Echo Lake Mountain Park – Idaho Springs, CO

The picturesque Echo Lake sits at 10,600 feet at the base of Mount Evans. Fishing, hiking, and sightseeing bring 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 an 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 is 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, and 7 for tents. Each site has a table, fire grate, and 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.