Home / Engagement Locations / Colorado / Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake is a wonderful engagement location in the Indian Peaks Wilderness above Ward, Colorado.
About an hour drive from Boulder via the Peak-to-Peak highway or Lefthand Canyon, you’ll find the the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. From June through the middle of October you can drive all the way to Brainard Lake though the area is often way too busy with camping traffic.
Where this location sings is in the winter months because parking is limited to the winter lot outside the gates and everyone must hike in. The good news is that we only hike in to Red Rock Lake which is about a half a mile from the parking lot. It is uphill but the cross-country skiers and snowshoers pack down the snow on the road so it is walkable.
Make sure to bring warm clothing, boots for hiking in the snow and plenty of water. This location is great for the adventurous couple looking for something different.
VENUE DETAILS
Location: 40°04'48.7"N 105°32'02.0"W
Nearest Town: Ward
Elevation: 10,178 ft.
Permit: Not Required
WHY WE LOVE IT
Brainard is one of my favorite winter locations because the frozen lake adds a different dimension than most of the other mountain locations. It's ideal after the area gets a fresh snowfall. There usually isn't anyone around either which is perfect for those couples who want a location with a more private feel.
