Chief Mountain Trail on Squaw Pass Road

Updated on May 22, 2012 by

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Difficulty

Moderate. Elevation gain approx. 900 ft.

Trail Length

2 Miles Round trip

Trail Description

Chief Mountain Trail is one of the most exciting climbs from parking lot to summit. This is a very popular day hike due to its mountain beauty, convenience to Denver, and its relatively short length to the summit. You are sure to meet many fellow hikers along the way or merely relaxing at the top.

Just off Squaw Pass Road is a small parking area; pullover on the enlarged shoulder and park (mile marker 18). The trail head is on the opposite side of the road up the embankment. The trail is marked with a white stake. The trail gradually winds up through pleasant forest for half the hike up into alpine-like surroundings above tree line. As the trail comes out of the trees, the views of the surrounding mountains to the north and west appear. At the summit are huge granite outcroppings that you can climb for a spectacular 360 degree view of the foothills, valleys, and Rockies to the west!!

Mount Evans is a close neighbor to Chief Mountain and if you look closely, you’ll be able to see cars slowly moving up the Mt. Evans road (the highest paved road in the USA).

The end of the trail, at the top of Chief Mountain is ideal for picnicking with the family. There’s plenty of space to spread your feast – the atmosphere is great too!! Although there are usually many hikers, there is still plenty of space to eat with some privacy.
No restrooms available at trailhead or parking lot.

On top of Chief Mountain and snow caps

Directions

From Denver take I-70 west. Exit Evergreen Pkwy (exit #252). Go about 3 miles to Squaw Pass Road (Hwy 103). Go right on Squaw Pass for 12 miles to Echo Mountain Ski Resort. Look for parking area on right side of the road near mile marker 18. The lot is just past the ski area. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road (south side).

Attractions

Where Squaw Pass Rd. and Evergreen Pkwy intersect, try eating at Tuscany Tavern - they offer wonderful fresh Italian food (the fresh Mozerella and tomatoes with basil are wonderful). http://tuscany-tavern.com/
Category: 60 Mins from Denver, All Trails, Hikes Near Denver, Moderate, Most Popular Hikes, West of Denver Tags: , , , , , , , ,

About Mary Norton, Contributor of this Hike

Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 6 children and no lack of enthusiasm for the outdoors, Mary is well qualified to give you tips and hike spots that will challenge you as well as delight your whole family. Whether you have kids, dogs, or are just looking to enjoy nature by yourself, Mary will show you where to go to find what you are looking for.

  • Guest

    Just did this hike with my dog, very nice trek and trail was clear with no litter/debris. Room to stand aside w/ dog and let others pass if needed, not too busy but enough people where I wasn’t worried to hike alone. Dogs are supposed to be leashed but we came cross a couple that were not; they were very well behaved however so no problems for my sometimes skittish collie mutt. Summit was quite pretty, good 360 view but very windy. We had to take a water/snack break further down the trail due to the wind. Would do this one again, THANK YOU!! :)
    trail is between mile markers 19 and 18, and as they said where the cars are is the spot!

    • http://6webdesign.com/ Tim Norton

      Glad you liked it! And by the way it always seems windy up there. This is one of our favorites, we would consider it a top 5 hike in this area. Thanks for sharing!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Enderle/1350046056 Mike Enderle

    Just got back. Amazing view for a relatively easy hike! I would seriously consider snowshoes or even crampons in the winter though.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=525967050 Deanna Williams Ley

      Do you know how I can find info on whether the road to this hike is open or not?  I looked on CDOT, but don’t see they talk about this road.

      • marynorton

        We were up there a couple weeks ago and the snow is mostly melted. And Chief Mtn. Trail is open all year.
        The road (CO 103) is open and clear.

        If you want to check on the road conditions in the future, check http://www.cotrip.org/home.htm . All road closures are listed on that page. As you can see, CO Hwy 103 is not listed at this time.
        Have a great hike. It’s a nice one!

  • Lynn Therrien

    We loved this hike. Just the right amount of rigor for our family. Seth probably couldn’t do much more than this. He loved it too though. We played with squirrels at the top! Might still try to camp next weekend? Any suggestions where we might see colors or Elk? Miss you guys!

    • marynorton

      Definitely try camping in rocky mountain national park. You’re sure to see elk and moose there!
      -Mary

  • Chuy

    Awesome hike! Just did it yesterday December 29th in the snow. Squaw Pass road had a little ice on it but I made it up just fine in my Chevy Cobalt. The trail was snow-packed and while most people were wearing snow shoes, you really didn’t need them. The hike was moderate in the snow and is actually 5.8 miles roundtrip (.9 from the road to the main trailhead, and then 2 miles to the top, one way). Bring a camera.