Hine Lake

Hine Lake is a 38-acre gem tucked inside Robert A. Easton Regional Park in Jefferson County, just off the hogback where the Great Plains meet the foothills west of Denver. Managed by the Foothills Park and Recreation District, the lake and its surrounding 200-plus-acre park give families, anglers, and dog walkers an easy escape that feels far more remote than its location next to C-470 would suggest.

Fishing is the main draw at Hine Lake. Colorado Parks and Wildlife periodically stocks the lake with rainbow trout, and resident populations of largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and green sunfish provide year-round action. A fishing pier on the south shore offers accessible casting for anglers of all abilities, making this a reliable spot to introduce kids to their first catch. Note that swimming, wading, boating, belly boats, and ice fishing are all prohibited, so plan your visit around shore fishing or the pier.

The Hine Lake Loop Trail circles the water for just over one mile, with half the path paved in concrete and the other half surfaced with compacted granite sand. The loop is flat and family-friendly, ideal for walking, jogging, or pushing a stroller. Bird watchers will find plenty to observe along the route, including red-tailed hawks, waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds that use the lake and surrounding prairie habitat. Dogs are welcome on leash, and visitors frequently report the park is cleaner than many comparable Front Range spots.

Easton Regional Park adds a playground, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a basketball court, picnic shelters, and open green space to the experience. The combination of fishing access, a paved loop trail, and family recreation facilities makes Hine Lake one of the most well-rounded suburban lake parks in the Denver metro area. Sunsets behind the hogback are a particular highlight, painting the sky above the foothills in gold and crimson on clear evenings.