Chinns Lake Hike

Route Description for Chinns Lake Hike

Chinns Lake Trail will guide you up to the stunning alpine lakes flanked by Mount Eva and Whitter Peak. Enjoy the quintessential alpine lake vista and notice the wood structure submerged in the lake. This old cabin is often hidden under the water, but when the reservoir is drained, you can walk out the waterlogged structure. The route up to the lake is shared with off-roading vehicles, thus ensuring to walk on the shoulder of the path and be cautious of speedy drivers. Though you can hike this trail, there is no explicit parking. We suggest parking along the shoulder of the road before the trailhead.

Begin your adventure up to Chinns Lake from the trailhead. Track northwest along the Jeep Road. Hike along the wooded path as it gradually ascends towards the lake. Enjoy the wide, easy to follow path and notice the wildflowers that line the road’s edge. Trek along the dirt road and soon the trail will open to the lakes. Explore the lakes, and if you brought your permit and fishing rod, try your hand at some trout! Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the alpine lakes hemmed by rocky peaks of the Continental Divide. Along the lake, there will usually be dispersed campers set up, enjoying what the wilderness has to offer.

Consider camping overnight too. Imagine waking up to the scenery of the craggy peaks and the blue-hued reservoir in the morning, sounds amazing right? If you are ready to set back, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead.