most comfortable doing. I've seen couples do it both ways. If your outfits are comfortable and easy to hike in, it might make sense to just wear them for the hike. If you're worried about the outfits getting dirty or sweaty, you might want to change at the lake.
There is no designated place to change at the lake, but there are plenty of trees and little areas off the main trail. I'd say most people change when they get to the lake, and then keep their outfits on for the hike back down.
Permits
- The parking area for the Lake Isabelle trail is at the Long Lake Trailhead. Timed entry permits are required for any vehicles that will be parking at this specific parking lot. Permits become available on a rolling basis 15 days out. I will remind you and give you specific instructions for getting your permit, but here is the page where you will get the parking permits.
- No additional permits are required to have a ceremony or take photos at the lake.
Weather
- It is almost always cooler at Lake Isabelle than in Boulder due to the altitude. Lake Isabelle sits at over 10,000 feet above sea level!
- Bring layers and check the weather for Ward, CO, which is the nearest town. Especially in the fall months, it can be pretty cold!
- The weather is very unpredictable due to the altitude. Conditions can change quickly and dramatically. Be prepared for any weather at any point. No matter what month it is, be prepared for rain, clouds, wind, sun, snow, heat, cold, and anything in between.
Packing Lists
- Day hiking backpack
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for the hike
- Shoes you can walk easily in for the photos (if different from your hiking shoes). Heels can be difficult because we're still walking around a lot of rocks, uneven ground, etc.
- Water! Lots of water!
- Sunscreen + sunglasses - Colorado sun is strong in the summer
- One warm layer
- Rain jacket
- Snacks
Fall Parking List (September-October)
- Day hiking backpack
- Warm, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for the hike
- Warm, comfortable shoes you can walk easily in for the photos (if different from your hiking shoes). I do not recommend wearing heels.
- Water! Lots of water!
- Sunscreen + sunglasses - Colorado sun is strong every season
- Two warm layers - ideally one insulating and one water/windproof shell
- Pants
- Gloves
- Handwarmers
- Beanie/warm hat
- Snacks
