Hiking to Chihuahua Lake, Colorado

A few weeks ago I was looking for a fun hike to do with the dogs. I wanted to go at least 5 miles to wear out Tully, our 7-month-old Lab mix, and to be able to let her and Mabey (our little terrier mix) off the leash to run around. The hike to Chihuahua Lake, in the White River National Forest outside of Dillon, Colorado, fit the bill.

*Looking back over the wetter, lower portion of the Chihuahua Lake hike.*

What to expect on the Chihuahua Lake Hike

The trail starts with a somewhat steep uphill section on the OHV road, before crossing a large creek and opening out into a beautiful wet valley with a meandering creek dammed by beavers.

Once through the valley, the trail splits off from the OHV road at a well marked turnoff at a wooden fence. There are several more steep sections as the trail climbs to the headwall of a glacial valley. There was still a small patch of snow at the top of the valley when we were there at the end of July.

*Those who brave the scramble are rewarded with a clear, blue alpine lake.*

Finally, there is about 200 feet of scrambling up a steep slope and over into the next valley to get to the lake. This last climb is the most strenuous part of the hike, though there are several steep sections along the way up. Trekking poles are recommended.

Downsides of Chihuahua Lake

Chihuahua Lake is a great hike for what we were trying to accomplish, but it does have some downsides.

It’s strenuous. If you just came in from sea level or you’re not in optimal shape, you may find yourself struggling in some of the steeper sections.
It’s shared with vehicles. The lower 2 miles of the hike are on a shared OHV road. On a Friday morning, we encountered three vehicles and saw a few more camped. Expect to be keeping an eye out and moving out of the way for vehicles in the lower portion.
It’s wet. There are several creek crossings, and the lower portion was quite muddy when we were there. Be prepared to get a little damp, and don’t forget your dog towel unless you’re ready for a stinky ride home.

Upsides of Chihuahua Lake

Off-leash dogs. It can be difficult to find a hike for dogs to be off-leash near Denver. This is a good one because it avoids nearby wilderness areas and populated areas.
Great payoff. The final approach to the lake is difficult, but if you make it there you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, blue alpine lake. We even saw a fish swimming in the clear water.
Wildflowers. When we took this hike, in late July, there were beautiful wildflowers in the valleys along the trail.

*Tully poses among the wildflowers on the hike to Chihuahua Lake.*

What to bring on the Chihuahua Lake hike

This is a somewhat long and strenuous hike at altitude, so you should be prepared:

Dog poop bags and leashes. Even though dogs are allowed off-leash, please be a good dog owner and protect the wilderness by picking up after your dogs. Also, be sure you’re prepared to leash your dogs if you come across other hikers and dogs—that’s just good manners.
High-altitude basics. No matter the weather forecast, weather can change at the drop of a hat in the high country. Make sure you have rain gear and a spare insulating layer, as well as sturdy shoes, snacks, and water.
Trekking poles. There are some quite steep sections; trekking poles will make them much easier.
Wag bags. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so it might be a good idea to throw a wag bag in your pack in case nature calls. The upper portion of the hike is mostly on rock, with little soil, making a cathole a bad idea.

*The final approach to the lake involves following a trail up and over the rocky slope in the upper left of this picture.*

Chihuahua Lake Resources

Scout your route: We had no trouble finding the trailhead using Google Maps in conjunction with the useful information sheet available from the U.S. Forest Service here. Note that the trailhead is marked as 263, not 78. You have to hike about two miles on an OHV road before you get to the trailhead marked as 78.
Find your bearings: The trailhead is a few miles off the Silverthorne/Dillon exit (205) off I-70. Take exit 205, then travel east on Highway 6. Once you get past Keystone, turn right onto Montezuma Road/County Road 5. Continue on Montezuma for a few miles to the intersection with Peru Creek Road (Forest Service Road 260). Follow Peru Creek road for about 2 miles to the trailhead; across the road from the trailhead is a large area where several people were camping when we visited. Parking is along Peru Creek Road.
Basic stats: The trailhead is at 10,477 feet elevation. The hike has an elevation gain of 1,774 feet to the highest point, at the ridge above the lake. The distance from the lower trailhead to the lake is about 3.4 miles.
Facilities: There are no facilities along the Forest Service roads or at the trailhead. Make sure to stop at a gas station in Keystone to take care of any needs before you head out towards Chihuahua Lake, and bring a wag bag just in case.

Chihuahua Lake offers a nice hike with beautiful scenery not too far from Denver.