Camp and Hike to Loch Lomond, CO

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Description

Alpine lakesWaterfallFresh AirGreat ViewsFishingCampingHikingClose to Denver

On 70 going west from Denver, take exit 238 for Fall River Road. Turn right on Fall River Road and drive 8.4 miles to Alice Road/CR 275. Follow Stewart Road, which is a rocky trail that becomes Forest Road 701.2. I think it can be done in any vehicle, but you'd be better off in an SUV or truck.

The road up to the lake is protected by a seasonal gate that opens July 15th - October 15th so if you do not go between those times the lake is only reachable by hike. There are 3 other lakes that are within hiking distance, and plenty of great land to explore as well.

You can drive all the way up to the lake, or you can take a turn off into the woods and find one of the many dispersed camping sites that are along the river and hike the rest of the way. Wood gathering is acceptable so if you didn't pack any in, go out in search of appropriate trees.

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Fishing

Mountain Biking

Backpacking

Hiking

Diving

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

River

Scenic

Camp and Hike to Loch Lomond, CO Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond

The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend camping below the tree line. This is dispersed camping and there are no fees to camp here.You can f...

Explore Fall River Reservoir

This spot may be a little more difficult to reach than others, but the payoff is worth it. You'll start by taking a dirt road that splits off from Fall River Road. It is pretty easy going for the first mile or so, but then you'll want to make sure you have a little higher clearance 4x4 vehicle to get over the rocks that cover the road as you get closer to the lake. I drove my 2005 Grand Cheroke...

Chinns Lake Trail

Camp at Chinns Lake

Take the road as if you are going to St. Mary's Glacier, but you will take a left off the road (next to a very nice house) before the road makes a sharp right turn to go up hill. The road is a smooth dirt road for about a mile, but gets very rocky after that and you will need a good off road vehicle to drive further. I drove a 91 jeep cherokee with 4x4. I saw some trucks drive by,

Hiking James Peak (13,294')

James Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. St. Mary's Glaicer is a very popular destination (though most do not continue past the snowfield) so make sure you arrive early to guarantee a parking spot.Fr...

Hike to Loch Lomond

When you start the hike to Loch Lomond, you'll have a few options for parking. The further up the road you go the trickier it's going to be to get back out. I parked at the bottom of the road and hiked my way up. The first mile or two is mostly elevation gain and to be quite honest I thought I was going to die a few times. Still getting used to the elevation of CO is something I hope to someday...