Summit Lake Park
Summit Lake Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
51 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Rebecca B
222 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Ok folks, honest truth is I was not impressed by this lake. It’s alpine, there’s a wall of glacial scree and talus in millennial grey, rust and bathroom yellow colors providing the backdrop; the lake is kinda small and the overlook on the end of the Chicago Lakes is nice but not all that magic. The drive up and back was great for my passengers but for myself, the driver, it was look at the road and not the views or you end up on the news, get what I mean? Long story short, it’s OK. If this is the only alpine lake you see on your trip… uhr.. it’s still kinda underwhelming. Save yourself the trouble and go to Rocky Mountain National Park (especially if it’s 2025 cos then you’re SOL for Mt Blue Sky).
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea N
10 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
My husband and I moved to Denver 2 years ago and neither of us have family in CO. Luckily, this means we have the opportunity to host LOTS of visitors and show them the reason we wanted to move to this magical place!!!
Summit Lake is my #1 favorite thing to do with visitors. It is the perfect place to take guests of any age and any physical ability level. It gives you a snapshot of so many things that make the Front Range the most beautiful place in the world (in my opinion, of course!)
Bring layers year round. Seriously. I brought my parents in August 2017 and it snowed while we were up there. Insist that everyone in the group bring layers (hat, gloves, coat, pants, etc) because it will really put a damper on your visit if you have one whiny person in the group who insisted on wearing shorts or refused to bring a hat and is now complaining about being cold. It really distracts from your ability to just stare in awe at the beauty of this place! You just can’t count on what the weather will be at any time of year when you’re in the mountains and at altitude so bring layers!
If it is winter, the road may be closed but it is pretty accessible most other times. Check the parks department website for road closures before venturing out here.
There are bathrooms (I use this term loosely, but they aren’t smelly portapotties and if you like the outdoors and have spent any amount of time peeing in the woods, you will have immense appreciation for bathrooms that have a locking door, toilet paper, and a toilet to sit on... even if they don’t flush or have running water). You also have to pay to park in the lot at a pay station. Don’t cheap out and try to skip paying. You are enjoying this beautiful place for free, the road costs something to maintain and clear and this stunning beauty must be protected. Think of your parking fee (which is $5-10 I recall) as a thank you to the people who work hard to clear the roads and paths, repave and gravel, and clean the bathrooms.
If it is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you are a brave driver, you may even be able to pile back into the car after enjoying Summit Lake and continue up the road to the summit of Mount Evans! Again, don’t be disappointed if the weather isn’t perfect.
If you are really adventurous and in good physical shape, you can attempt the very difficult hike from Summit Lake to the top of Mount Evans. My husband and I completed this in June 2018. When my sister visited a few months later in August 2018, we attempted to hike up to the top from Summit Lake, but dense fog and rain rolled in (the weather of course said sunny but that’s the mountains for you! Unpredictable!) so we had to turn back after a mile or so. We ended up driving to the top in the hopes that my photographer brother in law could get a few shots from the summit at least. No go. Fog was heavy and it started sleeting. Seriously, this place is majestic but do NOT go into it expecting clear skies and warm weather. Don’t plan to picnic by this lake either, it’s way too cold to enjoy an outdoor picnic!
Summit Lake is my #1 favorite thing to do with visitors. It is the perfect place to take guests of any age and any physical ability level. It gives you a snapshot of so many things that make the Front Range the most beautiful place in the world (in my opinion, of course!)
Bring layers year round. Seriously. I brought my parents in August 2017 and it snowed while we were up there. Insist that everyone in the group bring layers (hat, gloves, coat, pants, etc) because it will really put a damper on your visit if you have one whiny person in the group who insisted on wearing shorts or refused to bring a hat and is now complaining about being cold. It really distracts from your ability to just stare in awe at the beauty of this place! You just can’t count on what the weather will be at any time of year when you’re in the mountains and at altitude so bring layers!
If it is winter, the road may be closed but it is pretty accessible most other times. Check the parks department website for road closures before venturing out here.
