This trail sees hundreds of people a day on weekends. The shore of Lake Isabelle and surrounding meadows have been noticeably scarred by campers. The area between the lake and Pawnee Pass has been interlaced with illegal trails cut by overanxious hikers looking for shortcuts. Altitude is an increasing influence on the upper 2 miles of Pawnee Pass. Pawnee Pass is a loop trail for backpackers crossing the Divide to Monarch Lake. Snow fields and loose rock are hazardous, so please use common sense.

Note: The Ward Quadrangle does not show the alignment of the Pawnee Pass Trail. As you near Lake Isabelle DO NOT cross the creek but head east (right) into the woods at the trail junction.

Directions: From Ward, Take Brainard Lake Road (CR #102) to the Long Lake Trailhead.

Elevation: 10,400 feet

Ending Elevation: 12,541 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,141 feet

Distance: 4.5 miles

Usage: Extremely Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous

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