Brainard Gateway Figure-8

From the parking area at the Brainard Lake gate, follow the North Sourdough (#835) trail for approximately 1.8 miles. The trail starts to the left of the bathrooms and is signed as such. The first intersection is a short distance down the trail, take a right. Pay close attention to the next two intersections you pass, you'll need to know them for later! At 1.8 miles, take a left at the intersection of the North Sourdough (#835) and Wapiti Trails to start this loop clockwise (the reverse is fun, too). Follow the Wapiti Trail (#816) to Baptiste Trail (#815), another 2.2 miles until the signage for Wapiti/Baptiste. Staying to the right (back onto North Sourdough (#835), follow the trail another 1.2 miles until you reach the intersection where the loop began. Continue on North Sourdough (#835) south for .4 miles to the South Saint Vrain Trail (#909). Keep right onto South Saint Vrain Trail (#909) and follow for approx. 2 miles. After that, you'll come to another intersection where you'll need to keep left, and take the Waldrop Trail (#814) and head back to the first intersection. A final right-hand turn will lead you back to the trailhead.