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I hate waking up super early to drive to the trailhead for an early start, and I am beginning to prefer to drive there the night before and sleep in my car at or near the trailhead if possible. Along those lines, this weekend I am planning on hiking in the East side of IPW (starting at Brainard Lake) and the Estes Park side of RMNP; does anyone have any recommendations for a nice quiet place to quietly pull over my van and sleep for the night near either of these areas? Both areas (RMNP and Brainard Lake area) officially do not allow sleeping in your car at the trailhead. Does anyone know if they actually enforce this at Brainard Lake? How about at the winter parking lot a couple of miles from the main gate? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I've slept in my car at the Longs Peak TH, as many people have. As long as you are quiet and don't make a mess no one will bother you there.

For Brainard Lake, I think the situation is the same--as it is pretty much is for any place that has cars sitting over night. As long as your vehicle appears to be just another car sitting over night, no one usually bothers you.

CR 104 is just before the gate on the S side of Brainard Lake Rd. If the parking lot doesn't work out you might find a spot there. I don't remember the 1st part being too rough.

Thanks! Sounds like I'll just go for it at the Brainard Lake parking lot and use the CR 104 as a plan B.