Chinns Lake

Total Miles
3.7

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

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Chinns Lake
5

Trail Overview

Chinns Lake is located in a beautiful narrow valley. Unlicensed vehicles are permitted, but there isn't a staging area. The trail starts out broad, passing through a residential area, but quickly narrows to become a thin, rugged mountain road. There are a few optional obstacles, and the lake is great fun. This is a nice weekend destination.

Photos of Chinns Lake

Chinns Lake
Chinns Lake

Difficulty

Moderate. The road to Fall River Reservoir is easier with some rougher spots. After the fork, the road to Chinns Lake climbs up the side of the valley and gets progressively steeper and rougher. High-clearance, 4-wheeldrive SUVs can make it with careful tire placement. Oversize vehicles may struggle near the top. Vehicles must have 4-wheel drive to reach the lakes.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Seth Fontenot
Nov 30, 2024
4x4
Open
snowy until y intersection. Snow tires recommended, difficult to move forward at times with snow depth. Not impossible but add a lot of buffer time.
Robert Whitman
Nov 03, 2024
2023 Ford Bronco
Open
Snow/Ice
Snow wasn’t thick but one spot was icy and was sketchy
Jon Santos
Oct 27, 2024
2006 Honda CR-V
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Rough/Deteriorated
trail was not bad considering i went up there and finished the trail with a 2006 honda CRV stock height with just all terrains. there is snow and wet mud it was sketchy, I was sliding going down from the trail so be careful. beautiful view at the end of the trail with small campsites.
Staci Bertuglia
Oct 02, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Cool old mine sites and old home foundations. The lake is till pretty deep for it being the fall!

Access Description

Take I-70 west from Denver to Fall River Road, Exit 238. Drive north about 6.6 miles to unmarked road on the left just before gated residence. This turn is at the bottom of a tight switchback that breaks hard right uphill.

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