What activities are available at Chinns Lake?

Chinns Lake offers Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Picnicking.

What amenities does Chinns Lake have?

Chinns Lake has Parking, Unpaved Trail.

Where is Chinns Lake located?

Chinns Lake is located in Clear Creek County, Colorado.

Is a permit required at Chinns Lake?

Permit information is not currently available. Check with the managing agency for current requirements.

Chinns Lake

reservoir

Clear Creek County, Colorado

4.4(37 reviews)

About Chinns Lake

Chinns Lake sits high in Clear Creek County, accessible only by a rugged 4WD road that keeps the crowds thinner than more popular Front Range destinations like St. Mary's Glacier. Reviewers describe the drive as rocky and steep, rated roughly a 2 to 4 out of 10 on off-road difficulty scales, but nearly everyone agrees the payoff is worth the bumpy ride. The lake itself is surrounded by wildflowers in late July, offers views that visitors call breathtaking, and connects to Upper Chinns Reservoir and nearby Slater Lake for those who want to explore further on foot or by kayak.

Fishing at Chinns Lake centers on brook trout, and anglers report consistent catches from the shoreline. Camping is dispersed with no formal sites, and most visitors set up right along the lake or the access road. Privacy between camps can be limited on weekends, so weekday visits are a better bet if solitude matters. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on both the main lake and Upper Chinns Reservoir, with calm water making either activity approachable for beginners.

The road to Chinns Lake requires genuine 4WD with high clearance. Stock Jeeps and lifted trucks handle it well, but standard AWD vehicles and Subarus are risky. In autumn, the final mile and a half can turn to solid ice, adding real difficulty. Social media exposure in recent years has spiked traffic, and weekend visits now mean full parking areas, cross-traffic conflicts on the narrow road, and limited turnaround space. Rangers are present occasionally but enforcement is sparse.

Weather at this elevation changes fast. Visitors report sunshine, rain, hail, and sleet all within a single 48-hour window during summer months. Mountain lion tracks and ticks have been spotted in the area, so tick checks on pets are essential. Some reviewers note trash left behind and fireworks set off in the forest, which is a serious wildfire risk. A hike to the nearby waterfall is frequently mentioned as a highlight, and the overall scenery draws visitors back despite the access challenges.

Reviews (10)

scott wegs

Easy trail, pretty lakes, great camping. Ignore the idiots giving less than 4 stars.

K Moore

This used to be such a beautiful off roading trail and a bit more difficult for stock vehicles to get passed. But they recently fixed the trail and a couple large tiktok posts made this Denver's new hot spot. We got there on a Thursday afternoon and it was basically already full. By the time Saturday hit, people were having no area to turn around, being rude to one another, leaving trash, setting off fireworks (in a forest!) And shooting their guns when there are campsites in every direction. We saw a ranger and he didn't make vehicles move from the main road that were in the way of others. I think the rangers need to be at this location since it's a hot spot now and even make a gate/sign that would let people know if there are campsites left. I'm only giving this 2 stars because of its once beauty. RIP Chinns Lake.

Aurora Mathews

It was beautiful and so calming, especially going with family. Great place to go for vacation of even just to visit!

so many bugs, mountain lion tracks, very dangerous road, found 10 ticks on my dog after a half day here I suggest skipping this spot, nothing to write home about here. probably won’t go back.

James Jones

4wd only. Brook trout central. Great spot to shred in July if you're dumb.

Stitz Stitz

Amazing rugged 4 wheel road to the top. Views are breathtaking once you reach the top. Rugged hiking to the waterfall was worth it!

Luryanne Raymundo Barros

Such an incredible place, definitely worth the visit !

Douglas Hohulin

Went up on a Friday so it wasn't too busy. We hiked up to Slater lake but we took the kayak out on Upper Chinns reservoir and that was nice. I did not see the sign showing to left you must take off of 275 so check your navigation.

Danilo Engracio

Definitely a jeep road, not a hiking trail. 4x4 with high clearance required. It's a steep, rocky trek up. Some snow was deep. I got stuck, good thing my miolle recovery rope is amazing. My friend pulled me with no issue, worth my money. Beautiful lakes, wild flowers, and views.

Alan Courtemanche

Great place for a day at the lake, or for camping. As others have said, not much privacy. Rough road, but I’ve seen Subarus and other little SUV’s make it. The road to the upper lake is tough, and I’m glad we were in the gladiator Mojave. Bring your yaks or paddle boards