There are bathrooms (I use this term loosely, but they aren’t smelly portapotties and if you like the outdoors and have spent any amount of time peeing in the woods, you will have immense appreciation for bathrooms that have a locking door, toilet paper, and a toilet to sit on... even if they don’t flush or have running water). You also have to pay to park in the lot at a pay station. Don’t cheap out and try to skip paying. You are enjoying this beautiful place for free, the road costs something to maintain and clear and this stunning beauty must be protected. Think of your parking fee (which is $5-10 I recall) as a thank you to the people who work hard to clear the roads and paths, repave and gravel, and clean the bathrooms.
If it is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you are a brave driver, you may even be able to pile back into the car after enjoying Summit Lake and continue up the road to the summit of Mount Evans! Again, don’t be disappointed if the weather isn’t perfect.
If you are really adventurous and in good physical shape, you can attempt the very difficult hike from Summit Lake to the top of Mount Evans. My husband and I completed this in June 2018. When my sister visited a few months later in August 2018, we attempted to hike up to the top from Summit Lake, but dense fog and rain rolled in (the weather of course said sunny but that’s the mountains for you! Unpredictable!) so we had to turn back after a mile or so. We ended up driving to the top in the hopes that my photographer brother in law could get a few shots from the summit at least. No go. Fog was heavy and it started sleeting. Seriously, this place is majestic but do NOT go into it expecting clear skies and warm weather. Don’t plan to picnic by this lake either, it’s way too cold to enjoy an outdoor picnic!
Written May 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tripfour2
Colorado Springs, CO263 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We decided to take a day trip from Colorado Springs and drive up to Mt. Evans. Taking I-70 from Denver, we stopped at Idaho Springs then the scenic road to the mountain. The road beyond the ranger station ($15 to drive up and enjoy the varied stops along the way) is billed as the 'highest paved road in North America". There are places along the road that are sheer drops with the road narrowing in places. It is not for the faint of heart. There are no guard rails. The Ranger said they are trying to keep the area as natural as possible. There are a few rough spots on the road, mainly when you get to Summit Lake.
Summit Lake is part of a group of lakes in the immediate area. Taking the path to the north side of the lake you'll come to a lookout overseeing three other lakes down the narrow steep valley. We sat down on a large boulder overlooking Summit Lake. It was quite peaceful as we took in the view just a couple if hours before sunset.
There are outdoor toilets but no running water. You can take a steep hike going around the north face of the cliffs towering over the clear lake. If you're adventurous enough, you can reach snow drifts in the cliff crevices.
Summit Lake is part of a group of lakes in the immediate area. Taking the path to the north side of the lake you'll come to a lookout overseeing three other lakes down the narrow steep valley. We sat down on a large boulder overlooking Summit Lake. It was quite peaceful as we took in the view just a couple if hours before sunset.
There are outdoor toilets but no running water. You can take a steep hike going around the north face of the cliffs towering over the clear lake. If you're adventurous enough, you can reach snow drifts in the cliff crevices.
Written August 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFL95
Conifer, CO314 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This was a great part of our trip to the foothills. The drive up to Summit Lake has great views and mountain scenery. Before you get to Summit lake you'll get to Echo Lake which is also a nice place to stop and look around.
Summit lake is just a very cool spot with the lake nestled in the mountian. Great views, nice little walk along the shore, and you can see a chain of small lakes that come from the water flowing out of Summit Lake. The day we did this there was a small rain shower and low clouds which gave the place a cool and unique feel.
From there you can take the road to the Summit of Mt. Evans. The road is narrow, winding, and right on the edge of the mountain in many places. There are no guard rails. You need to pay attention and be careful driving up to Mt. Evans. I got puckered up in a few places so be careful.
There is a parking lot at the summit, the remains of an old house that burned down, and a observatory you can visit with easy walks from the parking lot. But if you've made is this far you need to hike up the rocks to the summit. It's an easy hike on a well defined path. Be prepared for the weather - it was a lot colder up here than it was at Summit Lake. Have the right clothes and footwear. If you hike from the parking lot to the summit it gets colder and very windy. At the top the wind was pushing me around quite a bit - be careful.
This was a great day trip for us on our trip. Check it out....
Summit lake is just a very cool spot with the lake nestled in the mountian. Great views, nice little walk along the shore, and you can see a chain of small lakes that come from the water flowing out of Summit Lake. The day we did this there was a small rain shower and low clouds which gave the place a cool and unique feel.
