Chinns Lake

Calvary 4-Wheelers ran Rainbow Road as part of our annual "Turkey Wheeling" trip the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We had three rigs along: me in my stock TJ, Rich in his stock Ford Ranger, and Jon and Delila in Jon's stock Dodge Dakota. we got to Fall River Reservoir early enough that we decided to see how far up the spur to Chinn's Lake we could get. Besides being steeper and rougher, this trail was quite a bit snowier than Fall River Reservoir. We made it to Waypoint 2 without much trouble but, with the snow covering it, the rutted section was challenging for our stock rigs without chains. I managed to get the TJ through it in a couple of attempts. Jon needed a couple of tugs with a strap to get the Dakota through, and Richard took a couple of attempts but got the Ranger through unassisted. From there it got increasingly harder as the fine powder got deeper and the tracks on the trail had not packed it. I got the TJ up the hill and around the corner to within a few hundred yards of the hair pin before the final ascent to the lakes. Jon, however, was not faring so well and could not make it to the corner. It was time to either chain up or turn around. We decided to turn around and head up to Yankee Hill, however, in turning around I started sliding toward the edge and could not go forward or back without sliding further toward it. I radioed down to Jon and Rich that I was going to need assistance. They hiked up the hill from where they had turned around with shovels, straps and a come-a-long. We spent the next two hours using the come-a-long to extract the TJ and get it turned around. We never did make it over to Yankee Hill.

Lead our group of 4 Broncos up the trail. There are a couple of sections with ruts. The Bronco with 32" tires said he scraped his bash plates a couple of times. However, he is a relatively new offroad driver and thought he could have picked better lines. The other 3 Broncos had 35" tires and did not have any trouble. Beautiful scenario although I think it would be better earlier in the year when the reservoirs are full.

I took my friends up this trail for an easy camping experience with mild offroading. We made it just fine. One Ram 1500 on 34" tires, two stock 4Runners, a stock Tacoma, and me in a '08 Trailblazer with 3" lift and 32" tires. There was a stock Trailblazer ahead of us that had to be careful with line choice and got high-centered entering a campsite. The trail had deep ruts in places. It probably should have the "optional" portion of this difficulty rating increased, as the trail was wide enough to go around these. We left the campsite cleaner than we found it and definitely plan to come back. The lake is beautiful. Definitely drink extra water. 11,000 feet of elevation is no joke.

One of the most exciting trails I’ve done so far in CO. Compared to other level 3 trails, this felt more difficult. The road is rocky, and there were a couple sections where careful tire placement was necessary. Tagged my skid plates 2 or 3 times. I was incredibly surprised to see a couple Subarus and other crossover SUVs at the lakes. Awesome area at the end of the trail, plenty of room for camping, but crowded due to Labor Day. Vehicle: 2021 4Runner SR5P, stock size KO2s, no lift.

Fun trail. Lake levels are down this time of year. Still very scenic views make it worth the trip. It's pretty rocky and worth your time airing down. A couple spots on this trail are closer to a 4 than a 3. Since it's Labor Day weekend most of the camping sites were occupied.

One spot in particular on this trail may be closer to a 4 than a 3 and does require careful tire placement going up and down (stay right), but other than that it is a solid 3. Even though the trail is short, it is pretty rough and worth airing down.

We had a nice day of sightseeing combining Chinn's Lake, Fall River Reservoir and Loch Lomond. You can easily hit all three of these trails and enjoy some off roading, scenery and hiking. Chinn's lake is definitely the most difficult of the three and has a couple spots that require proper tire placement, or you will scrape bottom in a stock vehicle. There is also section of trail without room for passing.

Great trail with some gorgeous lakes. Almost all sites were full on a Saturday. Relatively easy except for a few spots after the split to Chinns. But any 4x4 with good clearance should be able to do it. I like Chinns way more than Fall River personally. Great trail for families. Lots of stuff to do and see at the lakes.

Awesome lake! We did this trail on Friday and headed out to Loch Lomond the next day. Friday around noon it was nice and dry. Like previous review stated, nothing crazy. Most 4x4 with higher clearance can handle this. It can feel a little sketchy in areas as there is a pretty large wash out you need to stay to the right of in one spot. Oncoming traffic coming out Saturday got a bit tricky also, but again as long as you take your time you'll be fine. This trail felt a tad bit harder than is described in the trail guide so I'd give it a "harder" rating for that reason only. It was definitely packed when we got there at 2p on a Friday so if you're going I'd recommend going early on a Friday. By Friday night / Saturday it will most likely be packed. Vehicle for reference: 2016 4Runner / 2.5" lift / Toyo Open Countries 33" tires / 4WD + A-TRAC ... not locked at all.

