Hiking Chief Mountain in Colorado

Chief Mountain is located west of Evergreen, Colorado, in the Arapaho National Forest. Chief Mountain Trail, approximately a two-mile hike (one-way), starts in a forest and summits at tundra, 11,700’ above sea level. With its pristine view, it is a secret hike for locals as the trail head is not promoted to tourists heading to Mount Evans along scenic Colorado Highway 103.

The trail head can barely be seen as it cuts into the trees, and those looking for it may accidentally hike up the nearby dirt road leading to its sister peak, Squaw Mountain. To get here from Evergreen, drive just past the entrance to Echo Mountain Ski Area (about 15 minutes up Highway 103 from the Evergreen Parkway), to a paved pull off to the right located directly above Echo's large chairlift. Across the street is an opening to a hiking trail with a Chief Mountain Trail marker. (The opening is not very wide.) This path leads to a fire road. Cross the fire road and follow the marker to the left. The trail then continues another two miles to the peak. The hike to the top takes less than an hour (for those who are more leisurely hikers) leading through trees until a magnificent view appears.

This is an easy hike for those accustomed to the altitude, and many hikers bring along their children and dogs. It is not heavily traveled, but hikers usually meet several other groups of hikers ascending and descending.

The end of the journey is the top with its breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies, and in the distance the hamlet of Idaho Springs can be spotted. As always while hiking in the Rockies, the top is colder than the beginning. Although the temperature change is not as drastic as when climbing a 14er, dress in layers to meet the changing weather accordingly.

There are plenty of rocks at the top to sit and enjoy a picnic. You will want to stay and survey the amazing view, so bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy. There are plenty of rocks to sit on and make a meal. You’ll also want to take pictures, so do not forget your camera, and, as always, remember your water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

If you are lucky enough to do this hike in autumn, this road is ideal to see the changing of the aspens as the breathtaking gold of the aspens lights up the highway. The actual hike of Chief Mountain is too high in altitude for actual aspens, but the drive to and from the trail head is spectacular that time of year. If you are visiting during the summer, continue up the road and drive the Mount Evans Scenic Byway (cost $10), which is the highest paved road in North America and the number one recommended tourist attraction in the Denver area on Trip Advisor.

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