14 replies to this topic

[cardinal]

Is it possible to snowshoe the Indian Peaks' Lake Isebelle & Long Lake in Feb? I think it would be about 3.5 to 4 miles but was wondering if there was a marked trail all the way to Isebelle. Any thoughts.

[waterrat]

Possible? Yes. Long Lake isn't even .5 mile from the TH, and the hike to Lake Isabelle from there is pretty easy, really. Well-marked is another issue. Most of the time its fairly obvious where you should go, but I got off trail a couple of times because of some well-worn game trails. That's more of a summer issue, though. If you keep your head, and a map and compass handy, I wouldn't think it should be too much trouble.

I recall seeing some flags up on some of the trees, but I'm having trouble remembering if it was that hike or another hike.

[Malok]

Though I haven't snowshoed up there myself. Indian Peaks is such a popular snowshoeing area that I am almost positive that there will be a well packed trail up there, especially on the weekends.

[Veik]

Malok, is the gate by Red Rock Lake closed all winter season or do they open it sometimes and plow that road to Brainard Lake? If the gate is closed, that will add about two miles to the hike.

[smudge]

Malok, is the gate by Red Rock Lake closed all winter season or do they open it sometimes and plow that road to Brainard Lake?  If the gate is closed, that will add about two miles to the hike.

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That gate stays closed all winter.....so you will have to hike on the road....but there are some great trails on either side of the road...just watched how they are marked.....Indian Peaks (especially around the lower elevations near Brainard Lake) has trials that are for snowshoers only and some for Cross country skiiers only. You will get yelled at if a skiier comes across you messing up the good ski tracks on a "skiiers only" trail. They get pretty serious about it out there.

[cardinal]

Thanks for the info. I was there this past Dec and drove to Red Rock before I was halted by the gate. I did take the snowshoe trail as far as Brainard. It was big time windy at the lake so turned back. I am going to try and go on the Issebelle this time. I believe it is only 2 miles from Brainard to Issebelle. Looking at the map in didn't look like too much of an elevation gain from there. Think it would be easy to just follow the stream (if there is one) or is staying on the trail the best bet? Thanks

[mtnmanjc]

Hey Cardinal,

Yes, the road will be closed, and it's aprox 2.5 miles to brainhard lake from the parking area. Ussually there is a trail from other snowshoers that will go all the way to the lake and the trails are marked most of the way with blue diamonds on the trees. Ussually it's very windy, so be prepared.

Have Fun!!!

JC

[weatherbe]

There are definitely some well-marked trails in the winter. I have been up there many times in the winter, and it's an incredible area to snowshoe and hike. As much as you enjoy the outdoors Malok, you should head up that way some time. It's truly an amazing area to hike and snowshoe.

Weather

Though I haven't snowshoed up there myself. Indian Peaks is such a popular snowshoeing area that I am almost positive that there will be a well packed trail up there, especially on the weekends.

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[Aaron]

I can't wait to hear back from cardinal about his snowshoeing to these places. I hope he brings back a lot of pics!!

--Aaron

[weatherbe]

Just one more tidbit on the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A great hike to try is the trail up Arapaho Peak. For a trail that goes up to around 13,500 feet, believe it or not, the hike is considered only moderate. It's not that difficult. Now, I haven't tried it in the winter time so one would have to be totally winterized for this time of year. That said, I know folks hike to the top in the winter (snowshoes needed of course). Once the snow though is gone or close to being gone, that hike is amazing.

Weather

I can't wait to hear back from cardinal about his snowshoeing to these places.  I hope he brings back a lot of pics!!

--Aaron

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[cardinal]

Here are my pics from my trip through the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Lake Issabelle.




Lake Issabelle Pics

[TempestT-37]

Nice pics. I like your fav also.

[foxfire]

Great pix! Love snow, so you know I love the scenery in your pix for sure. Thanks for posting them. Foxfire---Yep

[ProfHall]

Great shots! These are especially fun for those of us who did not/cannot "STOMP" and see the park area in its winter glory. Thanks for posting.

[weatherbe]

Awesome pics Cardinal! Thanks for sharing!

Weather

Nice pics. I like your fav also.

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