Brainard NRA is stunning. I was surprised how fast the tickets go for this place during the summer…read moremonths - I went in mid September and the tickets for the morning times were fully gone within minutes after they dropped online a few weeks before I went Given RMNP tix go like that I was ready at 0900 for when they dropped, and actually within 1 min the 8-11a time slot sold out so I couldn't get it! But I did get the 5-8a slot which was fine. The area itself is very easy to find and navigate, and it is well maintained by the staff. When you arrive they do scan your day pass ticket and give you a pass to hang on your rear view mirror. The lot was plenty empty at Long lake trailhead (the start to get to Lake Isabelle) when I arrived around 0730. The day was fairly cool but not cold, and partly cloudy. It was absolutely gorgeous, the hike there was even more beautiful than the lake itself! I saw a moose along part of the trail too. The lake itself was surprisingly low, I'm not sure why the water level was that low but it looked much lower compared to the pictures/tiktoks I've seen online. That said, it is still very picturesque. There were lots of places to roam around the lake, and even tho it became SUPER windy when I got to the lake, I had a good time running around (but note - my nose was running like CRAZY, if you have allergies, come with tissues!). I did end up walking from long lake trailhead to the lake Mitchell trailhead and making the hike out there too; Isabelle is prettier imo but it was still a fun walk and the trailhead at Mitchell has plenty of parking too. There is a little trail, about 15 mins walk between long lake trailhead and Mitchell trailhead, although you do briefly have to walk along part of the road. Brainard lake itself is also lovely, I saw a moose hanging out right by this lake too!

I will start by saying this is one of the most spectacular hikes I've ever done . I am a local…read moreFloridian and I just couldn't believe my eyes . I did the Lake Isabelle hike, and I 10/10 recommend. You are required to make a reservation in advance to snag parking inside the park . They do have parking outside of the park but it is about 2 miles of walking into the park to start the trail . The only place there is wifi is the restrooms before you enter the park. Make sure to download QR code in advance because you will have no service . I definitely recommend going during summer because wildflowers are in full bloom . The hike I did was very moderate, it about 4.5 miles roundtrip . If you have paddles boards I would suggest bringing them ! They have a nice camping area where the lake is easily accessible . I saw a bunch of people paddle boarding !

I feel like if I lived in Boulder I would go elsewhere since this is the more popular,…read moreclose-to-town option that pulls in tourists and the like. Well guess what? I'm a tourist and the like and I enjoyed it! We lucked into parking on a beautiful, busy Saturday morning. They have very nice restrooms at the Ranger station, and more overflow port a potties around if needed too. The nearby trail is highly accessible and it doesn't take long for some views to pay off. It's a decently steep incline, but nothing crazy at all. Once you're into the trees the shade helps against the thin air and the sun, and it's so quiet and serene. No mosquitoes like I'm used to back home. Loved all the birds (shoutout magpies) and also seeing everyones' dogs.

Wow what an incredible park, with the most beautiful views. Recently hiked with a group led by park…read morerangers, Maria, and it was so so delightful. Our hike was certainly on the easier side, but it sounds like there are so many trails and routes to pick from. I'd love to return on my own time and do even more exploring. The scenery is amazing. Stunning views of the iconic sandstone Flatirons rock formations, so much wildlife, and a panoramic view overlooking the city of Boulder itself. If you're looking for a tranquil place to go, be it for hiking, running, picnicking or just relaxing, this is your spot.

This place is a hidden gem. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to explore this area. We make this…read morea stop after Ya-ya farms and it never disappoints! We plan on camping here next summer to explore the nearby areas a little more and have a quick and easy get away from the city.

Came here apprehensive about it being open. I have been having a lot of difficulties getting…read moreinformation online regarding restrictions and shutdowns. I am not from Colorado. I had to take the initiative and just drive here just to make sure that it was open and what we were able to do. I was delighted to find such a beautiful park right along the river bank. Have the ability to tube and have the little ones play. Children can play, and there is also a kid pool (a definite bonus). I was afraid that it would get packed and we end up not being able to stay. So I was left behind, and my husband went back to get the rest of the family. Since it is Monday, I figure it is not going to get too busy. But, I am not going to take a chance. This spot should be on the list of visiting places. Especially right now that Boulder creek is closed and many other outdoor activities.

5 stars for winter snow, first time visit, and sledding for little kids (2-5). I can't say what the…read morepark is like without snow but looks like it should be good too. Sleds and tubes were provided by the park. We brought our own. Some brought kid skis and snowboards. More anecdotally, we had a great time. There were a few other families. Although we didn't talk to any of them, everyone coordinated well and parents made sure the path was clear before letting theirs kids down.

