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Echo Lake Park: A Subalpine Escape

Discover stunning alpine scenery, hiking trails, and historic charm at Echo Lake Park, nestled near Mount Blue Sky, just a short drive from Denver.

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Nestled at 10,600 feet near the base of Mount Blue Sky, Echo Lake Park offers a stunning subalpine landscape easily accessible from Denver. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and exploring the historic Echo Lake Lodge.

A brief summary to Echo Lake Park

  • Monday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Be prepared for high-altitude conditions; even in summer, temperatures can be cool, and the weather can change rapidly.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds, especially during peak season (summer and early fall).
  • Check the status of Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway before your visit, as it's typically open from late May to mid-October.
  • Bring your fishing gear and try your luck at catching trout in Echo Lake.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be rocky and uneven.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Denver, take I-70 west to Idaho Springs (Exit 240). Follow CO-103 south for approximately 13.5 miles to Echo Lake Park. Alternatively, from Evergreen, take CO-103 north towards Idaho Springs. Parking is available at the lake and near the Echo Lake Lodge. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially on weekends. During winter months, roads are subject to closure or may require chains.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Echo Lake Park, some tour operators offer transportation from Denver. Check with local tour companies for options and pricing. The 'Red Rocks, Evergreen, Echo Lake Tour' departs from Denver Union Station and includes transportation to Echo Lake Park. Tour prices vary.

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Discover more about Echo Lake Park

Echo Lake Park, a part of the Denver Mountain Parks system, is a captivating destination located approximately 33.5 miles west of Denver along the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. Established in 1921, the park spans 600 acres and features a 24-acre natural lake formed by glacial moraines. The park's main attractions include the picturesque Echo Lake, framed by forests of subalpine fir, limber pine, and bristlecone pine, and the historic Echo Lake Lodge. Completed in 1927, the lodge, designed by Denver architect Jacques Benedict, offers a restaurant and gift shop. Two stone structures, a shelter and concession stand, built in 1924, add to the park's rustic charm. Echo Lake Park provides access to numerous hiking trails, ranging from the easy 0.6-mile Echo Lake Trail to more challenging routes into the Mount Evans Wilderness. These trails connect to destinations like Chicago Lakes and the summit of Mount Blue Sky, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Fishing is a popular activity in Echo Lake, where anglers can try their luck at catching trout. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting visitors for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, typically open from late May through October, offers scenic drives with unmatched alpine vistas. Echo Lake Park has also been recognized for its historical significance in the field of physics. In 2017, the American Physical Society designated Echo Lake and Mount Blue Sky as historic sites, honoring the cosmic-ray physics experiments conducted there between 1935 and 1960.

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