Echo Lake Park

Gorgeous park to take visits or just to take yourself on a nice little walk or hike. I've been here a couple times, both in the summer and winter and really can't say which one is my fave since it just beautiful all around. They have a couple small parking lots but it fills up quickly so per usual with Colorado, the earlier the better. Bathrooms on site as well but I would hold your nose and close your eyes when you go because you don't want to see what's going on there. Yikes. Bonus for having multiple picnic sites where you can plop down and have a snack or meal while taking on the views!

Beautiful park with bathrooms and picnic areas. Also plenty of parking. You can also hike to chicago lakes. Crowded on a weekend but not overbearing.

Itching for a day of fishing in the mountains, our group headed west to Idaho Springs. Echo Lake was the spot of choice - and one I hadn't been to in quite some time. I forget how beautiful the drive up Mount Evans truly is, and just before the Summit Park entrance, lies the tiny but mighty Echo Lake. A short 30 ish minute drive from Denver!We opted to park close to the path, allowing us easy access to and from the car - because you know, snacks. The lake and surrounding walking trails didn't FEEL crowded despite the amount of people who took to an early morning hike.The lake itself is beautiful, has picnic benches surrounding the space for outdoor dining and the bathrooms are just down the way.Also located close by are both the Echo Lake Trail and Chicago Lakes Trail which boast stunning views in all directions. The trail that surrounds the north half of lake has a dirt path, which makes it easy to walk, but doesn't go around the lake. A "no trespassing" sign blocks off a plant area, leaving walkers to shift the other direction linking up to the Echo Lakes Trail.I WILL ADMIT...Although we arrived early in the morning, the fishing is pretty bad. The lake is FILLED with seaweed and weeds, which is pretty much all we caught. We managed to walk the shores surrounding the lake hoping for a better go-around, but no such luck.Despite the lack of fishing opportunities, I'd easily return to this beautiful area for a hike, pit stop at the nearby shop/restaurant or before venturing into Summit Park!

This place was beautiful to go. Great to see. Fishing sucked for me and I don't fly fish just spin reel with lures. You get snagged a lot it's super shallow across the whole lake

We stopped by here on our way to the Mt Evans byway entrance. The entire lake was frozen and there was a state trooper parked nearby, likely keeping an eye on people who may decide to walk on the lake. Haha.It was so cold when we arrived in mid April and we barely stood outside for 5 minutes and had to get back into the car. It was the wind!! Pretty sight to see a frozen lake!

Visiting this park made a recent visit so much more beautiful and memorable. Temps were low and the wind chill so biting that one of our hosts immediately retreated back to the vehicle while the remaining three of us walked around the edge of the snow-covered lake and trail and then stepped onto the frozen lake - a first time for 2:3 of us!!The second host soon retreated to the car as well while us two, non-locals carried on - not knowing when - if ever - we might get to return...and having the curiosity of cats.Glad we were that we opted for a short out-and-back hike on Chicago Lakes Trail!! The views were breathtaking and well worth fighting the cold to see!

Echo Lake Park is such a beautiful area with such a lovely lake. There's also nice trails to check out as well. It's just a very peaceful and serene area. The drive to get there was a little intense but well worth it to see such a calm lake. This would be a perfect place to just sit and reflect on the day.

This lake is a favorite of mine because it is easy to find and not too far from the city. And I like wandering around Idaho Springs town which is over the bridge from the road to the lake. There is a lodge beside the lake which has a restaurant and gift store. There are different trails around the lake and away from the lake. Little animals all over which make your walks more fun. Small parking lot but there's some parking along the road. Stop here when you're visiting Mount Evans. Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. You feel like you're far away from the hustle and bustle of the city but it's not that far of a drive. Let's you recharge your batteries by communing with nature. And if you're hungry, bring a picnic lunch or stop at the lodge next door. Or eat in Idaho Springs. So many options and yet it seems secluded when you walk the trails.

Echo Lake is a great place to stop if your in the area or heading to Mt Evans. Can not miss it .. right by the road .. we passed the Echo Lodge first .. then parked by the lake to look for a bit. family friendly dog friendly .. great place to picnic. Nice easy flat walking trail around the lake.

If your on your way to Mt Evans Peak, its well worth a stop to get off for a walk or a picnic at these serene Echo Lake. Better even yet, if your ready for a great day hike, we'd recommend to take the long trail out to Chicago Lakes!!! It has a few switch backs along the way, the views you'll gather are simply wonderful. Plenty of remote camping on this trial! Would highly recommend for a good work out and hike!! A real quiet getaway!!!