Echo Lake sits at the base of Mount Evans (now Mount Blue Sky) along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Clear Creek County, making it one of the highest-altitude accessible lakes in Colorado. Surrounded by subalpine forest and granite peaks, this small alpine lake offers a dramatic mountain setting without requiring a difficult hike. Visitors can drive directly to the lake along Highway 103, and the park area provides a well-maintained staging point for picnics, short hikes, and high-country sightseeing year-round.
Fishing at Echo Lake targets stocked trout in a compact, high-elevation setting. The lake freezes solid in winter, but open-water season typically runs from late May through October depending on snowpack. Shore fishing is straightforward along the accessible banks, and the relatively small surface area keeps fish concentrated. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and standard CPW regulations apply. The lake sits well above 10,000 feet, so expect cooler water temperatures that keep trout active even in midsummer.
Hiking trails around Echo Lake connect to the broader Mount Blue Sky Wilderness trail network, including routes toward Chicago Lakes and the summit road corridor. The lake loop itself is a short, family-friendly walk with views of the surrounding peaks and dense spruce-fir forest. In winter and early spring, the frozen lake and snow-covered landscape attract visitors for snowshoeing, photography, and the sheer beauty of the alpine scenery. Snow tubing has also been reported in the area when conditions allow.
The picnic area at Echo Lake Park is well equipped with numerous picnic tables and ample parking, though open fires and grills are prohibited. Vault toilets are available year-round, though visitor reports note they can be inconsistently maintained during off-season months. The facilities stay open through winter, making Echo Lake one of the few high-elevation picnic and recreation areas accessible by car even in cold months. Wind and cold temperatures are common given the exposed elevation, so layered clothing is a must regardless of season.
Echo Lake is roughly 60 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70 and Highway 103, placing it within easy day-trip range. The drive itself is a highlight, with sweeping views of the Front Range and access to the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, one of the highest paved roads in North America. Whether you are stopping for a quick trout-fishing session, packing a picnic lunch above treeline, or using Echo Lake as a basecamp before heading higher, this alpine gem delivers an accessible taste of Colorado high country without a strenuous approach.