Loch Lomond is a scenic alpine lake tucked into the mountains of Clear Creek County, accessible via a combination of rough road and moderate hiking trail west of Idaho Springs along the I-70 corridor. This high-country lake sits in a bowl framed by rocky ridgelines and dense subalpine forest, offering the kind of quiet backcountry experience that draws hikers, campers, and solitude seekers away from the busier Front Range destinations. With waterfalls along the approach trail, summer wildflower meadows, and the option to extend your trip onto surrounding ridges, Loch Lomond packs a lot of mountain character into a relatively accessible package.
Reaching Loch Lomond requires navigating a rough dirt road that is not suitable for standard two-wheel-drive passenger cars. A truck, SUV, or high-clearance vehicle will handle the road comfortably, though smaller all-wheel-drive vehicles may struggle with the rockier sections. Once you park at the informal trailhead area, the hike to the lake is generally rated easy to moderate—a manageable distance with modest elevation gain through forested terrain. Along the way, you will pass waterfalls that run strongest during spring snowmelt in June and early July, making that window especially rewarding for day hikers.
Camping near Loch Lomond is a popular option for those who want to extend their visit. Dispersed camping sites can be found in the surrounding forest, and the area provides a peaceful setting for an overnight stay under the stars. There are no developed facilities, so pack in everything you need and pack out all waste. The lake itself sits at a high enough elevation that nights stay cool even in midsummer, so bring warm layers for any overnight trip.
Fishing at Loch Lomond can be hit or miss. Some visitors have reported slow fishing, particularly later in the season when water levels drop through September and into fall. The lake may hold small trout, but it is not considered a destination fishery—come for the scenery and hiking rather than counting on a productive fishing outing. For more ambitious hikers, the ridges above Loch Lomond provide strenuous but rewarding extensions with panoramic views across the Clear Creek drainage and beyond. These ridge routes add significant elevation gain and exposure, so they are best suited for experienced hikers with good fitness and mountain awareness.
Loch Lomond is the kind of Colorado lake that rewards visitors who appreciate wild, undeveloped mountain settings over manicured facilities. The combination of a scenic drive, waterfall-lined trail, alpine lake, and ridge-hiking options makes it a worthwhile day trip or overnight destination from the Denver metro area, especially for those already traveling the I-70 mountain corridor.