Winter Activities at Brainard Lake

by | Mar 9, 2022 | Adventure, Avalanches, BePresent, Bringing You Colorado, Camping, ClimbMountains, Colorado, Colorado Seasons, ColoradoSports, Experience, Explore, GatewayToTheRockies, Great Outdoors, Nature, Nature Is Neat, Nature Photographers, Outdoor Photography, skiing, Snowshoeing, Solitude, SoMuchSnow, Uncategorized, WeLoveNature, WeLoveWinters, Wilderness, winteradventures, WinterInColorado

View from below Lefthand Reservoir

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful spots in the Front Range. Nestled between Nederland and Ward, Brainard Lake is just 45 minutes up the mountains from Boulder. To complement summer hiking, fishing, backpacking, and cycling, this area offers incredible winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and picnicking. 

From about November to May, the Brainard Lake Road is closed beyond the entrance station. This road turns into an excellent start for any skiing, snowshoeing, or picnic adventure. From the entrance station, you have three route options: stay on the road, veer left onto Lefthand Park Reservoir Road, or turn right onto the Sourdough Trail. 

Heading straight on Brainard Lake Road offers adventurers a relatively flat path, perfect for learning to cross country ski or snowshoe. Red Rock Lake is the first destination on this path, just ½ mile beyond the entrance station. From here, users can follow the road another 1.5 miles to Brainard Lake.

Those looking for some elevation gain may opt to follow Lefthand Park Reservoir Road to Lefthand Park Reservoir for beautiful views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This winter trail climbs 600 feet over the course of 1.8 miles to the reservoir.

For people who enjoy the solitude of snowy singletrack, Sourdough Trail offers miles and miles of pristine winter wilderness. This trail connects to South Saint Vrain and Waldrop trails for a long, scenic route to Brainard Lake.

Motivational Monday – “15 Hours | with Anton Krupicka” by Billy Yang Films

Motivational Monday – “15 Hours | with Anton Krupicka” by Billy Yang Films

by | Nov 28, 2016 | AntonKrupicka, BoulderColorado, ColoradoSports, Inspiration, Motivational Monday, Running, Success

"..... It comes down to connection and being engaged in life. That's really it. It's a structure for having this purpose and focus and commitment to something on a daily basis."

- Anton Krupicka

Anton Kurpicka is an ultra-runner living in Boulder, CO, best known for his long hair and dedication to trail running. Though he has many wins under his belt, including two at the Leadville 100, he admits that his relationship to the sport has been more affected by injury in the past couple years than ever before.

Despite the challenges of setting his ego aside, Anton speaks to the importance of daily rituals and dedication, especially when they feed the body and soul.

(Video Credit: Billy Yang Films)