Colorado Dog Hikes: Brainard Lake in Early Spring
[Updated March 2021] Springtime in the Rockies may mean afternoon hikes with boots full of slush, but the upshot is that there’s no need for snowshoes and no need for coats. We welcomed the first official spring weekend in our favorite wilderness, trudging up two miles of alternatively snow-covered/bare road to reach Brainard Lake. Tilda, who’s become averse to anything even remotely inclimate sat this one out, content to keep the couch warm for our return.
TRIP DATE
MarchLENGTH
4 miles; out and backELEVATION GAIN
462 feetFEES
Free at Brainard Winter Lot. Otherwise, $12 (cash only) for passenger vehicles in summer and fall.TRAILHEAD
Brainard Lake Winter Lot on Google Maps.DIFFICULTY
EasyBEST TIME TO HIKE
Year roundWATER/SHADE
Red Rock Lake approx. 1 mile up the road from winter parking lot. Brainard Lake approx. 2 miles up the road from winter parking lot.DOG RULES
Allowed on leash; however, dogs are not allowed on ski/snowshoe trails during the winter. (Note: leash has been removed in editing.)
Tips for hiking with your dog at Brainard Lake Colorado.
