The US Forest Service’s Boulder Ranger District (BRD) has launched the Brainard Lake Recreation Area Project, and BMA has the inside scoop. On August 6, BMA staff Wendy Sweet and Mike Rutter joined BRD staff for a site visit to see the work in progress and learn more about what’s ahead.
Many of Brainard’s trails began as winter nordic routes that were later adopted for year-round use without much formal planning. As a result, some areas are tricky to navigate, with multiple intersections and worn-out sections. This project aims to:
- Improve navigation and the overall visitor experience
- Create a more direct year-round route between the winter and summer trailheads
- Build an ADA-accessible trail around Brainard Lake
The BRD secured Great American Outdoor Act funding to make these upgrades a reality.
Snowshoe Trail
Historically a winter-only route marked by blazes on trees, the Snowshoe Trail vanished into brush and deadfall in summer. With Brainard’s timed reservation system pushing more visitors to park at the Gateway Trailhead and walk the road, the need for a safer, more enjoyable option grew.
The BRD has rerouted the western end of the trail out of the campground and is building a year-round connection to Waldrop near the open meadow. This new 1-mile trail project should wrap up in September, with the new trail ready for fall. Improvements to the eastern end are planned but will not happen in 2025.
Waldrop
In summer, Waldrop sees little mountain bike use thanks to big boulders and marshy stretches. The BRD plans three major reroutes to bypass steep climbs and tight turns, benefiting both skiers and bikers. Smaller improvements will be made along the rest of the trail. Completion is expected in September.
Little Raven
Currently, Little Raven’s eastern end starts about half a mile up Lefthand Reservoir Road from where Little Raven Extension meets it. The BRD will add a new eastern section beginning at the extension and running 0.8 miles before reconnecting to the original trail.
Little Raven Extension
Trailforks describes this one as “an abandoned dirt road without dirt” — a steep, rocky riverbed. Improvements are planned, but not for 2025.
Brainard Lake Trail
A soft-surface ADA-accessible trail will soon circle Brainard Lake, offering a one-mile loop for all visitors to enjoy in summer.
Niwot Picnic Area
On the lake’s west side, the Niwot Picnic Area will get a refresh with a new parking lot, toilets, and tables.
Read more from the US Forest Service.