Browns Lake

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Browns Creek Falls is a thundering cascade that flows all year round, providing a fantastic running objective at the base of mighty Mount White. This extended route visits the falls and then continues up a steep, rocky trail to reach the stunning Browns Lake, nestled right at treeline. This out-and-back route makes for either a long day run or an easy overnight backpacking trip.

There's a substantial amount of dispersed camping off of the Browns Creek Road, not too far from the trailhead. However, no camping is allowed at the trailhead, and due to the popularity of this area, you aren't guaranteed to get a campsite, especially if you arrive on a Friday or Saturday. To ensure that you find a campsite, arrive early on a Thursday (or earlier in the week). If there aren't any campsites available, please do not drive into the grass or undergrowth to create a new site—this damages the natural resources. Also, be sure to respect all fire bans, and completely extinguish all campfires.

The run begins from a well-developed trailhead with a pit toilet and a respectably large parking area. Even so, on the weekends—especially during the spring, when water flows are high—the parking lot can fill up. Plan accordingly.

The run begins by following the Browns Creek Trail, which begins directly to the right of the pit toilet. Note that the trail names for Browns Creek Trail #1429 and Wagon Loop Trail #1427 were switched several years ago to reduce confusion. However, that means that older maps and some online resources don't align with the trail signs. If in doubt, refer to the route shown here, and follow the visibly well-trafficked route.

The initial climb on the Browns Creek Trail is steep and rocky, quickly gaining elevation while providing picturesque views over the Arkansas Valley below. This trail is heavily used by equestrians and is also open to mountain bikers, so be sure to remain alert for other trail users.

At the junction with the Colorado Trail, continue up and to the left for a short distance before turning right on the signed Browns Creek Trail to continue heading uphill.

After running through an open meadow with spectacular views of Mount White (left) and Mount Antero (right) above you, the trail snakes through the trees and over a couple of bridges. Keep an eye peeled for the sign pointing left toward Browns Creek Falls via a short spur trail.

After enjoying your time at the thundering waterfall, return to the main trail and take a left to continue up to Browns Lake.

From here, the running gets substantially more difficult as the trail grows steeper, narrower, and rougher. The trail tread consists primarily of big boulders with loose, rolling rocks in between them. A few sections of trail provide relief from the rocks, but make no mistake: this is a tough climb.

Your ultimate reward is reaching beautiful Browns Lake, which is nestled right at treeline below Mount White and Tabeguache Peak. Be sure to savor the spectacular views from this secluded alpine lake.

If you're completing this as a day run, the lake is your turnaround point. If you're camping overnight, be sure to camp well away from the water's edge and observe all LNT practices.

According to a report on Hiking Project, "In 2019, a microburst flooded the valley, and the beaver dam burst. Brown's Lake is now just Brown's Creek. What had been a shallow but beautiful lake is gone. We will see if the beavers choose to rebuild." However, recent reports indicate that the beavers have rebuilt the dam and that the lake is full.