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Day Trip to Echo Lake Trail from Denver

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Our latest adventure took us from Denver to the beautiful Echo Lake Trail in Clear Creek County, Colorado. This scenic hike, nestled in the heart of the Rockies, offers breathtaking views and a range of trail options for hikers of all levels. Here’s a detailed account of our journey, including our stops along the way and the stunning hike we embarked on.

Getting There

The drive from Denver to Echo Lake Trailhead is approximately an hour and a half, covering about 45 miles. Starting from Denver, head west on I-70 for roughly 32 miles until you reach exit 240 for CO-103 S toward Mt. Evans. Follow CO-103 S (Chicago Creek Road) for about 14 miles to reach the trailhead. The coordinates for the Echo Lake Trailhead are:

Latitude: 39.656268

Longitude: -105.59589

Along the way, we made a delightful stop in downtown Idaho Springs.

Coffee and a Stroll in Idaho Springs

Our first stop was at The Frothy Cup in Idaho Springs. This cozy café served up delicious coffee, the perfect fuel for our hike ahead. After grabbing our drinks, we took a leisurely walk through the scenic downtown area. Idaho Springs is charming, with its historic buildings, unique shops, and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some local culture before heading up to the trail.

Arriving at Echo Lake Trailhead

Upon reaching the Echo Lake Trailhead, we were greeted by stunning views and the crisp mountain air. Situated at an elevation of 10,500 feet, the trailhead itself is a sight to behold, even if you don't plan to hike. There are stone vault bathrooms available, adding a touch of convenience to the rustic setting.

Hiking Options from Echo Lake

Echo Lake offers several hiking trails, each with its own unique appeal:

  • Echo Lake Trail: 1.5 miles with a 78 ft elevation gain
  • Echo Lake to Idaho Springs Reservoir: 4 miles with a 761 ft elevation gain
  • Chicago Lakes Trail: 10.6 miles with a 3257 ft elevation gain
  • Echo Lake to Summit Lake: 11.1 miles with a 3293 ft elevation gain
  • Mount Evans West Ridge via Chicago Creek: 15.6 miles with a 5337 ft elevation gain

We chose the moderate 4-mile round trip to the Idaho Springs Reservoir. The trail is known for its well-maintained path and picturesque surroundings.

Our Hike to Idaho Springs Reservoir

The hike to the Idaho Springs Reservoir was invigorating and scenic. Despite the high elevation, the trail was manageable without the need for hiking poles. We encountered several other hikers along the way, a testament to the trail’s popularity during the summer months.

Although dogs are allowed on the trail, we decided to leave our furry friend Otto at home this time. The trail's moderate difficulty and elevation gain might be challenging for some dogs (and people) , especially those not accustomed to high altitudes.

Wrapping up

Our day trip to Echo Lake Trail was a fantastic experience, combining the beauty of Colorado’s landscapes with the charm of local towns like Idaho Springs. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, this destination offers something for everyone. We highly recommend adding it to your list of must-visit spots in Colorado. Can't get enough of the mountains? Check out our recent post about our five day trip to nearby Moab, Utah!

Happy hiking, and stay tuned for more adventures from the Meandering Michiganders!

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