Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It sits at treeline in an idyllic alpine valley framed by Navajo (13,409'), Apache (13,441'), and Shoshoni (12,967') peaks.

Isabelle Glacier (12,025'), visible in the upper-valley, is the origin of South Saint Vrain Creek, and Lake Isabelle's primary benefactor. Visitors will enjoy abundant wildflowers, good fishing, and mild grades on the hike to Lake Isabelle:

A level path follows the north shore of Long Lake beneath uniform spruce to the first of two connections with the Jean Lunning Trail (.2 miles : 10,524'). It undulates mildly past a second Jean Lunning connection (1.2 miles : 10,674') to a clearing with a glimpse of the upper-valley (1.6 miles : 10,716').

The trail steepens (1.85 miles) in a thinning forest to Lake Isabelle and the Pawnee Pass Trail split (2.1 miles : 10,892'). A social path circles east and south across its outlet, where you'll likely find a bit more privacy and room to explore.

The main trail continues west along Isabelle's north shore with easy access to a number of outcrops, good viewpoints, and fishing locales. Isabelle Glacier is 2.3 miles and 1,140' up from Lake Isabelle.

For an aerial view, climb a few hundred yards up the Pawnee Pass Trail, which splits north through treeline over the lake basin. It continues 2.45 miles and 1,650' to Pawnee Pass on the Continental Divide.

Consider returning via the Jean Lunning Trail - a diverting loop around Long Lake with prolific wildflowers and excellent fishing. Doing so adds only nominal elevation gain and .4 miles to the roundtrip distance.