The picturesque Echo Lake sits at 10,600 feet at the base of Mount Evans. Fishing, hiking and sightseeing brings visitors by year round. The lake itself is part of the Echo Lake Mountain Park, managed by the Denver City and County.
From about May through mid October, the Mt Evans Byway is open, and when most people frequent the lake, although the trails do attract a winter crowd. Echo Lake is located about equal distance from Evergreen to Idaho Springs.
Echo Lake Lodge is right above the lake and has a general store and restaurant inside. Echo Lake Campground is managed by the USFS, and located within the Arapaho National Forest adjacent to the lake. The park is managed by the city and county of Denver, as part of the Denver Mountain Parks.
Activities at Echo Lake
Biking – Some bikers take the Mt Evans Byway.
Camping – Echo Lake campground has 18 sites, 11 for RV, 7 for tents. Each site has table, fire grate, tent pad. Willow Chicago Creek campground has 16 sites.
- Going toward Idaho Springs, dispersed campsites can be found 4 miles north on Co 103 on Hefferman Gulch Rd.
- A few miles past Hefferman Gulch Rd, is West Chicago Creek Rd. and more dispersed camping.
Fishing – The underwater weeds can be bothersome at the lake, but if you manage to find a clear area, there are some big trout. Flies, lures, bait.
Hiking – A nice trail around the lake and plenty more in the surrounding Mt Evans Wilderness.
Scenic Drives – Take Mt Evans Byway, open seasonally.
Winter Recreation – Snowshoeing and cross country skiing is popular on the trails in the area.
Getting there
Take CO 103/Squaw Pass Rd from Evergreen or Idaho Springs. Taking I-70 to Idaho Springs is the quickest route.
Details
Address: 12932 CO-103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 (Evergreen)
Phone: 303-567-3000 (Idaho Spgs Office)
Season: Year round
Fees: None, only campground
Map: Clear Creek (PDF) – Motor vehicle use map containing forest service roads and where dispersed camping is permitted.
Campground Reservations:
