Chinns Lake

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4.5/5 (94 reviews)
Idaho Springs, Colorado (Clear Creek County)
Last Updated: 07/12/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Chinns Lake is a fun and short trail that offers excellent camping on the water, hiking and fishing within an hour or so of Denver, Colorado. The trail leads to two lakes to fish from, along with plenty of hiking around the lakes or bushwhacking up through timberline. With such good camping and other activities, Chinns Lake is an ideal location for a quick overnight trip. This area gets a lot of use, and litter can build up quickly. Pack out what you have packed in, plus some.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (94)
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900
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Ran this trail after Kingston in a 4Runner on 33s 2.5 in lift. Fun little trail, definitely has gotten more eroded over time requiring a bit more clearance. Rut at waypoint 2 could give some AWD vehicles a challenge (reason I’m giving a “harder” score, our friend in a forester wilderness ripped off his skid on this obstacle). Someone definitely busted their oil pan and left a trail of oil throughout. Keep to the left before the right turn at Sherwin lake. There’s a drop with a large hidden rock that’ll get you high centered, ask me how I know :)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

The ruts are more washed out than in prior years, still a nice trail.
Trail Review: Chinns Lake - Keith Priest
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Local favorite of ours and never lets down for a close campy session. Super easy trail even with the wear and tear over time.
Trail Review: Chinns Lake - Rich Sai
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200
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 07/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The hardest obstacle has seemed to have gotten harder compared to when I went last year. Trail was super busy as ell on saturday night all of the camping spots were full. Decent amount of mosquitoes. Overall was super pretty and easy going.
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4550
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I was very impressed with this lake. It's the most beautiful lake I've seen in Colorado. We caught several brook trout but don't tell anyone. Lol The camping is off the chain right next to the lake but I bet the trail and lake is super busy on weekends and holidays. Great energy and friendly people up there.
Trail Review: Chinns Lake - Iceman 99
Trail Review: Chinns Lake - Iceman 99

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