Colorado Points of Interest

Pawnee Overlook Observation Site


Pawnee Overlook Observation Site on the east side of Brainard Lake in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, surrounding forest and high peaks along the Continental Divide.

View an area map here.


PAWNEE OVERLOOK OBSERVATION SITE
Campground Restrictions
  • Prohibited: Pack animals (horses/llamas); recreational shooting (except for legal hunting) and being on trails posted as closed.
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area Summer Season (May 1 - Nov 14): Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times; when open, developed camping is only allowed at Pawnee Campground (no camping in closed campgrounds); dispersed camping is only allowed north of the South St Vrain Creek.
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area Winter Season (Nov 15 - Apr 30): Motorized vehicles are prohibited; dogs allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads; camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of developed recreation sites except Red Rock Lake; skis only on Little Raven and CMC Ski Trail.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Fishing and Hunting: Permitted in accordance with regulations established by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Amenities

Due to its high elevation, the Brainard area is not generally snow-free until July. The Brainard Lake Road typically opens in late June and closes mid-October.


Points of Interest
Location
Pawnee Overlook Observation Site

Nearby Camping
Location Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Camp Dick 41 8,716 ft
Hermit Park Open Space Numerous 8,313 ft
Moraine Park Numerous 8,111 ft
Aspenglen - Rocky Mountain National Park 51 8,227 ft
Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park 26 9,397 ft
Peaceful Valley 17 8,552 ft
Pawnee 55 10,354 ft
Rainbow Lakes 16 9,961 ft
Reverends Ridge - Golden Gate State Park 106 9,105 ft
West Chicago Creek 16 9,611 ft
Cold Springs 38 9,331 ft
Tom Bennett 10 8,963 ft
Kelly Dahl 46 8,615 ft
Empire City RV Parking Numerous 8,635 ft
Echo Lake - Idaho Springs 18 10,700 ft
Glacier Basin - Rocky Mountain National Park 150 8,604 ft
Georgetown Lake Numerous 8,439 ft
Clear Lake 8 10,029 ft
Meeker Park Overflow 29 8,611 ft
Buckingham 10 10,095 ft
Olive Ridge 56 8,361 ft
Marys Lake - USBR 270 8,032 ft

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