The 7.2-Mile Chihuahua Lake Trail Might Just Be The Most Enchanting Hike In Colorado
By Christy Articola|Published August 30, 2023
×
Christy Articola
Author
Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
Do you want to go on a hike that is challenging, spectacular, and enchanting? Are you looking for a Colorado hike that will blow your mind and that will stay with you for years to come? If so, you’re going to love this 7.2-mile hike to Chihuahua Lake near Dillon, Colorado. This hike is magical and exceptional in every way.
The Chihuahua Lake Trail near Dillon is calling your name! The trailhead is just off I-70 near Dillon. It's less than two hours from Denver!
You'll start your journey from the Chihuahua Gulch Trailhead. You can reach it from either the exit for Loveland or the exit for Dillon.
If you get off at Loveland, you'll go past A-Basin and hang a left just before Keystone onto Montezuma Road. Then take that a few miles to the trailhead. If you're coming through Dillon, head toward Keystone, and take a right onto Montezuma Road to get to the trailhead.
Now, when you get there - you can hike from the Chihuahua Gulch Trailhead to the beginning of the Chihuahua Trail, but it will add two more miles each way. Some people drive to the actual Chihuahua Trail trailhead, but you will need a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to do that. Don't try it in a regular car.
Advertisement
Once you get to the Chihuahua Trail trailhead, though, get ready for a really good time! As soon as you start hiking this trail, you'll be amazed at the beauty that you see all around you.
No matter what time of year you go, you can expect to tackle 1,879 feet of elevation gain on the way up, and then descend the same amount on the way back. It's an out-and-back trail.
The trail to Chihuahua Lake near Dillon, Colorado is one of dozens if not hundreds of incredible, amazing, unforgettable trails in Colorado – but it’s one that is even more special than most. Plan a hike on it today – you’re going to love it!
