This One Easy Hike Near Denver Will Lead You Someplace Unforgettable
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R. Phillips
Author
If you’re looking for a short easy hike near Denver that is suitable for pretty much ANYone, try the loop at Echo Lake in the Mt. Evans Wilderness Area. It’s a great destination to take out-of-towners for fabulous views of the Rockies without having to expend a lot of energy. This gentle one-mile trail circles around the lake and also has access to several other incredible hiking trails, including those leading to Chicago Lakes, Bear Track Lakes, and the summit of Mt. Evans.
Echo Lake Park was acquired in 1920, spans over 616 acres, and is Denver's only subalpine park, resting at 10,600.'
The centerpiece is this 24-acre naturally occurring lake formed by a glacial moraine.
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The prime time to visit Echo Lake is in the early morning when the waters are still, and the reflections of the Rockies are unparalleled.
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It's a pristine spot for fishing and viewing the local wildlife...
...like this adorable golden-mantle ground squirrel...
...or this lovely little mallard hen...
...or this Colorado chipmunk.
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Enjoy a picnic at the old stone picnic shelter built around 1924 or dine at the historic Elk Lake Lodge, an authentic log structure built in 1926, which now houses a restaurant and gift shop with an abundance of western souvenirs.
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As you explore around the park, take notice of the unique subalpine ecosystem containing forests of limber pine, bristlecone pine, englemann spruce, and subalpine fir.
Also note that the wetlands (or fens) provide an important wildlife habitat for indigenous and migratory animals, so stay on the trail and leave no trace!
It's a pretty popular spot (especially on the weekends), but serenity, solitude, and photo opportunities abound for those who arrive at daybreak or sundown, when the light is ethereal and ever-changing.
Here the blue hour of twilight ends with dawn, and it's a truly magical moment.
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Echo Lake is also a fantastic spot for spectacular celestial observations such the Milky Way seen here from the frozen lakeshore.
And when you've gotten your fill of Echo Lake Park, continue on the historic byway to the summit of Mt. Evans and be sure to stop and take in all the vista views along the way.
What is your favorite easy hike near Denver? Share your short and scenic trails in the comments!
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