Brainard Lake
Colorado, United States of America
About Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake is set in a glacially-carved valley surrounded by subalpine forest in the wider Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Administered by the US Forest Service,...
About Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake is set in a glacially-carved valley surrounded by subalpine forest in the wider Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Administered by the US Forest Service, this area lies just outside of the boundary of Indian Peaks Wilderness and provides a popular playground for those seeking a wide variety of all year round outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing...
Brainard Lake has a Moderate difficulty level and is Family Friendly.
Things to do near Brainard Lake
Best Family Small-Group E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado
$105
Come Ride Boulder's "Best Family" all-in-one best of everything Boulder, CO tour. Ride to all the breathtaking sights, both scenic and historic. Enjoy Boulder's natural beauty, and see the whole town, including all the major attractions on our pedal-assist electric bike ride tour. An experience you won't want to miss!
After a quick tutorial on the bikes and safety, we immediately make our way onto the bike paths and trails. A few stops include historic Pearl Street, University of Colorado's campus + Folsom field, the iconic Flatirons, Boulder Creek, and much more!
Experienced and Highly Rated Tour Guides.
Boulder's Best E-Bike Guided Tour!
★ 5.025 reviews
Scenic Mountain Photoshoot in Boulder, Colorado
$125
We have over 500 5-star reviews across all platforms!
This experience is a great opportunity to commemorate your trip, and equally fitting for couples, families, solo travelers, special occasions and so much more! You'll enjoy the scenic mountain views during this guided photography session and memories that will last a lifetime.
★ 5.017 reviews
Experience Boulder and Denver Colorado by Mountain Bike!
$225
PEDAL Mountain Bike Adventures brings you incredible guided mountain bike adventures! Our 'Super Singletrack and Stupendous Views' ride is perfect for beginner and intermediate riders. Guests are welcomed with gift bags full of local organic trail snacks. Post ride, guests are treated to a fresh and delicious gourmet lunch and cooler full of local Colorado microbrew craft beers. We'll take care of rental bikes (additional fee: see Options), transportation, water, gear, and accommodations if needed. You just enjoy the trails and views!
★ 5.017 reviews
Wall to Wall Boulder eBike Mural Tour
$105
This tour is as much about feeling Boulder as it is about seeing it. Through the artists' lens, you'll gain a better sense of the community and culture here, and riding these amazing eBikes will give you a sense of exhilaration, re/connect you with your inner child, your sense of play, your relationship to nature and the natural world around you. Joel possesses a deep knowledge of Boulder, a wealth of historical and anecdotal facts and trivia, and a charming, jovial personality that will keep you engaged the entire tour. Get on an eBike, breathe fresh air, move your body, experience art and the environment in a unique, fun and illuminating way. Arrive as strangers, leave as friends.
★ 5.010 reviews
"Boulder Peaks & Wilderness Tours: Mallory Cave Trail"
$300
****You will receive a message the day prior to your tour to determine the time of hike based upon current weather conditions.*****
Embark on a hiking adventure in Boulder, Colorado, led by Ryan & Aylyn, seasoned guides and nature enthusiasts. Starting at the iconic NCAR trailhead, prepare to be captivated by the grandeur of the Flatirons standing tall against the Colorado sky.
Feel the thrill of conquering rugged terrain, the fresh mountain air invigorating your senses with each step. Traverse through pine-scented forests, wildflower meadows, and rocky outcrops, discovering the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.
Engage in lively discussions and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between preservation and adventure. Please note we will not climb into Mallory Cave as it is not safe or accessible.
Picture-perfect photo opportunities await at every turn!
★ 5.08 reviews
Boulder Flatirons Private Photo Adventure
$85
This is an opportunity to see the incredible flatirons close up with an experienced Boulder native while getting high-end, professional photography at the same time! These are images you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Let’s make some awesome memories of your Colorado trip! (Locals welcome, too!)
Details:
This is a private experience and you will not be booked with anyone else. While the trail is easy enough for children, we tailor each hike to your groups activity level. Couples, families, groups, headshots, & solo travelers welcome. You’ll receive a style & welcome guide before the session. Each booking includes a $50 print credit that may be applied towards prints, products, and/or digital negatives. You’ll receive your images in a password protected online gallery within 2-3 weeks of your session from which you may select your favorite images to purchase. Each image in your gallery is carefully retouched to enhance color & smooth out skin. Further editing available upon request.
