I’ve said it before and I will say it time & time again… Brainard Lake is one of my favorite engagement session locations in the Boulder area. It is less than an hour from Boulder and the drive goes so quickly because of its scenic views. If it were up to me, I’d recommend all my couples meet me at Brainard Lake for their engagement sessions! However, the road into Brainard Lake Recreation Area is only open mid-June through mid-October. You can still access this area year-around, but it requires a 3-mile round-trip hike, which is not always the most convenient option when you’re dressed your best!

Stephanie and Wade trusted me when I suggested this location as the backdrop for their engagement session. Even though we met in early June, the 10,400 feet elevation at Brainard Lake meant there was still snow on the mountains!

Tips for a Smooth Brainard Lake Engagement Session

As I mentioned, the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is open from mid-June through mid-October. The best months for a session are July through September! The last few weeks of September are ideal if you’re hoping to capture some fall colors. Keep in mind that the temperature at Brainard Lake is usually at least 10 degrees colder than at the base of the mountain.

You need a timed entry reservation to park in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area parking lot. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov .

If you loved Stephanie and Wade’s Brainard Lake engagement shoot, I think you’d also like a few other mountain engagement sessions that are up on my blog now! Feel free to check out another Brainard Lake engagement session, or this Mount Falcon engagement session if you’re envisioning a mountain engagement session for yourself!

Ready to start planning your session? Reach out now to share your vision!!