Navigation, offline maps, and more on the free Roam app.
Get the AppChinns Lake Trail
No elevation data available
Description
Chinns Lake Trail offers a scenic off-road adventure in the Arapaho National Forest, leading to the beautiful Chinns Lake and nearby Sherman Lake, popular spots for camping and fishing. The trail starts relatively easy on County Road 275.7 (Fall River Road) but becomes progressively steeper, narrower, and rockier as you approach Chinns Lake on Forest Service Road 174D. Expect a rugged mountain road with some optional obstacles, large rocks, dips, and potentially narrow sections. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are essential, and careful tire placement will be needed, especially on the final ascent. The area is shared with hikers and ATVs (though ATV legality on the initial county road section may vary). The trail is typically accessible from July to September, as deep snow often makes it impassable during late winter, spring, and early summer. Be prepared for changing mountain weather and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.
Directions
To reach the Chinns Lake Trail:
- From Denver, take I-70 west.
- Take Exit 238 for Fall River Road (County Road 275) just outside Idaho Springs.
- Drive north on Fall River Road (paved initially) for approximately 6.6 miles. The road will pass through a residential area and then transition to a rougher forest road (CR 275.7).
- Look for an unmarked dirt road turning off to the left (Forest Service Road 174D) just before a gated residence. This turn is at the bottom of a tight right-hand switchback on Fall River Road. Some sources mention this turn is near the 'Invincible Lodge' entrance.
- Follow signs for Chinns Lake on F.S. 174D. This section is steeper and more challenging. There isn't a dedicated staging area for unlicensed vehicles at the very start; consider unloading ATVs closer to the beginning of F.S. 174D if applicable. The trailhead for the 4x4 route is effectively where F.S. 174D begins.
Difficulty
The trail to Chinns Lake is considered moderate for off-road vehicles. The initial part on Fall River Road (CR 275.7) is easier, though it can have some rough spots. The challenge increases significantly on Forest Service Road 174D leading to Chinns Lake. This section becomes progressively steeper and rockier, with large rocks, dips, and narrow passages requiring careful tire placement. High-clearance 4x4 is necessary, and vehicles with low-range gearing will find it beneficial. While not extreme, drivers should be comfortable navigating uneven terrain. Oversize vehicles might struggle near the top due to narrowness and tight turns. The road to Fall River Reservoir is generally easier than the final ascent to Chinns Lake.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Hiking
The text and geometry of this object available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license