Plan with
Confidence
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Campfires are not allowed. Camping is only permissible in this zone between December 1 and April 30. From May 1 through November 30, this area is day-use only.The Brainard Lake Road is open seasonally. During these months, a vehicle fee applies for trailheads located within the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Path Type
Loop
From the Niwot Cutoff TH, hike west up a small slope and through the woods to Long Lake. The trail lazily switchbacks its way above Brainard Lake, and into an intersection with Jean Lunning Trail and Long Lake Dam Connector. Stay straight onto the Jean Lunning Trail, which enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The trail continues west along the south side of Long Lake on a wide, gentle trail with several bridges. Keep an eye out for Moose, they tend to frequent these wet areas during summer. After Jean Lunning Trail turns northeast and intersects Pawnee Pass Trail, turn right onto Pawnee Pass. This heavily used portion of trail continues along Long Lake as wide, fairly flat singletrack. Just prior to the trail leaving the Indian Peaks Wilderness, turn right onto Long Lake Dam Connector, and be sure to grab the awesome view of Long Lake in its entirety. From Long Lake Dam Connector, turn left onto Niwot Cutoff Trail and head back to your car!
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