Moose was one animal we had actively sought out, but had eluded us during our first year in Colorado. In fact, all four of us on this particular trip had never seen one.  

We hadn't made it more than a mile or so into Brainard Rec Area before we spotted four grazing roadside!

There are a few options for hiking in this area, but we were headed for the popular Isabelle Glacier trail.

Quick Facts:

• Distance: ~6 Miles RT
• Trailhead Elevation: 10,453 Ft.
  • Elevation Gain: ~600-800 Ft.
• GPS Route

Hiking up snow drifts is annoyingly difficult.  Hiking down can be hazardous even for the most sure footed.  There is no way around the up part, but for the down I'd recommend making use of that rain jacket by turning it into a sled.