Two beautiful lakes at the top of this fun trail. The trail felt pretty washed out and there are a couple of spots that will require very careful tire placement for stock vehicles - the reason for the slightly harder ranking. The rest of the tail is pretty easy. Its a well used area but there are numerous camping options. Great for families as there is a lot to explore.

Such a beautiful lake

Trail is heavily washed out in spots. This year was the most difficult I've had going to Chinns but definitly worth it!!! The Beautiful Views never dissappoint!!!

All reports indicate it’s clear. As always, stay on the trail and do not drive around snowdrifts.

Trail is open all the way with no sign of snow on trail. There were a few more water crossings than normal, but nothing crazy. Trail is bumpy as ever, but always worth it.

Very bumpy the entire way. A little snow right as you get to the first lake. Lots of mosquitos.

Ran this on 7/1/22- 2020 Tacoma with skids and sliders, neither were needed. Only passed a few other rigs. You can make it almost all the way to the lake before you hit a little remaining snow. As mentioned below there were 2 other rigs that followed tracks and went off trail to get around 2 snow banks near the top. Don’t be that guy.

Chinns Lake is still impassable to the lake by vehicle. If you plan to visit this weekend, know that the official road is still blocked by 2 large snow drifts before you get to the lake. Some irresponsible users are making paths around the drifts through the trees to get to camp spots and the lake. Please don't do that. Know where the official road is and Don't follow something just because someone else made tracks. The first drift could easily be busted open with a couple of determined folks, a few shovels, or a winch. But the second one is probably going to need a another week or 2.

I flattened snow drifts and did some shoveling, but about a quarter mile from the lake it gets too deep and off camber to even winch up. Recommend waiting a few weeks, I had to back almost the whole way down with too much wheelbase to turn around.

Confirmed it's pretty much impassible to wheeled vehicles, the furthest ruts were just around the halfway mark heading up. A quad would probably have floatation to cruise over the pack still if you were careful. Just 150 meters in I lost momentum; the tires spun and dug-in glazing the pack to ice immediately. Had to use both lockers just to back down the mountain (~4 ton curb weight long bed F-250 on 35" BFG KO2s). Fall River Reservoir wasn't as bad but couldn't hack the last turn which is deceptively slick and bleeds your momentum. Be cautious if you try it, there are sloped ice sheets that involved my being unable to stop in reverse and just slowly sliding back down. Gorgeous weather to hoof it up after parking, albeit extremely windy, saw a few parked cars but no people. Chinns Lake likely has enough pack to snowmobile the whole way now.

Snow is starting to accumulate. See you in 2022! Will update with snow melt reports as they happen in the spring!

Always a beautiful quick trail to perfect scenery. The road up was mixed with ice and snow so be sure to air down for some traction.

Trail is snow covered as of 10/16. There's not too much yet, but it makes the hills very slippery. I bailed and went to Fall River reservoir instead due to losing traction on the hill just after the road to Chinn's splits from the road to the reservoir. Chains would have helped. Road to the reservoir was fine, snowy only in patches and it didn't cause an issue.

Hit the trail at about 10:00am this morning. Road is clear, but has gotten more rough since I did it about 4 years ago. Passable in most stock 4x4's. We had the place to ourselves the entire time. The upper lake is quite low. A short trail, but the views are incredible!

This trail was rougher than it was last year, many areas have washed out quite a bit but still very manageable for most 4x4 vehicles. Sadly the upper lake was almost completely drained.

Not a great trail if you’re looking for an off-road experience but there are some great camping spots and scenic views of the valley at the end of the trail. Was pretty crowded on a Saturday night but we were able to find a relatively secluded spot on the water.

Awesome, we went Tuesday and only 1 spot left. Packed Tuesday and Wednesday, most left Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon a whole new group came and was packed again. Great location though, but get loud and lots of people bringing screaming kids and what not. Not a place for peace and quite. There is a reason for it though, beautiful

Open.

Very bumpy. Very rocky. Easy but narrow. Not the most fun trail, but beautiful views once you get to the lakes.