We've been here several times before. Whenever we are in Winter Park... this is the place to go…read morewith or without kids. First of all, this is FREE fun! Yes... I said FREE! If your kids are not old enough to go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, this is a great introduction to the snow. I have brought my kids here when they were toddlers... and now that they are older, they still don't mind coming here. FREE Sledding?! Yup! You can bring your own sled, but if you don't have one, they have free sleds to use, and the most recent visit had tubes too! I'm not sure if they just provide these sleds/tubes for people to use and/or if people choose to leave their sleds kind of like a donation. We actually left our sled there. We figured that we've been blessed with this place with free sleds/tubes and a fun sledding hill, so we might as well pay it forward. Besides, we live in Denver... and there isn't that much snow to go sledding often. Although the signs say a certain age limit...adults and kids of all ages were going down the sledding hill. This really is a fun place. Our most recent trip to Winter Park consisted of coming here 2 days in a row. When you have kids that are old enough to ski/snowboard/tubing, but you don't want to pay the lift fees and/or rentals this place is a great alternative. Besides the sledding hill, there is a playground for the kids to play.... and you can stay warm by the fire pit. Bring your own hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Also, Pokémon Go players... there are several stops and a gym here :) If you're looking for an inexpensive place to have fun... this is the place.

I loved this 4 mile round-trip hike. It was absolutely amazing and wonderful to enjoy my kids. We…read morespent an entire hour at the very top of the lake. I believe you can walk around the whole lake, but it got a little bit woody so we turned around halfway through and went back the same way we came in at the beginning you can make a left or right I suggest making a left as there's more openings that appears to look in the lake and play in the water and dirt. This is hands-down the best hike I've ever been on with multiple waterfall in a stream in many parts of the hike. My biggest focus is looking for streams and waterfalls.

The Hessie Trailhead leads to many great hikes. Hikes of all difficulty…read more Parking is a bitch and you now have to ( unless you get there at some ungodly hour) park at the high school and take a school bus to the trailhead. Fun Hike is Lost Lake ( snowshoeing or hiking in the summer). Magical place.

The trail was well maintained and the area was beautiful with great views. This park is off leaf…read morefor dogs. Parking lot is small.

Nice open space to walk the dogs, run, fish with the kiddos, or just sit with a to go order of food…read moreand enjoy the views. Unfortunately the parking lot is extra small right now because they're doing construction... 4 standard and 1 accessible space is all they have right now right on the water. Across the street is a larger parking area though and that's got plenty of spaces. Very dog friendly trail so if your pup is extra chaotic around others might want to have that in mind. The piece I traversed didn't have much shade so recommend sunglasses and a hat at the very least. Enjoy!

Nice walking area around a babbling brook. Lots of trees and shade…read more Pedestrian bridges connect free parking conveniently located near downtown to the opposite bank. Trash and recycling bins. Good place to sit and relax on the benches after a long drive.

I just did the short trail from the trailhead to the lake. It took maybe 20 to 30 minutes with snow…read moreboots. When I visited in February 2026, some places were icy and slippery. It was still covered in snow. The lake was iced over. The glacier looked beautiful. We talked to a family whose young son hiked up the top and then snowboarded down by himself! We parked in the small lot just across the trailhead. It was $20 and you pay by scanning the QR code. There was one porta potty there. There were other lots that were charging $10 but farther from the trailhead.

Long on views and uniqueness short in hike!…read more This is a local favorite. A place that is easily accessed, has a year round snow field and is just plain fun. Lake front. Fishing. Glisading. Skiing. Boarding. Hiking. Views and blue sky are all in abundance at St Mary's Glacier. It's great fun to tromp through the snow in summer time. Watch crazy boarders sail down the small ice field living their best lives in shorts and tank tops. Adventure above the snow field and find above treeline terrain and majestic views and a hike to the top of James Peak. Parking is a bitch. Weekends are crowded and it's always busy but worth the time. Definitely a fun place to bring folks from out of town!

Outdoor park offers something for all ages: rock climbing, basketball, large grassy area, but most…read moreunique is a Pump Track, where bike riders of all sizes are encouraged to not peddle, but use gravity to circumvent the course. Lots of shade too

I love this park! From the sled hills to the frequent events happening here. It's such a beautiful…read morearea to visit with family and without. I'm always here with my kids :)

Been going since I was 12.Ot is a amazing place to go fishing. So if you are debating going or not…read moredecide to go fs

I wish I had more time to stop here and go for a swim…read more The lake backed by the mountains topped in snow were just so breathtaking...it's been a week and I can't stop thinking of this place. I did get to put my feet in for a moment. I hope I get to go back.