Isabelle Glacier Trail
Description:
The
Isabelle Glacier Trail begins on the Pawnee Pass Trail at an elevation of
10,887 feet near the east end of Lake Isabelle. The trail forks to the left
about 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead. The first mile of the trail
is a relatively level hike along the north shore of Lake Isabelle. It is narrow
and rocky and passes through a boulder field at the west end of the lake.
From here climb about 575 feet in a mile to a glacial pool at the base of
Isabelle Glacier. After the boulder field the trail begins a steep ascent
past a beautiful cascading waterfall to a relatively level bench. The bench
is a wet, grassy meadow with short willows and numerous wild flowers. The
trail is wet and muddy through this area. Rock cairns help mark the way. The
trail crosses to the south side of the drainage and then back across the rock
face and around some snow fields to the glacial pool.
Camping is not permitted in this area (Four Lakes Travel Zone). Livestock
are not permitted in this travel zone. This trail receives heavy day use.
Features:
| Length: |
1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
10,887' - 11,463' |
| Elevation change: |
662 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Very high |
| USGS maps: |
Monarch Lake, Ward |
| Trailheads: |
Long Lake |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no camping
or open fires |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
No (not permitted in Four Lakes Travel
Zone) |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other
Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take
Highway 72 north from Nederland approximately eight miles to Ward. Turn west
on Forest Road 112 and travel about 3 miles to the entrance to the Brainard
Lake Recreation Area (there is a fee). It is another two miles to
Brainard Lake. Follow the road around the north side of the lake to the turnoff
to the Long Lake parking area. Turn right to the parking area. The Long Lake
Trailhead is located at the south end of the parking area. Hike 2.1 miles on
the Pawnee Pass Trail to the start of the Isabelle Glacier Trail.
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