★ 5.07 reviews
The Psycho Killer Escape Room (1-8 people)
$30.52
Live the adventure! Our real life escape rooms put you in the game. Leave your cell phones at home while you use your wit to find clues, solve riddles, and decipher hidden messages to escape "The Psycho Killer," or try your luck in Area 51 while you attempt to escape "The Abduction." Our newest game "Captive" starts you off chained to the wall (w/safety release) only to escape by following the clues from the past prisoners. Work together with your team to survive Boulder Escape Room.
For large corporate or private events please email us for more information
★ 5.05 reviews
Boulder Backroads: E-Bike Dirt Road Tour
$250
Attention all thrill seekers! Jump on Pedego’s award winning full suspension Elevate Mountain Bike and head for the mountains. Select 1 of 3 electric assistance modes as you wind your way along the renown Switzerland Trail and enjoy some of the best backroad biking Boulder has to offer. Soak up the 4×4 road’s challenging terrain using the Elevate’s wide trail tires and feel what it’s like to ride high up in the Rockies! Then take one more stop for a panoramic picture at a mountain viewpoint before riding back on this epic trail to the starting trailhead!
★ 5.04 reviews
Wildside 4X4's Winter Wonderland Photo Tour
$143.73
This is the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park tour modified for winter. The glory of winter in Estes Park showcases tremendous photo opportunities. During the beautiful winter months, we take you through the lower portion of the park and up Trail Ridge Road as high as possible. Along the way, you will go sledding, you will see and have the chance to walk to a roaring (or icy) waterfall and walk around a lake with stunning views, and diverse wildlife surrounding you.
Our custom tour vehicles offer unparalleled views and photo opportunities with crystal clear Lexan windows on all sides, even the roof! We use the best quality winter tires on our 4-wheel drive trucks with safety in mind. Also, for your comfort, blankets and even a powerful heater are on board in our fully enclosed convertible tour truck. Your knowledgeable and entertaining guide will offer fun historical facts and photography assistance, as well as hot cocoa, water, and snacks along the way.
★ 5.0103 reviews
Summer Private Rocky Mountain National Park Driving Tour
$170
Join us for an unforgettable experience in our 3-row Subaru Ascent! Drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park on a 4 - 5 hour private tour with only your party & your guide! Our Rocky Mountain Tour starts you in the lower valley meadows, then takes you on a journey up iconic roads that are open for your visit (Trail Ridge Road – June, or off-road on Old Fall River Road July - Sep.) where you will see beautiful mountain views & waterfalls, we’ll make a short stop at the highest visitor center in the US National Park system, and drive back down the highest continuous paved road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road, on our way back to Estes Park. This tour is NOT a hiking tour, and focuses more on driving in the National Park with small strolls throughout.
We are only able to offer pickup for guests staying in Estes Park. If you are staying outside of Estes Park, we can meet you at the free parking garage for the Estes Park Visitor Center for pickup.
★ 5.085 reviews
Private Wildlife Driving Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park
$175
The tours we provide are private in nature and customizable. Our guides take in to account the features you wish to see when planning your tour. You stay within the comfort of your own vehicle with front row seats to the best views in the Rocky Mountain National Park. All tours include timed entry reservation, gear rentals when necessary, and 5 professional photos available for digital download. (Ask about our add-on package for more photos!) We offer fully inclusive and accessible options as well. Great for solo travelers or the whole family and all ability levels. Choose 4, 6, or 8 hour tour lengths. 6 hour drives are only available in the summer when Trail Ridge Rd is open, but we can combine some hiking & driving on 6 or 8 hour tours year-round. We will text you to build your custom itinerary after we receive your booking request.
Transportation is not included, our guide will join you in your vehicle.
★ 5.058 reviews
Private Rocky Mountain National Park 4 Hour Tour
$154
Enhance your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park and the beautiful state of Colorado by booking your customized, private tour with experienced local guides. See the park and leave the driving to us in our comfortable touring SUV.
-Wildlife viewing and abundant photo opportunities
-Knowledgable, experienced, and informative local guides
-Binoculars provided for scouting elk herds, birdwatching, and gazing at the mountain ranges
Our guide is happy to suggest routes based on the interests and abilities of the group. There are many scenic overlooks to visit, as well as opportunities for short hikes around lakes or up to viewpoints. We provide hiking poles and microspikes, if needed seasonally, for any of the accessible hikes.
We are knowledgeable about wildlife, weather, geology, history, culture, birding, outdoor activities, and just about anything else to do with Estes Park and the surrounding area. Let us show you around our favorite place, Rocky Mountain National Park!
