Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir
Adventure Type … Drive-up, Woods Wander, Hike
Highlights … Views, Alpine Lake, Creeek
Seasons … Summer + Fall
Difficulty with Kids… Easy
Trail Details… As much as you want around the loop! (AllTrails)
Closest Town … Copper Mountain
Shade … Some
Parking Situation … Plenty
Potty Situation … No Potty!
Stroller friendly?… Nope
This trail is my newest kid-friendly obsession. The backdrop of this reservoir is absolutely stunning, like is-that-even-real stunning. There is a loop all the way around the lake - on one half of the loop, the trail is forested with a few little beaches to divert off to and the other half is fully exposed. Bring layers because you might feel a major temperature difference on one half versus the other - we were constantly putting our sweatshirts on and off.
If you decide to wander over there, on 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 wander clockwise, as you’ll have better views of the mountain range as you go.
Muddy Maybe. The 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 on the opposite side from the parking lot, there is a small section where fishing is allowed. We stopped to watch and saw fishermen catch everything from brown trout to salmon.
The ultimate drive-up!!
One side of the loop is wooded like this
Other side of loop is open like this
Some great beaches for exploring
Opposite side of the lake from the parking
Far end of the lake where the fishing is