Brainard Lake is located just east of the Indian Peaks Wilderness in the Brainard Lake Recreation area.  Take Highway 72 north from Nederland, approximately eight miles to Ward. Turn west on Forest Road 112 and travel about three miles to the Brainard Lake Recreation area (there is an entrance fee). The lake is two miles farther in the center of the recreation area, just outside of the eastern boundary of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

This lake lies in the Brainard Lake Recreation area and is easily accessible by most vehicles.  It is usually fishable from July to October.  Brainard Lake is at N40°04.728' Latitude and W105°34.476' Longitude with an elevation of 10,360 ft.  

Brainard Lake is a beautiful shallow lake containing cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout. Some information I have indicates Brainard Lake also contains brown trout, if you can confirm this please contact me.  Because of its accessibility, it is heavily fished. There is a developed Forest Service campground, Pawnee Campground, nearby and three picnic areas around the lake.

This list is intended as a guide only and no responsibility is taken for any incident arising from mis-information. The ultimate responsibility as to whether the trail is safe to travel, within the capabilities of yourself and your vehicle, or indeed open at all, is taken by YOU.

To view more pictures of the trails, mines, and lakes check out our Brainard Lake Gallery.