From there you can take the road to the Summit of Mt. Evans. The road is narrow, winding, and right on the edge of the mountain in many places. There are no guard rails. You need to pay attention and be careful driving up to Mt. Evans. I got puckered up in a few places so be careful.
There is a parking lot at the summit, the remains of an old house that burned down, and a observatory you can visit with easy walks from the parking lot. But if you've made is this far you need to hike up the rocks to the summit. It's an easy hike on a well defined path. Be prepared for the weather - it was a lot colder up here than it was at Summit Lake. Have the right clothes and footwear. If you hike from the parking lot to the summit it gets colder and very windy. At the top the wind was pushing me around quite a bit - be careful.
This was a great day trip for us on our trip. Check it out....
Written August 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoradoRN
Pueblo, CO147 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Summit Lake Park is located along the way to the summit of Mt. Evans. It is a good place to stop if you need to use the restroom or need to stretch your legs. The Lake is pretty but since it was so populated it wasn't serene. You can hike on some of the trails and enjoy the wildflowers and perhaps see a mountain goat. Although there is a parking lot, it was full and people had to park along the side of the road.
Written July 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M V
Roswell, GA105 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
What awesome vistas you get from Summit Lake! We saw Big Horn Sheep, yellow-bellied marmots and more, this was a photographer's paradise. Breathing was a task for me at this height, but I saw some folks actually hiking and smoking cigarettes! All in all an awe-inpiring spot.
Written August 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C C
Cave City, AR27 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
The drive up to Summit lake is not for the faint of heart, but once there you will be glad you made it. There are a lot of pull over spots to take pictures along the way and rest your nerves. Be prepared, the wind and temps at that elevation are way colder. It was around 25 degrees difference at the top compared to where you enter the park. Some people were not prepared and were wearing shorts and flip flops, the temperature when we were there was 34 degrees with a 20 plus mph wind.
Written September 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Punit M
Auckland378 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
Even if the access to the top of Mt Evans is closed, still do this, it is fairly chilly when you get up there, look for the weather conditions before you head there and pick a sunny day. Get some woolies too
Written September 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ATVdude
Las Vegas, NV17 contributions
Aug 2016
Beautiful drive to the top of Mt. Evans and Summit Lake. Not too far from Denver as it is the closest 14er to the city. No guard rails so wife was a bit scared. Drive from Idaho Springs 45 minutes and well worth it. 85 degrees in Denver and 50 degrees at Summit Lake. Very enjoyable. Recommend this drive. Look for mountain goats.
Written September 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAKohn
11 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
My 19 yr old son and I hiked this trail together. Get to lot early, before 8am to avoid the crowds. If not paying fee at base entry, bring exact bills for the $5 fee ( self serve envelope drop box), you will get a ticket if not paid and have rear view mirror tag hanging. Hike was a challenge, especially the back ridge of Mt Evans. Well worth it, now we have two 14er's completed . Gorgeous lake for fishing and taking Mt Evans and Mt Spalding views in.
Written July 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do most of the steepest/“scariest” portions of the Mt. Evans rd. come after Summit Lake?
Written July 17, 2018
The road up to summit lake park and to the Mt Evans Summit is really not bad compared to some. No real “steep” stretches. It does wind and curve a lot at times but it’s a rather steady climb. There are no guard rails so you do get a nice view off the side of the mountain along the way but if you take your time and pay attention it’s a nice drive. Have seen small RVs and tour buses driving up as well if that gives you a perspective. If heights bother you or you get stressed along the route just pull off at one of the stops and take a break. Just remember, altitude affects people differently so just be aware of yourself and how you feel. Personally I think the road up from summit lake to the peak is really low key. Stay safe and enjoy the trip. Mt Evans and Summit Lake Park are awesome!
Written July 18, 2018
A few questions re only planning to stop at Summit Lake:
1. Is the non-guard rail/white knuckle Drive taken to get to Summit Lake (or is that just for continuing up to Mt Evans)? Cost?
2. Is it all in the car (to get to Lake) or is there any hiking involved (assuming there's walking to be done from parking to lake, but not "hiking")?
3. Most importantly, we have out of town guests (Midwest) who are concerned about having trouble with altitude ~ is this a concern if just going to Summit Lake (vs continuing up to Mt Evans)?
Thank you!!!
Written July 1, 2017
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