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Escape the Heat: This Alpine Lake Hike Is Just 2 Hours from Denver 🌲
Breezy trails, wildflowers, and paddleboard-friendly waters await at 11,000 feet. Let’s head to Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir.
What's Happenin' Denver
August 06, 2025
🏞️ Quick Outdoor Escape: Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir
Hey there, Denver explorers!
Looking for a little fresh air and a lot of wow-factor? Just under two hours from Denver, Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir is an alpine gem hidden in plain sight. This mellow loop hike serves up mountain views, wildflowers, trout-stocked waters, and zero entry fees—making it one of the best low-effort, high-reward adventures around.
Grab your hiking boots, your paddleboard, or your camera (or all three). Whether you’re in it for the peaceful morning walk, kid-friendly trail, or spontaneous nature fix, Clinton Gulch is ready for you. And hey—did we mention the parking is free and the crowds are blessedly thin?
🌸 Mile High Poll Time!
What year was the Clinton Gulch Dam constructed? |
🌲 Looking for a Breath of Fresh (Mountain) Air?
Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir
If your soul is craving alpine breezes, wildflowers, and a lakeside trail that won’t destroy your knees—Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir is calling your name.
🗻 Just under 2 hours from Denver, tucked high in Summit County, this hidden gem offers a mellow 2.4-mile loop hike around a shimmering reservoir, all at a cool 11,000 feet. The views? Dramatic. The crowds? Minimal. The parking? Free. And did we mention trout-filled waters and paddleboarding potential? (Just bring layers—the water’s mountain cold, year-round.)
Clinton Gulch is like nature’s version of a chill playlist: gentle, scenic, and just the right tempo to reset your week. Whether you’re there for a quiet morning hike, some wildflower peeping, or ice fishing in winter—this is one of those spots locals quietly return to again and again.
📍 Near Copper Mountain on Fremont Pass
🥾 2.4 miles, 232 ft gain, family-friendly
🎣 Fishing + paddleboarding welcome (just bring your own gear!)
🚗 Free parking, no entry fees, no permit stress
✨ Bonus tip: The wildflowers in summer are next-level. You’ll feel like you stepped into a Bob Ross painting.
🌆 Mile High Happenings
Wednesday, August 6 🆓 Free Events 🧵 Chess Night📍 Woods Boss Brewing | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Wednesday) 🧵 Open Mic Comedy📍 Wide Right | ⏰ 8:30 PM – 1:30 AM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Wednesday) 🧵 Mile High Roundup📍 Mile High Spirits | ⏰ 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Wednesday) 🧵 Punk Rock Trivia Night📍 Bowman’s Vinyl & Lounge | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Wednesday) 🎟️ Ticketed Events 🎶 Jamie xx with DJ Koze📍 Civic Center Park | ⏰ 5:00 PM | 🎟️ $80+ 🤣 Jason Ellis📍 Comedy Works Downtown | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 🎟️ GA $20 / VIP $30 🎤 Sunny Sweeney📍 The Buffalo Rose, Golden | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🎟️ $28 🎵 K-LOVE Live at Red Rocks📍 Red Rocks Amphitheatre | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ TBA | Thursday, August 7 🆓 Free Events 🧵 Geeks Who Drink Trivia📍 Jagged Mountain Brewery | ⏰ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Thursday) 🧵 Trivia Night @ Waldschänke📍 Waldschänke Ciders | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Thursday) 🎟️ Ticketed Events 🎸 DISPATCH with John Butler📍 Red Rocks Amphitheatre | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 🎟️ $56.50+ 👻 GHOST📍 Ball Arena | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $70+ 🎤 keshi📍 The Mission Ballroom | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ TBA 🎶 Rick Springfield: I WANT MY 80s TOUR📍 Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $45+ |
🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs. | 🧠 Need a brain break? Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend. | 🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Denver?We’re on a mission to crown Denver’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️ |
🌄 One Hike, All the Vibes
Whether you go for the crisp air, the trout, or the wildflower-dotted trail, Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir proves you don’t have to travel far to feel a world away. Got a favorite mountain escape of your own? Reply and share it—we might just feature it next! Answer: C) 1977 ✨ Built to store water for irrigation and municipal use, the Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir sits at over 11,000 feet and is now a beloved recreation spot for hikers, anglers, and paddleboarders alike. Bonus: No entry fees, no hassle, just high-altitude serenity. 🫶 Stay cool, — The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team 🫶 |
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