EXPLORE BRAINARD LAKE

Waldrop North Trail

Follow a forested mountain trail from Gateway Trailhead toward Brainard Lake, with peaceful creek crossings, fresh alpine air and beautiful views of the Indian Peaks.

4382 Brainard Lake Road, Ward, CO

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At A Glance

Location

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Distance

Approx. 6 Miles

Elevation Gain

Approx. 626 Feet

Est. Time

2–4 Hours

Route Type

Out & Back

Dogs

Leashed May 1–Nov. 14

Parking

Free Summer • Winter Fee/Pass Required

Waldrop North Trail

Waldrop North Trail offers a peaceful forested route from Gateway Trailhead into the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The trail travels through dense pine forest, crosses mountain streams and provides a scenic alternative to walking along Brainard Lake Road.

Follow Waldrop Trail until it connects with South Saint Vrain Trail. Then, turn west and continue toward Brainard Lake, where you can enjoy beautiful water views backed by the rugged Indian Peaks. After exploring the lakeshore, return to Gateway Trailhead along the same route.

Although the elevation gain is relatively gentle, the six-mile distance, rocky terrain and elevation above 10,000 feet can make this hike more challenging. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather. Dogs must remain leashed from May 1 through November 14 and are not allowed on Waldrop Trail during the winter season.

Fred Says

“Fresh bear scat along the trail reminded me that we were hiking through real wildlife country. Stay alert, make some noise and give every wild animal plenty of room.

The weather also changed quickly during our hike. We got rain and hail for a short time, so pack a rain jacket and an extra layer—even when the sky looks clear at the trailhead.”

Why You’ll Love This Hike

Waldrop North Trail takes you through a peaceful mountain forest before opening to beautiful views of Brainard Lake and the rugged Indian Peaks. Along the way, you’ll cross flowing streams, travel beneath tall evergreens and experience the quiet natural beauty of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

Once you reach the lake, follow the shoreline toward the inlet where fresh mountain water flows into Brainard Lake. If trail and weather conditions allow, this short extension offers another scenic place to explore before returning to Gateway Trailhead.

Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.

Before You Go

Gateway Trailhead remains accessible year-round and does not require a timed-entry reservation. Summer day use is free. During the winter fee season, typically mid-October through mid-June, a day-use fee or valid America the Beautiful pass is required. Check current Recreation.gov or Forest Service information before leaving because seasonal dates and requirements can change.

The trail begins above 10,000 feet, and mountain weather can change quickly. Carry plenty of water, pack a rain jacket and extra layer, and bring traction devices or snowshoes when snow and ice are present. Download a trail map before arriving because cellular service is unreliable. Dogs must remain leashed from May 1 through November 14 and are not allowed on Waldrop Trail during winter.

NOTE: Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.

Wildlife Near Waldrop North Trail

Waldrop North Trail passes through high-elevation spruce-fir forest and wet mountain habitat that supports a variety of wildlife. Moose are frequently seen around Brainard Lake and along nearby roads and trails. Black bears and mountain lions also inhabit the surrounding area, although sightings are never guaranteed.

We found and photographed fresh bear scat beside the trail during our hike. Although we did not see a bear, the scat provided a clear reminder to remain alert, make your presence known and avoid surprising wildlife along forested sections of the trail.

Birdwatchers should watch for Canada jays, American three-toed woodpeckers and dusky grouse in the surrounding forest. Boreal owls have occasionally been reported at night, while white-tailed ptarmigan and brown-capped rosy-finches inhabit higher alpine terrain.

