Brainard Lake Snowshoe Trail

From the winter parking area (no fee required in winter), cross the road and look for the well-marked beginning of the trail on the south side of the road. You'll cross a few other trails, but this is well-signed--just keep an eye out for the blue snowshoe blazes high up on the tree trunks. You'll pass two small lakes, which will most likely be frozen solid, continue on, and eventually cross the road back to the woods on the north side of it.You'll then soon pop out at a campground, which presents the only trail-finding difficulties. Hug the left (south) edge of the campground and you'll soon find the trail again as it heads to Brainard Lake. If you can't find it, just follow the road this short bit to the lake.From the lake, you are looking up at the Continental Divide, which hosts some great hikes in the summer, and some popular backcountry ski lines in the winter.After enjoying the views (or the wind and clouds), head back the way you came.