Brainard Lake Recreation Area

I finally got out to the Brainard Lake area to do some hiking. I’ve been here once in the past, but did not get out of the car. This time around I hiked out to Lake Isabelle, just shy of the Continental Divide. I made sure to arrive early as by 8:30am the parking lots were nearly full. I squeezed Big Blue into a stall and set out for a 6 mile hike.

Brainard Lake with Indian Peaks Wilderness in the background

I only had a 500 ft gain over 3 miles, but most of the increase happens in the final half, as I  approached Lake Isabelle at just under 11,000 feet elevation. Even at this high altitude, the wild flowers overpowered everything else. There was a blanket of flowers no matter which direction I looked. Blue, red, white, yellow… you name it, the flowers were present and accounted for.

I did end up hiking a good portion of the trail with Dixie (a golden retriever) and Debbie (a person) who has been hiking these trails for more than 30 years. Dixie barked at me at first, but soon took a liking to me. Debbie gave me a great guided tour of the area.

It was nice to get out in the wilderness and snap some photos. The Rocky Mountains in July is such an amazing place.  Even though my eye for photography doesn’t do it justice, around every corner is another jaw dropping sight.

I will cut my birthday trip short and resume it next Sunday. At first I thought I’d do it all one one shot, but all this urban camping has made me soft. I have to work back into the outdoor activities at a little slower pace… that’s what my body is telling me today.