Brainard Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness

We visited Brainard Lake Recreation Area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness this weekend.  First time I've been since the snows have come.   According to several sources, this is one of the most popular snow shoe sites in all of Colorado.  The abundance of snow, the many lakes, and the beautiful peaks would explain why.

The entrance is just across Colorado Hwy 72 from the town of Ward.  If you've never been to Ward, well, you're in for an experience - good or bad depends on your taste, but it will be an experience.  Ward is a small community of non-conformists.  It consists of a small general store, a couple of churches, a restaurant ( Marroco's ), and about 200 residents.  No matter how you feel about the town, consider a nice traditional Italian dinner after your hike or trek in Indian Peaks.

The road is closed at the fee collection booths starting in November, so its a two mile hike up to Brainard Lake, but both snow shoe and ski trails start just past the gates.

With so many lakes , hockey and ice skating are popular here in addition to snow shoeing and skiing.

Winter is here.  I am beginning to see why many say it is their favorite time of the year in the Rocky Mountains.  I've been doing some more hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and will be posting some winter pics of RMNP soon.