Lake Isabelle Trail

Route Description for Lake Isabelle Trail

Start the Lake Isabelle Trail by finding the trailhead with the same title. From the trailhead, the trail gradually ascends through the forest until it reaches the tip of Long Lake. At Long Lake the views open up and you should be able to see Isabelle Glacier and the surrounding Indian Peaks. Stay on the north side of the lake as you hike parallel to the shore.

You will understand why it is called Long Lake as you continue to hike along the shore further back into the mountains. Past Long Lake, the trail gains elevation, and slowly ascends above the tree line. A few small switchbacks take you to the amazing Lake Isabelle with views of the surrounding mountains. You can appreciate this for a moment before the final ascent.

You’ll take some exciting switchbacks up and up until you find a pool that is part of the South Saint Vrain Creek. From here you can look up to Navajo Peak (4,087 m). It’s the prominent mountain in the middle of the mountain cirque. When you’ve had your fill of great mountain views, head back down the way you came.

Hiking Trail Highlights

Lake Isabelle

Lake Isabelle

Lake Isabelle is one of the prettiest lakes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, located just 2.1 miles from the Long Lake trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It sits at the heart of a stunning alpine valley, surrounded by imposing, craggy peaks and sparsely dotted green trees.

This beautiful part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is very popular, and once you set out on this hike, you’ll soon understand why! In spring and summer the trail leading to the lake is strewn with colorful wildflowers, and the snow-capped peaks provide the perfect backdrop for a fun family picnic.

Visitors should note that Lake Isabelle is actually a reservoir, and in August it is often drained to provide water for local agriculture. We’d recommend visiting before August or in late September to enjoy the views of the lake at its best.

Isabelle Glacier

The Isabelle Glacier is located a quarter of a mile southwest of Shoshoni Peak, one of the towering mountains that looks over Lake Isabelle. The glacier sits on the east side of the Continental Divide, mirrored by Fair Glacier, which occupies a similar position on the west side of the Continental Divide.

The Isabelle Glacier is the source of the South Saint Vrain Creek, and the route to the glacier is through a wet valley, passing picturesque meadows and tumbling waterfalls. The views from the base of the glacier itself are incredibly dramatic, looking over the Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks.

Navajo Peak

The towering Navajo Peak will dominate your view on this lovely trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Standing at an elevation of 4,087 m above sea level, this distinctive, craggy mountain is a powerful draw for mountaineers and hikers, although summiting it is a significant challenge.

Although it just misses out on being classed as one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers, Navajo Peak should not be taken lightly, and is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a really strenuous challenge. Navajo Peak is the third highest mountain in the Indian Peak Wilderness, and is particularly famous as the site of a fatal plane crash in January 1948. The debris from the wreckage can still be seen on the mountain.

If you want to find other great hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness, check out the Lone Eagle Peak hike, Rainbow Lakes trail or the Arapaho Glacier Trail.

Insider Hints for Lake Isabelle Trail

• National Park Annual Pass is accepted at the gate, otherwise, Brainard Lake Recreation Area is Cash Only ($11 per Passenger Vehicle).
• Many people stop at Lake Isabelle and this makes an easier and wonderful day trip for people who want a less strenuous hike.
• Explore this area in early spring when there is still snow on the ground. Be aware of avalanche conditions. The main gates will be closed, but you can park at a large parking lot at the main entrance and hike in for free. During this time there will be fewer people on the trails and it’s ideal for snowshoeing. You can hike in following the main road, past Brainard Lake, until you reach the trailhead for Lake Isabelle. This will add about 4mi to the overall trip, but this area is incredible with snow on the ground. Snowshoes can be rented in the Town of Nederland at Happy Trails Café.
• This trail is exposed to the elements, so be prepared for high winds, sun exposure and storms in the afternoon and evenings.