Trail is clear until right before the second waypoint. A big 3ft snowdrift blocks the trail right before Chinn's Lake, but you can get out next to the campsite there and walk the rest of the way on top of the drift. Trail will probably not be completely open until mid-July due to the amount of snow and steep incline.

Headed up here after Fall River Reservoir. Some trickling water over trail surface in areas, mostly dry. Blocked by snow a short walk from the lake (see end of track in screenshot). Someone left some body trim and tail light debris trying to go around the drift :) 1st time here we will be back!

Still not passable in my lifted Tacoma, a couple 4wheelers couldn’t make it past the snow drift either. The trail heading to Fall River reservoir was easily done.

The trail is now impassable due to snow and ice. Expect it to be passable again around July 4th, 2021.

Stage 3 fire restrictions have been lifted as of 6am, 11/10/20. The forest is no longer fully closed. Areas within fire perimeters remain closed. See closure maps here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD844558 Expect winter conditions on trails. Some trails may be impassable due to snow, including this one.

Due to extreme fire danger, the National Forest Service has temporarily closed all National Forest land in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Gilpin, Boulder, and Larimer counties. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD831612

Nice day trail to run went up to have lunch. trail was not difficult at all just a bit rocky. The lakes were very low due to no rain and little snow pack last year.

Beautiful scenery and some nice short hikes around the lakes. Trail was fine for a stock GX.

Nice trail, the residential road on the way in has some cool mine ruminants and some neat places to camp. The trail itself was on the rocky side, able to traverse without issue but definitely rocky. Goring up to the upper reservoir there is a nice little rock garden you can take if you want to bounce around a bit. The cabin at the lower lake is all the way out of the water, when the lakes are full it is at the water line. Busy trail and lots of traffic.

Went on Labor Day and wasn’t too busy. Probably passed 3 Jeeps coming down. Very rocky, but manageable with clearance and 4wd. I’d recommend airing down. Would love to come back and camp because the lake is amazing. Worth the trek to the top! Nissan Frontier, 2inch level on 33’s

Went up to check out the lake after coming over on kingston peak. The trail is rocky but not impossible. Stock 98 XJ made it up with no problems. Lots of traffic and hikers on the road. Chinns lake is super low right now. The cabin in the description is high and dry!

Rocks and bumps (more than Rainbow Road), narrow sections but no pinstripes. Rewarded with scenic lakes.

Drove this trail late Sunday morning. No snow on the trail, lots of loose rocks but no major issues getting up there in a stock 4Runner. Quite a few people around but there were still plenty of parking/camping spots along the lake that were open.

Great trail for just about any rig (we saw some Audi Q5 and other SUVs near the lake). If you do take a SUV, just be careful of scraping on some rocks - keep an eye out for them and navigate around, you shouldn't have any issues. Nice camping around the lake (but was super busy so plan on arriving early in the week!). On our way out, we did Yankee Hill back over to Central City.

Crowded as usual. Late morning run up met with numerous vehicles coming down. Trail has not changed at all. Pretty easy with a high clearance vehicle.

Did the trail Friday, had to blast through the snow at the final water crossing, but overall very easy and scenic route. Would highly recommend.

Trail is open to the top. Very busy even for a Friday. I wouldn't consider this a moderate trail, it is pretty easy, just a little steep.

Still impassable due to the lingering upper drift.

It’s that time of year, this and all trails in the area become impassable due to snow.

Easy ride aired down all the way to the top. Was freezing with the wind at the lake, but beautiful. Hardly anyone on the trail.

Should be fine with stock 4x4 of your choice. If you can air down you'll enjoy the road much more. Trail is easy with upgraded lift and tires. Busy spot, but nice dispersed camping with good views. Go on a weekday if possible to avoid the front range crowds.

Trail is a little more difficult than past years, as is the norm for this year, but still fine in a high-clearance stock vehicle (Tacoma, Wrangler, Raptor, etc.) Probably would be tricky to make it up all the way to the lake in a Grand Cherokee, for example, but doable with some patience. The trail to Upper Chinns is much more rough; would recommend some tires or a lift to avoid rubbing on that one. Took the turn onto Mackinaw Lane on the way up, but there's a steep loose section not very far in that I didn't feel like tackling. May want a locker or recovery gear for that one to be on the safe side. Beautiful lake. Mosquitos are thick, so bring some Deet.

We made it to the lake in a 2015 stock Forester without any damage, but I wouldn't do it again. We followed our friends up who were in an F150. They didn't have any issues. Once we reached the lake we all hopped in the truck for another quarter mile to find a campsite.

