Clear Creek Ranger District
Located along the I-70 corridor of Clear Creek County in the town of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek Ranger District manages approximately 200,000 acres in four different counties. Come climb a mountain 14,000 feet above sea level, take a relaxing drive through the Rocky Mountains, or wet your fishing line in one of the many alpine lakes and streams.
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Recreation Sites
Bill Moore Lake/Empire Loop
The Bill Moore/North Empire Loop is a network of roads for OHV opportunities located north of Empire. This road is very rocky and steep, especially to Bill Moore Lake. Due to high elevation, the area…
Butler Gulch
Begin at the Jones Pass Trailhead. The 2.4 mile one-way trail climbs through a spruce/fir forest on a narrow closed road. It leads to an open bowl that is great for viewing wildflowers in the summer…
Camp Rock Trailhead
The Camp Rock Trailhead is located at the Camp Rock Campground in the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area. This trailhead provides access to the Beartrack Lakes Trail (#43) and the Beaver Meadows Trail…
Captain Mountain (#46)
Length: 8.9 miles ONE-WAYFollow the road through the Echo Lake Campground past site #10 and you will see a trail marker for the trail on the right. Hike near Beaver Dam Creek through spruce/fir…
Captain Mountain Trailhead
The Captain Mountain Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. The trailhead provides access to the Captain Mountain Trail (#46).
Chicago Forks Picnic Site
The Chicago Forks Picnic Area is located in the Arapaho National Forest south of Idaho Springs and Georgetown. The picnic area is open year-round however accumulated snow during the winter and early…
Chicago Lakes (#52)
Length: 6 miles ONE-WAYBegin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Leaving from Echo Lake, the 6 mile one-way trail goes downhill for the first mile. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn…
Chief Mountain (#58)
Begin at the Chief Mountain Trailhead. The trail passes through a spruce and fir forest and quickly reaches treeline. The last stretch of the trail offers an overlook of the Bear Creek Basin,…
Chief Mountain Trailhead
The Chief Mountain Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs. It provides access to the Chief Mountain Trail (#58).
Clear Creek Picnic Site
The Clear Creek Picnic Site is located along Highway 40 in a spruce and fir forest setting with scenic views. There are 13 sites with picnic tables and fire grates.