Brainard Lake Recreation Area

"The hike to Braynard Lake is pretty easy, and it's on the way to Isabelle Glacier if you're looking to do something shorter. Long Lake is also along the trail just past Braynard Lake. You can also continue up to Isabelle Lake, which is a top 10 hike in Colorado, and then if you have it in you, continue all the way to Isabelle Glacier. There's a good chance of seeing wildlife in the area. This is where I see more than half of the moose that I've seen in Colorado. You can generally see them in this entire area, but around the lake is a really good place to see them. You'll want to go around sunrise or sunset to see them. Look for their food source near the willows. Somewhere between Spring and October is the best time to see them. They'll often be there around sunrise right by the parking lot. If you go at sunrise, if you're hiking 40 minutes or less before sunrise, you probably won't need a light because it's still after the first light. If it's earlier than that, I recommend bringing a headlamp. You don't necessarily have to have a headlamp either, any lantern or lighting system is cool. Similarly, with sunset, you'll want to make sure you have a light for the way back. A lot of people like to fish here too. Braynard Lake is a great spot to fish just right by the parking lot. If you visit in the winter, you'll definitely need spikes, and probably snowshoes once the snow really comes in to visit. You won't have to pay any parking fees during the winter though. Make sure you check snow levels before you visit. Usually, the snow starts melting around April. Late June would probably allow you to hike it without any extra gear. If you're hiking all the way to the glacier, it will shrink as the weather gets warmer, but it tends to look more like a glacier in the summer, and a snowfield in the winter."