★ 5.045 reviews
Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer
$199
RMNPhotographer Tours provide the most dynamic, personalized tours in RMNP. Our private guides travel with you in the comfort of your own vehicle. We take you to the best scenery and seek incredible wildlife to photograph. This tour travels in your personal vehicle, and, per your request, our guide will drive your vehicle as you enjoy the journey.
- Our knowledgeable and friendly guides are experienced RMNP photographers who help you capture images of a lifetime on your cell phones or cameras.
- Tour through RMNP on Trail Ridge Road, the highest highway in the United States (12,183 ft.) from Estes Park to Grand Lake.
- Capture lush green valleys, alpine lakes, rolling streams, waterfalls, and the Continental Divide.
- Seek gentle deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose allowing you to capture magnificent photos.
- Travel through historic Kawuneeche Valley to enjoy lunch (on your own) in the quaint mountain village of Grand Lake.
★ 5.039 reviews
Wildside 4X4's Not So Mellow Marshmallow Tour
$160.98
This evening/night time 4x4 photo adventure takes you into the wilds of Roosevelt National Forest to see the sunset from our private 360 degree viewing and photo tower. This tour combines all the thrills from the Rock’n Roller Coaster tour (Panoramic tour with request) with an extra hour of fun for family time around a fire.
Bring your family for an exhilarating experience with an off-road adventure combined with the excitement of roasting your own mouthwatering hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire. We also provide chips and drinks, and for extra relaxation, feel free to bring your own adult beverages.
In this tour you have stadium seating in one of our off-road custom vehicles with an open top, and a bikini top if it rains. We do provide rain gear that are full body suites called Frog Toggs. Bundle up a little more for this tour since it is open air. Top-off the night, with a ride back in the dark for a truly thrilling adventure.
★ 5.036 reviews
Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
$170
Join us for a safari-like experience during the the elk rut! Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park on a 4 - 5 hour private tour with only your party & your guide! On our Rut Tour, you will be taken up the famous Old Fall River Road where you will see beautiful mountain views & waterfalls, stop at the highest visitor center in the US National Park System, drive back down the highest continuous paved road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road and witness the elk rut mating season in Moraine Park. When Old Fall River Road isn't open, you will drive up & back down Trail Ridge Road. This tour is NOT a hiking tour, and focuses more on driving in the National Park with small strolls throughout. *Wildlife is unpredictable & we cannot guarantee sightings, but we try our best to scout the prime locations!
We only offer pickup for guests staying in Estes Park. If you are staying outside of Estes Park, we can meet you at the free parking garage for the Estes Park Visitor Center for pickup.
★ 5.021 reviews
Sunrise Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
$169
Custom tour designed for you and where your interests are. We are not on a schedule and can even adapt as we go depending upon what we find on your special day.
I am a local historian and naturalist who has lived in the area for over 50 years. I consider myself an interpreter of nature adding color to the already stunning beauty you'll see. We'll concentrate on the myriad wildlife, the diverse biology, and incredible geology of the Rockies. We'll also get insight into what it might have been like for early pioneers and lodge keepers as well as indigenous people like the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute.
My tours are completely flexible so if you want to hike for 3 or 4 miles, great! Or if you just want sit back and relax and enjoy the view that's fine too! Either way we'll stop often to photograph and talk about the amazing sights.
★ 5.019 reviews
YOU Drive the Jeep! Guided 4x4 Tour in Idaho Springs (Denver)
$550
You don’t ride along—you DRIVE the Jeep! This is Colorado’s only guided tour where you take the wheel of a real off-road Jeep and follow our expert guide through the mountains near Denver. We provide the vehicle, coach you through every step, and lead the way on scenic, beginner-friendly trails with just the right amount of adventure. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups who want a hands-on, exciting alternative to crowded bus tours. No off-roading experience needed—we make it fun and easy. Just show up ready to explore! We keep group sizes small and never pile strangers into the same vehicle. If you’ve ever wanted to see Colorado like a local—this is it.
★ 5.071 reviews
Clear Creek Advanced half day
$115
The Clear Creek advanced rafting trip is extremely exciting and is intended for those who are strong swimmers and in good physical condition. The rapids are long and in close proximity to each other. This makes for an exhilarating and continuous whitewater rafting experience!
