Brainard Lake Recreation Area Parking Reservations
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is uniquely set in a glacially carved valley offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of Brainard Lake, surrounding subalpine forest, and high peaks along the Continental Divide. Because of the area's high elevation, snow typically remains until July. For road updates, check Boulder Ranger District Road Status.
The Area serves as a key gateway to Indian Peaks Wilderness, the most-accessible Wilderness area from the Denver metro area. Visitors entering the Wilderness are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness regulations and permit requirements. Dogs must be on a leash in the Wilderness. Trailheads for Wilderness camping, popular day hikes, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other dispersed recreation opportunities both in and outside the Indian Peaks Wilderness all begin in Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Requirements – A parking reservation is required to park inside Brainard Lake Recreation Area to ensure enjoyment by all visitors and to protect and preserve the wilderness environment from the adverse impacts from overuse. Visit Brainard Lake Recreation Area Seasonal Information to view seasonal regulations for camping, pets, shooting, skiing, and more.
Notifications and Alerts
Need to Know
- Parking Reservation
This area uses a parking reservation system to protect it from excessive human impacts, help meet local health department requirements, and facilitate a positive recreation experience.
- Reservation Requirements
Visitors arriving by vehicle, multi-passenger van, bus, or motorcycle must have a parking reservation. Reservations are sold online at Recreation.gov or via the mobile app and won’t be sold on-site.
- Entrance Times
Please arrive at the entry time shown on your parking reservation. You may not enter the area early. After entering, visitors can stay the entire day. Visitors parking overnight must leave by 11 a.m. MT / 1 p.m. ET
- Reservation Limit
Visitors can purchase up to 2 parking reservations per day. One reservation per vehicle. The reservation holder must be in the vehicle at time of entry.
- Pass Holders
America the Beautiful pass holders are still required to purchase a parking reservation and select "Add a Pass" in the cart. The non-refundable $2.00 fee applies. See the full list of valid passes.
- Pawnee Campground
Visitors with a Pawnee Campground reservation do not need to purchase a parking reservation to enter, but must show proof of their campground reservation. Parking limited to Pawnee Campground for the duration of the reservation. A separate parking reservation is required to park at other lots in the fee area (including trailheads).
- Entering the Area
Please have a printed copy of your parking reservation or your confirmation email QR code on a cell phone device available to be scanned at the Welcome Station. All visitors should be prepared to show their photo ID and America the Beautiful pass card if used to obtain a pass discount.
- Indian Peaks Wilderness Overnight Permit
The parking reservations purchased for the duration of the backpacking permit will be validated for the length of that permit upon presentation at the Welcome Station. The vehicle must arrive on the entry date, at the entry time, and be parked in the assigned lot in a parking space designated for overnight use. The parking reservation must be displayed in the vehicle windshield. You must exit the parking area by 11 a.m. MT / 1 p.m. ET on the last day of your permitted trip. Alternatively, IPW overnight permit holders are encouraged to use the free parking at the Gateway Trailhead instead of making a parking reservation.
- Weather/Hazards
Conditions can change quickly. Regardless of weather conditions at the start of your day, come prepared for: intense sunlight, cold temperatures, snow, hail, rain, extreme wind, and low oxygen levels.
- Wildlife viewing and safe distances
Moose are frequently seen along roads and trails. Black bear and mountain lion also frequent the area. Keep a safe distance. Never block traffic with your car. Follow all CPW ethical viewing tips .
- Area Regulations
Vehicles parked in day use parking lots must display a valid parking reservation in the vehicle windshield. Park only in designated parking spaces. Visitors must abide by all regulations .
- Driving in Brainard Lake Recreation Area
The Gateway Trailhead parking lot – located outside the fee area – allows for ridesharing into Brainard Lake Recreation Area. CAUTION: Please watch for pedestrians and bicycles on all roadways.
- Hiking and Bicycling Access
Visitors are encouraged to use hiking trails to access the area from the Gateway Trailhead. Cyclists: watch for pedestrian traffic on roads and trails that allow bicycles outside of Wilderness.
- FAQ’s
For additional information about Brainard Lake Recreation Area, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/brainard
Booking Windows
- Primary Booking Window: Up to 10 timed tickets will be available daily for Indian Peaks Wilderness Overnight Permit holders and will go on sale at 8:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. ET March 05, 2025 for the entire 2025 operating season (June 13 – October 11). Please note: The upper tailhead parking lots (Long Lake, Mitchell Lake, Niwot) are not scheduled to open until July 1.
- Secondary Booking Window: Up to 605 timed tickets will be available for day use parking starting at 8:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. ET May 31, 2025 and will be continually released on a 15-day rolling window throughout the 2025 season (June 13 – October 11). Example: On May 31 tickets will be available for June 13; on June 1 tickets will be available for June 15. Please note: The upper trailhead parking lots (Long Lake, Mitchell Lake, Niwot) are not scheduled to open until July 1.
Changes and Cancellations
We will not be processing reservations, issuing refunds, or collecting fees for entry at Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Please have a printed copy of your parking reservation available to be checked at the Welcome Station or displayed in the windshield of your vehicle so that it can be validated. A digital version of your confirmation email with QR code will also be accepted for validation at the Welcome Station after 6:00am MT.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
4382 Brainard Lake Road Ward CO 80481
Phone Number
5305290578
Available Tickets
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