Silver Dollar Lake Near Denver
Trail: Silver Dollar Lake & Murray Lake Trail
Length: 4.1 Miles RT
Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
Highest Point: ~12,000 Ft
Trail Type: Out & Back
Where: Arapahoe National Forrest
Closest Town: Georgetown
Directions: i70 west exit Georgetown and follow signs to Guanella Pass
Alltrails Guide
Silver Dollar Lake is a GORGEOUS hike and only an hour from Denver. I thought I had found the best hike near Denver when I completed Bulter Gultch, but now I might have a tie with Silver Dollar. With epic views, three lakes (2 alpine), and endless fields of wildflowers, this hike hits everything for me. Plus, it’s pretty short at only 4.1 miles rountr trip making it quite the bang for your buck.
The trail starts with a pretty steady include and then evens out as you traverse up the valley with gorgeous views of Naylor lake on your right. This part of the trail can be narrow with either hillside or bushes, but I was able to pass folks easily. There was one area where it’s best to use your hands to climb up. I passed about ten 70+-year-olds doing this hike, BTW, so it’s doable.
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The first lake you reach is Silver Dollar Lake. I saw the most spectacular wildflowers along the trail here as you do the final climb to Murray Lake. This last little push will get your legs and lungs burning, but it quickly evens out.
I enjoyed a cheese plate picnic at Muarry Lake before heading back down. I did this hike solo with Jake (my golden) and really had the best time. If you’re craving an ice-cold one after the hike, check out Cabin Creek Brewery or Guanella Pass Brewery. Mountain Mama’s Needful things has an A+ chicken salad sandwich and breakfast to go too.
Silver Dollar Lake Trailhead Parking
The hike starts in Guanella, passing outside Georgetown. There is a parking lot before the trailhead that you should park at if the trailhead lot is full. AllTrails says this is a 4×4 road only, but I can only sees it being an issue in winter. No potholes or big rocks to maneuver around my all-wheel drive outback could have easily handled it. If you park at the lower lot, you will add about an extra half mile to the hike.
