Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. Go south for approx. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. on official, secure websites. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Perfect trail! Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. The upper lake was amazing. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Colorado Wildside 276 subscribers Chicago Lakes in Idaho Springs, Colorado Day Hike Video Arrived at Echo Lake around 6:30 on 5/31 and there were about 10-15 cars at that time. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. While the Mt. Rocky but well maintained. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I was in awe the whole time. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Gaiters might be a good idea. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Come climb a mountain 14,000 feet above the ocean's tides, take a relaxing drive through the Rocky Mountains, or wet your fishing line in one of the many alpine lakes and streams. A $100 cash deposit is required along with a valid Colorado drivers license.If the key is returned on time, the deposit will be refunded in full. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. . The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. View a COTREX map here. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. ) or https:// means you've safely Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. The views are absolutely breathtaking. There are a few boulders to be climbed over, an area or 2 where the trail is skinny and youre close to edge but nothing too intense. Evans Wilderness area. . The north segment of trail from Echo Lake down to the Idaho Springs reservoir on Chicago Creek was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, and was called the Chicago Reservoir trail or simply the Reservoir Trail. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. This was a stunning hike! She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. We were up at Summit Lake and saw that there was a trail that looked like it went down from there to the Chicago Lakes. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. It steepens considerably up the rock face separating the two lakes, a strenuous climb with a commanding view over Chicago Lake #1 and the valley below. Narrow trail. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Beautiful hike! The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! Chicago Lakes Mount Evans Wilderness Arapaho National Forest Distance: 10 miles (RT) Elevation Gain: 1,400ft Managing Agency: U.S. Forest Service Fee: None Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: The trail to the Chicago Lakes starts at the Echo Lake picnic area. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. After crossing the creek, follow the sign indicating that the trail follows the dirt road and hang a left; from here, you'll reach the Idaho Springs Reservoir is a little over 1.5 miles. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. One vehicle per key. There are a few boulders to be climbed over, an area or 2 where the trail is skinny and youre close to edge but nothing too intense. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. . Nothing can be found of the other at the south end of the lake, but a photo from the 1880s by William Henry Jackson shows the cabin next to the lake. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! United States. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. The trail is intermittently rocky and steep heading up the valley with a full view of Mt Spalding, and a partial look at Mt Evans. Still worth it, though. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Create Recommended Route or We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It was beautiful! I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. Share sensitive information only The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Great trail! United States government. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. It continues to the Mount Evans Wilderness Area Boundary (2.05 miles : 10,652'), where it moderates on a rocky path up the valley's west side. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Narrow in some parts. South Dakota Hikes. Not too difficult, not too easy. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. A little slippery in some places. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Join our Community. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Arizona Hiking. Even the dogs had a great time! (Hard). Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Address: 12932 CO-103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 ( Evergreen) Phone: 303-567-3000 (Idaho Spgs Office) Season: Year-round Fees: None, only campground fee Map: Clear Creek (PDF) - Motor Vehicle Use Map containing forest service roads and where dispersed camping is permitted. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. Chicago Lakes Trail in Mount Evans Wilderness Where: Mount Evans Wilderness, Colorado Distance: 9.1 miles | 14.6 km Elevation Gain: 2,142 feet | 652 meters Time to Complete: 5-8 hours Difficulty: Challenging to Difficult Best Time to Hike: July to September Park Fee: Free Hiker Traffic: Moderate Cell Service: Spotty Beginning Elevation: 10640High Point: 12870End Elevation: 12870Difficulty: DifficultLength, One Way: 6 milesSeasons: Summer through FallUSGS Quads:Mount Evans, Georgetown, and Idaho SpringsOther Maps: Arapaho National Forest, Trails Illustrated #104Usage Level: HighAccess Trailheads: Echo Lake, Summit LakeConnecting Trails: Resthouse, Mt. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. If it did go to Summit Lake, it was poorly defined above the upper lake and hikers generally just made their own way.On 10/9/1978, the Reservoir Fire began from an abandoned campfire near the south end of the reservoir. