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Long Lake Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (27)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Ward
  5. Brainard Lake Recreation Area
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“An Indian Peaks quickie, this hike hits all of Brainard Lake's lesser known brother, Long Lake. ”

Tom Robson
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3.6

Miles

5.8

KM

Lollipop

10,650' 3,246 m

High

10,375' 3,162 m

Low

294' 90 m

Up

294' 89 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

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.

Overview

This route gets you above and away from the majority of the other Brainard Lake Recreation Area sightseers. This is a family-friendly route affording views of surrounding peaks, and pristine Long Lake itself.

Description

From the Niwot Cutoff TH, a -mile hike leads 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!

Flora & Fauna

Moose and decent aspen viewing from afar.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 27 votes

#4

in Brainard Lake Recreation Area

#430

Overall
  4.5 from 27 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Brainard Lake Recreati…

#91

in Colorado

#430

Overall
14 Views Last Month
18,607 Since Apr 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

On the Jean Lunning Trail
Jul 30, 2017 near Nederland, CO
South Saint Vrain Creek flows from Long Lake
Aug 29, 2017 near Nederland, CO
A view of Brainard Lake and the amazing peaks littered with 5 star trails.
Aug 29, 2017 near Nederland, CO
Hiked around the lake and then caught this sunset
Aug 11, 2019 near Nederland, CO
The Niwot Ridge Spur Trail is unmarked at both ends.
Aug 12, 2022 near Nederland, CO
Niwot Ridge Spur Trail above Long Lake.
Aug 12, 2022 near Nederland, CO

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 24, 2023
Bob Plagens
Sep 24, 2022
Sheri Vernier
Brenda 50th - 11.4 miles, 6 hours
Aug 25, 2021
Carolyn Jungels
Aug 23, 2021
Emily Garcia
Aug 22, 2021
Andrew Kemp
3.6mi
Aug 14, 2021
Erin Andersen
Started from Mitchell Lake, added on partial Pawnee Pass and Lake Isabelle Glacier trails. 8.3mi — 3h 56m
Aug 7, 2021
Jeff S
Continue on to Lake Isabelle and halfway up the glacier route 8mi
Aug 29, 2020
Alicia Wyatt

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