The Brainard Lake Loop: Trail Running in the Shade

I'm trying to catch up on my posts. One of the things that has been slowing me down is I'm trying to find a way to do maps and profiles of the trail runs. I thought Google Earth would allow me to do this, but I've got to mess around some more before I figure it out. So, I'll just have to forgo any maps for now (if you know how to do this, shoot me a line). Besides, this way there is more adventure.

The first junction after crossing the river. Head west on the South St. Vrain/Waldrop Trail

The Brainard Loop is an excellent trail run for those hot summer days. With most of the trail in the shade, this one is great when the sun is out and the temps are hot. Plus, you can always soak your feet in the various rivers if need be (or dunk your hat).

Stream crossing... dip your hat in for a cool head.

I park outside of the actual recreation area, as they collect a fee now. Park at the turn around just before the gate (this is where they close the gate in the winter) and head north along the Sourdough Trail towards Beaver Reservoir. The trail quickly drops here as you head down towards the river. Cross the river and shortly after the trail splits. Take the left hand trail (the right goes to Beaver Reservoir) and begin to follow it west as you wind your way up. You roughly follow the river, but eventually you break away as you run through beautiful pine forests. There are a couple stream crossings along the way. Eventually you will meet up with the Waldrop Trail (also called the North Trail), which you continue on as you head towards Brainard Lake.

The junction of the South St. Vrain and Waldrop trails. Stay on the South St. Vrain trail here.

Stay right on all junctions, eventually coming out above Brainard Lake onto the road between Brainard and Mitchell Lake parking areas. Run the road briefly up towards Long Lake and Lake Isabelle, where you get back onto the trail.

Before you get to the road. The sign is so high off the ground because of winter snow levels. In the winter, this little spot is called the "arctic circle" for those familiar with coming in on the North Trail and going to the cabin.

Here I run around Long Lake on the Jean Lunning trail. Run this trail all the way around Long Lake and then back down to Brainard. From here, I usually run around the south side of the lake and pick up the Little Raven trail. This trail is great, and was fixed up in 2007 so it is much easier to follow. It runs south and east, eventually dropping you onto the dirt road from Left Hand Reservoir. Run down the road for about .5 miles, and then head due east back onto the Little Raven. This little spur section will drop you onto the Sourdough Trail, at which point you can head north again and back to your car.

The view from the Jean Lunning Trail.

All in all, this is a great loop run at mid-elevation. With little or no people, I often hit this one when I'm looking for something local and fast.

Since I can't do a profile yet, here are the estimated numbers.

Distance: ~10 miles
Elevation: 9,800 - 10,600
Time: ~1.5 hours

Running Mount Neva and Arapaho Pass: Indian Peaks Wilderness

Here in the Northern Colorado Rockies, we have had a slow start to the alpine trail running season. Usually by this time most of the peaks are free of major snow patches and the trails are relatively dry. Not this year. We have had consistently cool days and nights, so the snow has stuck around longer then usual. No problem, you just have to be willing to get a little wet...

Mount Neva is on the left, we ran up to the pass and then took the north ridge to the top.

Today, Tara and I decided to see how the Arapaho Pass (11,906 feet), Caribou Pass (12,110 feet) area was doing. This is one of our standard trail runs during the summer, as it is easy to access and can be banged out either before or after work. The trail up to the pass is 90% dry, with only a few sections of snow that one has to post hole through. Getting to Caribou Pass, however, is still difficult. The usual route around the north side of Mount Neva (12,814 feet) is still snowed in. So, instead we decided to cruz up Neva's north ridge and tag the top.

Looking north from the top towards the Never Summer Range and RMNP.

Neva is a great mountain, with outstanding views on all sides of the Continental Divide, Grand Lake to the west and the Gore Range, the Never Summers to the north, and Mount Evans and James Peak to the south.

The Gore Range from the top.

Part of the ridge to the top of Neva

The storm clouds came as usual, and by the time we were heading down things started to look ominous. A classic trail run in the Colorado Rockies: snow, water, thin air, crisp temps, and amazing views. Who could ask for more?

Tara running up the talus to the ridge of Mount Neva

Me running down; see the clouds building in the background...

And of course, there are the wildflowers just starting their season...

If you are stuck on numbers, here they are:
Elevation Gain: ~2,694 feet
Distance One way: 4.2 miles
Arapaho Pass elevation: 11,906 feet
Mount Neva elevation: 12,814 feet