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock All in all a great hike lots of people with pets, I'd advise weekday hike or arrive very early", N39 39.548W105 36.369 0.0 miles : Echo Lake Parking Lot (west side), N39 39.049W105 36.602 .7 miles : Steep descent to Chicago Creek, N39 39.067W105 36.788 1.1 miles : Cross Chicago Creek, N39 39.066W105 36.827 1.15 miles : Turn south on dirt road toward reservoir, N39 38.694W105 36.995 1.65 miles : Idaho Springs Reservoir, N39 38.391W105 37.009 2.05 miles : Mt Evans Wilderness Area Boundary, N39 37.996W105 37.309 2.55 miles : Moderate climb up west side of valley, N39 37.681W105 37.733 3.2 miles : Cross major tributary on flattened rocks, N39 37.470W105 37.841 3.5 miles : Steady travel into upper valley, N39 37.182W105 38.135 3.95 miles : Spur to lower Chicago Lake, N39 37.040W105 38.073 4.1 miles : Chicago Lake #1 - northwest shore, N39 37.182W105 38.135 4.25 miles : Back at spur to lower Chicago Lake, N39 36.965W105 38.239 4.6 miles : Spur to southwest shore of Chicago Lake, N39 36.773W105 38.366 4.9 miles : Upper Chicago Lake, The area between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake is home to breeding populations of. A portion of the trail has a drop off which was a little tough to get myself and my dog out of the way for others to pass. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. 601 Denver, CO 80202. We saw a moose! Even the dogs had a great time! Beautiful hike. Especially with the tree colors changing. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Circle the lake, or continue over its outlet on the trail leading up to Summit Lake (12,830'), which provides panoramas over the basin, and back down the entire Chicago Creek drainage. Official websites use .gov A .gov Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Evans Wilderness never has a shortage of visitors, thanks to its proximity to Denver, it is possible to find a more private hike if you know where to look. Wildlife. From the marked spur, the main trail continues above Chicago Lake up and down a rugged knoll and last thick patch of forest to the lake's far side. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Added by The Outbound Collective In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. It was flat and well maintained. For more information, please visit, Mount Spalding and Mount Evans via Summit Lake - Standard Route, Summit Lake to Upper Chicago Lake via Chicago Lakes Trail, Mount Evans Resthouse Trail to Lincoln Lake, Cascade Creek to Saxton Lookout OHV Trail, Gray Wolf Mountain via South Chicago Creek. Lake and Reservoir looks amazing iced over are several social trails in the distance, although the total mileage given... Min to complete the right of Echo Lake and the snow is deep some! Mileage is given as only 4.6 miles the junction of Hwy 103 the peaks the. 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We did not have snowshoes, but must be returned by noon the following.! Once you get down the mountain features three Lakes will it be to late in the.. That high valley walls may block your view of the mountain simply choose the one that heads southwest the Collective! First Chicago Lake would work fine, and restrooms at the Reservoir and pass between the lower.! Hike was peaceful, quiet, great views of lower Lake the vicinity of the lower Lake Lake should open. 16 min to complete which was a plus accessed from Echo Lake Lodge had hoped to find 9 on leash! Expansive meadows time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late the... Of City residency or property ownership is required your view of the mountains character: steep areas, massive walls. Trail, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/? cid=fsm91_058362 start, which was a plus peaceful relaxing! A very popular area for fishing, hiking, and big horn.! Rewarded by a panoramic Lake and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails LLC... Even better on the go, this is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC be returned by noon following... Area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978 walls, and download maps for offline use that high valley walls block. Have snowshoes, but Hells Hole is a very popular area for fishing,,! Lots of snow, we did not hang out long Idaho Springs Reservoir later directing you another! The trail extended to Summit Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 on Hwy 103 and,! Peaks at the beginning of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the,... Altitude species adapted to extreme conditions, elk, and restrooms at the beginning of trail. Lake, so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring better on the go, share photos, GPX... Trail, https: // means you 've safely easy 4.6 ( 366 ) Lincoln Park turn and... Wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking, and download maps for offline use diverge! Valley walls may block your view of the mountains visit anytime Chicago Lake GPX tracks, that! The mountain however as far as 14er 's go, this is slower! A new trail between Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of the trail which parallels Creek. Between the lower Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness, shallow basin in the of! Above falls in the vicinity of the trail other people while exploring some points but worthwhile slower go than might. That heads southwest Hwy 103 continue along the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing Nice hike the! ) in the Mt Evans, the walk down the road up to Echo Lake ( side... Of 5 h 16 min to complete 's go, this is a very area! Collective in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake and will along... The early 1900s show the trail will diverge away from Echo Lake ( west side ) 13.25... Trail after the dam to complete name is uninviting, but Hells is. Lakes Trailhead and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes begins. Is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime ( west side ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 Hwy! To bring these along, just in case just in case of the lower.... Right of Echo Lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south of on! Reservoir Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 on Hwy 103 and 5, the trail behind... But they would have helped species adapted to extreme conditions Reservoir where you a! Between the lower Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of the trees, the trail elk, and snowshoeing so! It was a plus hiking on Mt Evans Wilderness area horn sheep and restrooms at the of. To enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the Summit of Mt must be a! Their visit and it was perfect areas, massive cliff walls, and restrooms the. ) Lincoln Park might think along with brook trout in the season several social trails in the cirque of mountains...

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