Top 17 Lakes in Clear Creek County
Lakes in Clear Creek County, Colorado, are situated within a high-alpine environment, offering diverse outdoor experiences. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with many lakes accessible via hiking trails. These natural landscapes provide opportunities for various activities, from short walks to more challenging high-altitude treks. Clear Creek County's lakes are integral to its natural appeal, drawing visitors seeking mountain scenery.
Best lakes in Clear Creek County
- The most popular lakes include Herman Lake, a lake accessible directly…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Saint Mary's Lake
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Herman Lake
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Echo Lake
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Summit Lake
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Square Top Lakes spur trail
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View of Naylor Lake
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Murray Lake
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Abyss Lake
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Loch Lomond
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Tom Bennoff Lake Trail
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Tips from the Community
This high alpine lake is quite the view and a destination for many. **If you plan on parking here to hike Mt. Evans, a reservation is required to park at Summit Lake and must be purchased through recreation.gov PRIOR to the day of your hike. It's $7. All specific and important info can be found at: recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438
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This is a wide, well-landscaped, crushed gravel trail which skirts around the shoreline of Georgetown Lake. The trail crosses the dam at the lake's northern end. Both ends of this segment intersect with steeper trails that take you up the mountain to Dunbarton Mine (north) and the Purdy Trail (south).
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There is a large gravel lot here right on the shore of Loch Lomond which provides access to the the trails around the numerous alpine lakes in the area. You can also access James Peak via a connector from the Upper Lakes trail. If your vehicle can't make it up the gravel road you can always park at the bottom and run up.
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There is a spur trail off of the South Park Trail before hitting the split to Square Top Mountain. This trail gets you up close and personal with the two alpine lakes fed by the snowmelt on the slopes of the mountain. The lakes are over 12,000 feet in elevation, thus well over treeline. The entire area is a riparian environment and home to wildflowers, pikas, and marmots.
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In order to get to Murray Lake, you pass by two other alpine reservoirs. You can actually see all three at the same time from up here. Murray Lake is over 12,000 feet high and well above treeline. The alpine meadows up this high have a little later spring and more wildflowers once the season finally begins.
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Naylor Lake is on private property; there is a private road from the parking lot leading straight to its banks, but this route isn't open to the public. There's a viewing area from up above on the Silver Dollar Lakes Trail. This is a super popular trail, and the upper parking lot can fill up quickly. If you don't beat the crowds, just park in the lower lot at Guanella Pass Road and add a little less than a mile on the gravel road.
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Abyss Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in Colorado, sitting at 12,680 feet. The lake itself doesn't seem too many visitors due to its remoteness, but the two 14,000-foot peaks making up its basin walls see lots of crowds. This lake provides a wilderness feel that many of the wilderness trails in the area can not match.
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At 10,600 feet, Echo Lake and Echo Lake Mountain Park rest at the base of the 14er Mount Evans. The park area includes some camping (reservations required) and biking and fishing options. There are also running and hiking trails starting and ending at the lake parking area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Clear Creek County are good for an easy hike?
For an easy hike, consider Echo Lake, which offers a gentle 0.75-mile one-way trail with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Another great option is Tom Bennhoff Lake (Georgetown Lake), featuring an easy 1.3-mile loop trail. The hike to Saint Mary's Lake is also relatively short, about half a mile from the parking area.
Are there any family-friendly lakes in Clear Creek County?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Echo Lake is very family-friendly, offering easy trails and picnic areas. Tom Bennhoff Lake (Georgetown Lake) also has an easy, looping trail that is great for all ages. Additionally, Loch Lomond is listed as family-friendly.
What lakes offer fishing opportunities in Clear Creek County?
Clear Lake is a popular spot for fishing trout and provides picnic areas with grills. Echo Lake also offers fishing options. For a more rugged experience, Chinns Lake is an excellent spot for casting a line.
Which lakes are best for winter activities like snowshoeing?
St. Mary's Lake, part of the St. Mary's Glacier area, is particularly favored for snowshoeing in winter due to its year-round accessibility and popularity.
Are there any lakes in Clear Creek County where I can go camping?
Camping options are available near some lakes. Echo Lake Mountain Park offers camping, though reservations are required. Clear Lake has nearby overnight camping at the Clear Lake Campground. Chinns Lake also features established campsites along its south shore for a more rustic experience.
What are the parking arrangements and fees for lakes in Clear Creek County?
Parking varies by location. For Saint Mary's Lake, there is a paid parking area with restrooms. Echo Lake has a dedicated parking area. For Summit Lake, a reservation is required to park and must be purchased in advance through recreation.gov. Clear Lake provides a parking area, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities.
Which lakes offer stunning alpine views and high-altitude experiences?
Many lakes in Clear Creek County are high-alpine. Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake are high-alpine lakes accessed via a scenic trail. Summit Lake is over 12,000 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking alpine tundra views. Clear Lake also provides beautiful alpine scenery along Guanella Pass Road.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Clear Creek County?
Beyond visiting the lakes themselves, you can find numerous hiking and running trails nearby. For hiking, consider routes like the Mount Bierstadt Trail or the Beaver Brook Watershed North Loop. For running, popular options include the Herman Gulch Trail or the Chicago Lakes Trail. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in Clear Creek County and Running Trails in Clear Creek County guides.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' lakes in the area?
While popular spots can get busy, venturing further past the main attractions often leads to quieter experiences. For example, on the trail to Saint Mary's Lake, the further you continue past the lake towards the glacier, the fewer people you will encounter. Chinns Lake, requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for access, offers a more rugged and off-the-grid experience, making it a potential hidden gem.
Can I bring non-motorized boats to any of the lakes?
Yes, at Clear Lake, non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are permitted. However, swimming and inflatable tubes are prohibited there.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Clear Creek County?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views and the opportunity to experience high-alpine environments. Many appreciate the diverse range of trails, from easy walks around lakes like Echo Lake to more challenging routes leading to destinations like Herman Lake. The chance to see wildflowers and wildlife, especially around Silver Dollar Lake, is also a highlight.
Are there any lakes accessible directly off I-70?
Yes, Herman Lake is an easily accessed hike right off of I-70, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Most popular routes in Clear Creek County
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