★ 5.043 reviews
Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Idaho Springs
$138.03
A Via Ferrata, which means “iron way” in Italian, is a method of mountaineering & rock climbing that’s been used in Europe for centuries. Via Ferrata courses use a combination of ladders, rungs, rails, cables and bridges to aid in moving across and up a cliff face. The Iron Way in Idaho Springs is an assisted rock climbing guided tour where guests clip into cables that run along the side of a cliff. They then move along a designated path of iron rungs and bridges to move across, and along the way they will be required to clip in and out of the cable to progress through the course. This is made possible through an advanced internal locking system in the carabiners. Each guest will have 2 carabiners connected to bungee-style lanyards on their harness. The internal locking system makes it impossible to clip out of both at the same time, insuring that climbers are connected to the cable of the course at all times.
★ 5.015 reviews
Whitewater Raft Clear Creek - Intermediate Cannonball Run
$97.9
Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks.
Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. It is the first city founded in Colorado, in 1859. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State!
Conveniently located about 30 minutes west of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.
★ 5.010 reviews
Colorado Snowshoeing Adventure in the Rocky Mountains
$119
Why Choose Us?
Unmatched Winter Scenery: Immerse yourself in the Rockies' stunning winter landscapes, led by a company passionate about sharing Colorado’s beauty like no one else.
Accessible to All Levels: Whether you're a seasoned snowshoer or a first-timer, we design our tours to be safe, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone.
Guides Who Make a Difference: Our expert local guides do more than lead; they bring the adventure to life, sharing insights, stories, and personal touches that make each tour unforgettable.
Choose us for a winter experience that goes beyond the ordinary—where breathtaking views, exceptional service, and authentic connection with Colorado's wild make every moment unforgettable.
★ 5.07 reviews
YOU Drive the Jeep! Guided Sunset Tour in Idaho Springs (Denver)
$550
If you’re in the area looking for the perfect day-trip getaway, outdoor adventure or even just a unique Instagram photo op surrounded by the fourteeners of the Rocky Mountains, Native Jeeps is the perfect fit for your plans.
★ 5.07 reviews
Raft the Gold Nugget Run on Clear Creek: Class l-lll Ages 6+
$86.9
Clear Creek is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in Colorado, and for great reasons. The canyon offers all levels of whitewater challenge, and easy access. The setting includes scenic flats, mining ruins, wildlife, and, of course, exciting whitewater flowing over rocks.
Nearby is Idaho Springs, where the gold rush began. One of the first cities founded in Colorado, in 1859, this quaint town is nestled in the foothills of some of Colorado’s best mountains and holds a unique place in the state’s history. As the place where the Colorado Gold Rush started, this little town holds a lot of secrets, including one of the best river rafting areas in the State!
Conveniently located about 30 minutes West of Denver, and close to Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Winter Park, Clear Creek has rafting trip options for varying ability and experience levels.
★ 5.04 reviews
Clear Creek Intermediate 2h 30m Rafting Trip - Denver, CO
$97.01
This Clear Creek intermediate rafting trip with Mild to Wild offers one of the most exciting whitewater experiences near Denver, featuring more rapids per mile than any other stretch in the area. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll paddle through a series of Class III and IV rapids on the steepest commercially run section of Clear Creek, guided by professional, highly experienced trip leaders—many with over 2,000 river miles. Along the way, you'll pass historical landmarks like the Argo Mill and the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, bringing Colorado’s Gold Rush era to life. Mild to Wild sets itself apart with small-group attention, complimentary gear including splash jackets and helmets, and entertaining, interpretive guides focused on both safety and fun.
★ 5.03 reviews
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Colorado, United States of America
Latitude: 40.077813, Longitude: -105.575229
Attractions near Brainard Lake
Activities
Hiking
Boating
Kayaking
Canoeing
Fishing
Camping
Cycling
Mountain Biking
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
About Brainard Lake
About Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake is set in a glacially-carved valley surrounded by subalpine forest in the wider Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Administered by the US Forest Service, this area lies just outside of the boundary of Indian Peaks Wilderness and provides a popular playground for those seeking a wide variety of all year round outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing in summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Access to the area by vehicle is limited to summer months (mid-June to late October) as roads are often closed by snow and ice.
The lake itself is shallow, just eight feet at its maximum depth and is offset by the rugged peaks of the Continental Divide. It’s heaven for fishermen due to its ease of access and abundance of brook trout, cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, amongst other species. Non-motorized boats only are allowed on the lake.
The surrounding area contains much to explore, with access to two major trailheads and many less marked hikes into the wilderness. There are trails for mountain bikes and road cycling is also welcomed.
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Colorado, United States of America, North America
Lake