Fun quick trail to a spectacular payoff. The lakes are picturesque nestled around the mountains. As long as you air down you'll be fine over the barrage of rocks. There are a handful of campsites up there too.

I took Rainbow road up to the Chinns lake jeep rd. Trail was in great condition. I few easy water crossings. The biggest obstacle was the traffic jam on the trail as there were hundreds of people up there. Not recommended for the weekend I would try to go on a weekday.

Easy climb up and was completely open. Plenty good for a stock 4x4. Went up early morning on the weekend and was it busy near the top. Even then, we were able to get a nice spot overlooking the second lake in the back. I agree with others on the forum, weekdays are probably a much better plan. Mosquitoes were in full force - bring that bug spray or mosquito net. The view and scenery makes it worth it though.

Ran Rainbow Rd and Mackinaw Lane up to Chinns Lake today. Had never been on Mackinaw lane before, followed Google Maps to get me there and wow, that trail/road needs to be added to this site. Shocked that Google Maps would send me there, the majority of the road is barely wide enough for my cherokee, lots of tight angles and big boulders to maneuver. I highly suggest taking that little offshoot if you are up for it. Anyway, Rainbow road was nice and easy as always. Chinns Lake was beautiful, weather was perfect for taking the dog on a hike around the lake. Ran all this in my 2001 Cherokee with a 2" budget boost, open diffs, and 31s. Saw plenty of full size trucks up camping at Chinns lake and one camper. Awesome day trip or camping location.

A few of the camping spots still had snow or was wet. There was a decent sized water crossing right before the lake but was no issues. Great spot, beautiful area.

Almost all the way open. Made it to the last turn like the review before, but huge snowdrifts still right before the lake. Myself and a couple others managed to make it past them by taking a turn right before the snowdrifts that lead to campsites but just past the campsites the snow continues.

Went and checked out Chinns lake. Made it to the last right turn and there was still 8 foot snow drifts. Still can’t drive to the lake.

Still snow packed at the switchback.

Made it around 3/4 of the way up and then snow was covering too much to proceed. Won't be too much longer until you can make it to the top, but still not an option at the moment. Check out the link attached for a video of the trail.

Definitely still impassable... made it about 0.3 mi up the trail before the snow drifts got too big. Was hoping to camp up here but no dice. Still need a couple more weeks of warm temps before this'll be ready.

Snow makes this impassable until summer of 2019.

Took a trip up today - road was relatively dry up to the split then alternating ~foot deep snow and slick/icy spots. I was the only person who ventured past the last switchback but it wasn't terrible, finally got to use the traction boards. I parked at Chinns and walked over to Sherwin, that part of the road is shaded and had some deep spots but you could probably make it with more effort than I wanted to exert. Also ran into some folks in a Tundra who said they made it to Fall River without much trouble. Use caution and know your limits if attempting after tonight's storm, winter has arrived.

Fun little trail. Nothing too challenging but high clearance is needed in several spots. Beautiful views. Would have been better about a week ago for the best Aspen experience. The lake was way down from the picture up top. There was probably 40 yards of beach under that cabin. There is one spot between the lower and upper lake so after the trail directions above end where a rock could catch you underneath if you're not careful. Its at the top of a little hill with a right turn after which makes it hard to keep your back end from grabbing the rock. Not sure if it was leftover from the day of the post below but there was a puddle of gear oil and a little trail at that rock. Gear oil still smelled fresh so it may have gotten somebody else.

This was a bumpy trail that would be worth the views if the lakes were full. they are very low maybe 30ft but still a great place if you like mountain lakes and want to get into nature.

Weather was great. Not too many people for a holiday, but we were up there mid day to later afternoon. Lake was very low, but did catch a few brookies. Road was in good shape. Did see some folks driving AWD vehicles that did not have a true low range and yes, ground clearance may be an issue in some spots. Someone did hit either there differential or oil pan on the road between the upper and lower lakes as we did hear a loud bang/clank and when we walked the road there was a trail of either gear oil or engine oil along the road, yikes =(. Hope they made it out OK.

Gave this a go to break in a new Wrangler. Made it up pretty easily in 4-low. Bumpy with a couple shallow puddles. Met some people along the way, but not too much traffic for a Saturday afternoon. A couple tight passing spots necessitates taking turns. Starting to get pretty chilly at the top. Beautiful spot.