Observe wildlife from a safe distance, keep food secured and never feed or approach wild animals. Keep dogs leashed where permitted and give moose, bears and every other wild animal plenty of room. Colorado Birding Trail: Brainard Lake Recreation Area

Wildlife in the Area

Mule Deer

Elk

Moose

Black Bears

Coyotes

Mountain Lions

General Information

Current Weather

Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead

9:00 pm, Sep 23, 2026

44°F

overcast clouds

86 %

1023 mb

1 mph

Wind Gust: 2 mph

Clouds: 100%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 6:50 am

Sunset: 6:58 pm

Hourly Forecast

12:00 am

45°/47°°F 0 mm 0% 0 mph 82% 1023 mb 0 mm/h

3:00 am

46°/47°°F 0.08 mm 8% 1 mph 81% 1023 mb 0 mm/h

6:00 am

45°/45°°F 0.04 mm 4% 1 mph 85% 1024 mb 0 mm/h

9:00 am

49°/49°°F 0.1 mm 10% 3 mph 85% 1025 mb 0 mm/h

12:00 pm

54°/54°°F 0.46 mm 46% 7 mph 62% 1024 mb 0 mm/h

3:00 pm

53°/53°°F 0.58 mm 58% 7 mph 63% 1024 mb 0 mm/h

6:00 pm

51°/51°°F 0.2 mm 20% 4 mph 73% 1025 mb 0 mm/h

9:00 pm

48°/48°°F 0 mm 0% 1 mph 85% 1026 mb 0 mm/h

Best Times to Hike

Quieter Times: Weekday mornings generally offer cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and a quieter experience along the forested trail. Starting early also gives you more time to explore Brainard Lake before afternoon rain, hail or thunderstorms move across the mountains.

Busier Times: Weekends, holidays and pleasant summer days can bring many visitors to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Gateway Trailhead has a large parking area, but spaces may fill quickly during popular hiking periods. Arrive early and park only in designated areas.

Fred’s Tip: Do not let clear skies at Gateway Trailhead fool you. Rain and hail moved through briefly during our hike, so carry a rain jacket and an extra layer. Bring plenty of water, download a trail map before arriving and remain alert for wildlife—we found fresh bear scat beside the trail.

Fred’s Footprint Rating

4.9 Out of 5

Majestic views!

Good For

Forest Hiking Mountain Views Creek Crossings Photography Seasonal Leashed Dogs Older Kids Birdwatching Wildlife Viewing Trail Running Snowshoeing Half-Day Adventure

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Fred’s Photo Gallery

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BRAINARD LAKE: WALDROP NORTH TRAIL GALLERY

Fresh Bear Scat on Waldrop Trail

IMG_Directional trail sign for Waldrop Trail and South St. Vrain Trail near Brainard Lake

South St. Vrain Creek rushing over rocks through dense evergreen forest

Hiker and leashed dog crossing South St. Vrain Creek along Waldrop Trail

Weathered hollow tree stump surrounded by evergreen forest along Waldrop North Trail

Indian Paintbrush Along Waldrop Trail

Waldrop and South St. Vrain Trail Junction Sign

Brainard Lake Beach and the Indian Peaks

South St. Vrain Creek Below Brainard Lake

Brainard Lake Beach and the Indian Peaks

Smartphone altimeter displaying 10,370 feet near Brainard Lake

South St. Vrain Creek Through a Mountain Meadow

Hiker at South St. Vrain Creek Outlet at Brainard Lake

South St. Vrain Creek Outlet at Brainard Lake

Brainard Lake Near South St. Vrain Creek

A hiker and leashed dog pause along the peaceful shoreline of Brainard Lake.

A leashed dog cools off in the clear water along the shoreline of Brainard Lake.

Dog Swimming in the Brainard Lake Inlet

Dog Exploring the Brainard Lake Inlet

Weathered Tree Stump Along Waldrop North Trail

Red Rock Lake Near Brainard Lake Road

Mule Deer Doe Near Brainard Lake Road

Weathered Tree Stump Along Waldrop North Trail

Fred’s Gear Picks

Magnifying Glass

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Picnic Blanket

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Yeti Water Bottle

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

Toddler Backpack

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kids Sun Hat

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Water Shoes

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kid’s Bug Catcher Kit

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kid’s Binoculars

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

Your Explorin’ Journal

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Official Trail Map

Plan your hike using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), the official statewide trail map from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado DNR. View the Waldrop North Trail route, elevation profile, trail details, weather, and downloadable GPX information.

View Waldrop (North) Trail on COTREX →

Map & Directions

4382 Brainard Lake Road Ward, CO 80481

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