Sam, thanks for the quick response! Any recommendations for today if I wanted to do something shorter, like the blue/Mitchell lake hike up near Brainard?
Isabelle is difficult to get to right now, but especially if you aren't in at least moderately good shape. Snowshoes and poles are a must, I went through 3 liters of water, plus plenty of high calorie snacks. The first 3ish miles on the snowshoe trail are no problem at all as the snow was well packed. Starting at Brainard Lake itself was where the true difficulty began as it was untouched snow. Eldora had gotten 17" of snow the day before and we felt it. Watch snow reports for Eldora and maybe gauge it that way. My sister and I did this a few days after Christmas, I imagine the snow has only accumulated since. If you do go and make it though, it is WELL worth the trek. Start early, take plenty of food and water, and enjoy!
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