Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir, 2.4 Miles, Easy

Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir

Type … Hike, Drive-up, Woods Wander

Highlights … Views, Alpine Lake, Creek

Seasons … Summer + Fall

Difficulty with Kids… Easy

Trail Details… 2.4 Miles, Loop (AllTrails)

Closest Town … Copper Mountain

Shade … Some

Parking Situation … Limited but haven’t had an issue

Potty Situation … No Potty!

This trail is my newest kid-friendly obsession. The backdrop of this reservoir is like is-that-even-real kind of stunning. There is an easy loop all the way around the lake - on one half of the loop, the trail is shady and forested with a few little beaches to divert off to and the other half is fully exposed with epic views all around. Bring layers because you might feel a major temperature difference on one half versus the other - we were constantly pulling our sweatshirts on and off.

Once you get to the far side of the lake from the parking area, there is a stream system that feeds the lake. You can’t fish along these streams because they are protected fisheries but the amount of trout you will see in the water is bananas. Your kiddos will love watching the school of trout dance around.

TRAIL TIPS

Two parking lots. There are two parking lots for this hike, to the left and right of the reservoir if you’re looking at it. I would park on the left (the first one you come to if you’re coming from Copper) and do the hike clockwise, as you’ll have better views of the mountain range in front of you as you hike. See map below.
Muddy. The exposed, left side of the loop can be quite muddy so keep in mind in terms of footwear.
Fishing. If you’re an angler, right where this feeder creek meets the lake, there is a small section where fishing is allowed. We stopped to watch and saw fishermen catch everything from brown trout to salmon.