Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng
The Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead is located two miles west of the Town of Ward, Colorado and just east of the entrance into Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The site is an optional access portal that allows for year-round access to the BLRA and Indian Peaks Wilderness trail systems. The trailhead features a large parking area, warming hut, restrooms, visitor information, self-service fee station and Wi-Fi service. Winter visitors can park at the trailhead to access popular cross country ski, snowshoe and winter biking trails. Winter day use fees for the trailhead are typically mid-October to mid-June. Summer day use of the site is free. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are honored in lieu of paying the day use fee.
A day use fee is required for each vehicle when using Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead during winter months (mid-October through mid-June).
The Recreation.gov mobile app must be downloaded prior to using Scan & Pay system. To ensure effective use of this system download the app prior to your arrival. The on-site Wi-Fi system may experience temporary outages and cell phone reception is known to be poor. Please plan ahead.
When using Scan & Pay to pay the day use fee, please follow the prompted instructions in the Recreation.gov mobile app including your vehicle license number and payment information. Upon payment confirmation your vehicle license number will be recorded in our system for that day. This pass is valid until 11:59 PM of the date listed on the pass, and only for the date and vehicle specified for this pass.
When paying by cash or check please use payment envelopes provided at the fee station. Fill out the entire envelope and include payment. Detach registration receipt and deposit recreation fee permit envelope into the brown fee tube. Place registration receipt on your vehicle dashboard. Paying fees via cash/check is the only way to pay for a multiple day stay.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes: Annual, Senior, Access, Military, Gold Star, Veteran, 4th Grade and Volunteer passes are accepted at this site in lieu of paying the day use fee. The pass covers the passholder and adults in the passholder vehicle. Passes must be displayed on vehicle dashboard or hanging from rearview mirror.
Passes are non-transferrable between operators, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Payment of fee does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is discouraged and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed.
Fee compliance occurs regularly. Please ensure Scan & Pay confirmation includes your license number, or properly display fee registration receipt or honored pass on your vehicle dashboard or rearview mirror hangtag.
Overnight parking at the trailhead is permitted, but camping is not allowed.
Be sure to take note of other winter regulations and important information when visiting Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead. Winter safety starts with you!