Chinns Lake

Total Miles
3.7

Elevation

3,392.50 ft

Duration

1 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

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Chinns Lake 5

Trail Overview

Chinns Lake is located in a beautiful narrow valley. Unlicensed vehicles are permitted, but there isn't a staging area. Trail will start out broad, passing through a residential area, but quickly narrows to become a thin, rugged mountain road. There are a few obstacles that are optional, and the lake is great fun. This is a nice weekend destination.

Photos of Chinns Lake

Chinns Lake
Chinns Lake

Difficulty

Moderate. The road to Fall River Reservoir is easier with some rougher spots. After the fork, the road to Chinns Lake climbs up the side of the valley and gets progressively steeper and rougher. High-clearance, 4-wheeldrive SUVs can make it with careful tire placement. Oversize vehicles may struggle near the top. Vehicles must have 4-wheel drive to reach the lakes.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Ryan Peterson
Jul 13, 2024
1995 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
Todd G
Jun 29, 2024
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
Open
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Open all the way up. When you get to the lake you can go left (2 options) to go all way to the other side and there is some fun water to go through. Mostly a 3-4 trail with one spot being a 5-6 (I went right). You’ll know it when you get to it. Saw a beaver up there a couple times. Dog loved running through all the water. There were a bunch of campers but there were still some decent spots open on the water and just before.
Craig Etherton
Jun 27, 2024
2000 Jeep Cherokee
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Logan S
Jun 18, 2024
2022 Ford Bronco
Obstructed
Deep Snow
There is deep snow obstructing the trail just after the hairpin almost all the way up to the lake. We had to park and hike up the rest.

Access Description

Take I-70 west from Denver to Fall River Road, Exit 238. Drive north about 6.6 miles to unmarked road on the left just before gated residence. This turn is at the bottom of a tight switchback that breaks hard right uphill.

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