Drove this yesterday. Fairly easy climb to the top. Mostly dry. Such a beautiful spot.

Trail was clear until the last switchback. Most people, including myself parked there and walked in due to snow. There was one 4runner that was determined to make it to the lake , and succeeded. Not sure it was the most correct trail etiquette/path but he made it. Otherwise, there is a massive snow drift which seems to be sitting on the trail that no car will make it through.

Tried today but definitely still snowed up. My buddy had a new lifted wrangler and I was in my stock XJ cherokee. We couldn't even get up rainbow to the jeep rd. Looking forward to going back in a month or so.

Snow has fallen and this trail is now impassable for the season.

We got a little sun for our day and it was on Chinn's lake. Snow on the last switchback stopped us two years ago and we finally made it up to the top. The lake is low and so was the sun. It made for some amazing pictures and a great add to our day.

I had to get out of the house for a little bit and this one is nearby and I had not run it yet this year. The trail seems about like it normally does difficulty wise. The lake was drawn real low, it looked a good 10' or so low. Not many people for a Saturday evening which was nice.

Went up to Chinn's Lake on July 6th in a Tacoma TRD Off-Road. Road is totally clear and dry all the way up to the lake. The lake level seems to be pretty low, not sure why. Still a cool spot with good camping!

Made it all the way to the reservoir with a Subaru Forestor and Honda CRV behind me haha. Tried to go up to Chinns Lake, but there was a lot of Jeep traffic on the trail and they said the snow was still too much to make it to the top. I ended up turning around about 1/8th of a mile in. Was some small snow drifts on the side up that far. Stock Tacoma TRD OR.

You can now make it to just before the final gate at Fall River Res with standard 4x4, one last snowbank that some made it over some didnt - but it only added 200 feet before the road ends. Chinns was much more challenging, I was able to slowly make it up to just before the big swithcback at which point the snow shelf made the road to narrow for my liking. I hopped out and walked about 100 feet to the switchback, the uphill was completely covered in several feet of snow so I figured its time to wait another week, 10 days maybe.

Made an attempt at Chinns lake and the reservoir this weekend and I was unsuccessful. Still too much snow on both of the trails to make it through. You can get up to the fork for the lake and the reservoir without much problem but only made it about 1/8 of a mile up the Chinns lake road before I had to back down because of the excess amount of snow in the trail. The trail to the res was not much better. If you have a super beast of a 4x4 you might make it to the res with some serious maneuvering but otherwise down even bother for a few weeks. A few camping spots along the trail up to the fork but a lot of that area is private land so pick a spot wisely. GLTA

Open to just after the Y on Jeep Rd, but before the lake. A beefy vehicle might be able to cut what's left of the snow to at least get to the first lake, but we didn't risk it. The trail is otherwise in good shape and as described. Winter doesn't seem to have done much damage to the lower portion of the trail.

Still a little to much snow to pass through all the way. Give it another week or so.

Decided to give Chinn's a try since we had already made it up to Fall River Reservoir. I was in my LJ on 37s locked, front and rear. I was able to make it a little ways (maybe a half mile) up the shelf road from the split with Rainbow Road, but it was an extreme struggle! Both lockers on, engine revved, and only moving a few inches at a time. The snow wasn't more than a foot deep, but it was icy and the trail climbs uphill. I never made it to the switchback before we gave up and turned around. I'd say this trail is now officially closed for the season.

The Chinns Lake Trail is very close to where I live and I was looking for trails to do that were on the east side of the Eisenhower tunnel so I didn't have to contend with holiday traffic heading home. With the mass exodus from Denver for the 4th of July weekend taking place I was pleasantly surprised to find that Chinn Lake still had several good camping locations open. The snow capped mountains create an iconic back drop for both Chinns Lake and Stewart Lake. This area is one of the few where you can find dispersed camping right on the water in such an iconic setting along the Front Range near Denver. The proximity to Denver is both good and bad. On the good side the location creates a quick retreat for people from Denver and you can always count on having a conversation or two with the people you meet on the trail. Sadly though, this area attracts crowds that don't necessarily pick up after themselves. While the area is cleaner than Fall River Reservoir it needs some tender loving care. They say it all the time, "Pack out what you pack in". It should also be said, "Pack out more than you packed in". This would include: broken glass, shot gun shells, clay pigeons, brass shells, fishing equipment, broken-off automobile parts, and tin foil.