Brainard Lake Recreation Area

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Brainard Lake Rd, Ward, CO 80481

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Mountain viewsWaterfrontOutdoor

Google photos · B SD, Marta Devis

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VvendorscoutOnline researchOct 2026

$10 day use fee walking in, timed-entry reservation to park inside

it's public forest service land, not a rented venue: a timed-entry reservation through recreation.gov is required to park inside, or you park at the Gateway Trailhead and pay a $10 day use fee to walk or bike in. an event permit is only required for groups of 75 or more, or commercial events

-alpine lakes & mountain views, one reviewer called the timed entry system a smart way to keep trails from feeling overcrowded -a colorado elopement photographer's review specifically recommends this spot for elopements & suggests booking a weekday or sunrise slot for privacy given how popular it is -no rental or booking, it's public forest service land, and a group-use permit only kicks in at 75+ people Elopement guides suggest keeping a lakeside ceremony to about 20 people (one officiant says 10), so this stays a small, intimate booking.

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