The Road to Brainard

The road to Brainard Lake is now open, allowing access to Red Rocks Lake (which winter kills every year...and this year has apparently been stocked with a handful of 6 to 8 inch rainbows). But, if you are looking for a close, but fun area to take the family (maybe camp?) over this 4th of July weekend, this might be your spot. The entrance fee for the area is $9 and the pass is good for a week. There are seven different lakes to fish. The two lakes that you can drive right up to are Red Rocks Lake and Brainard. Long Lake and Mitchell Lake are excellent, as well. Fishing them involves only a short walk along a maintained trail...and can be worth it. The fishing is often better and there are fewer other people. The recreation area is just west of Ward (30 min west of Boulder) You will see the signs on highway 7.