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Hike to Loch Lomond

Idaho Springs, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

4.6 miles

Elevation Gain

948 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kaitlyn Janak

This is a phenomenal hike about 1 hour outside of Denver that lets you truly escape into the mountains!

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 look back on and laugh. Once you make it up the hill, the views are absolutely breathtaking, best part is you haven't even made it to the lake so you'll have phenomenal views to come!

I did this trail in early June and the snowmelt was pretty intense, there were some parts of the trail that were completely submerged so bring waterproof boots or some Tevas to throw on for the watered down areas.

You'll get to a valley area that truly makes you feel like you've walked straight into a scene from "The Sound of Music". Once you reach this point, you're about .5 mile from the lake.

When you reach your destination there is a trail that leads you to the opposite side of the lake. There are also plenty of spots to set up a picnic. Take some time up here to truly enjoy the beauty of the area, the waterfall, valley, lake, and mountains all come together to truly give you a soul filling experience!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Beach
Dog Friendly
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike to Loch Lomond Reviews

You can drive up to this beautiful lake (with a waterfall) if you have 4WD, but it gets extremely crowded and can get scary at times especially if you have to pass someone. I don’t recommend driving if you don’t have experience on rough and crowded 4WD roads. People hike up to the lake as well. They are strict about parking at the bottom of the road so be aware.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Explore 'The Hidden Gems' of Loch Lomond

Hiking James Peak (13,294')

Chinns Lake Trail

Hike St. Mary's Glacier

Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond

Explore Fall River Reservoir