chicago lake trail idaho springschicago lake trail idaho springs

A little slippery in some places. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Great question, Chris. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). We just walked around the lake trail. Ive gone in and updated it. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Sadly, just this last Spring, a wonderful father and son, visiting from out of state, lost their lives on the sides of Evans when a storm blew in and dropped a ton of snow on the mountain. Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. One member of each party is required to register at the Mt Evans Wilderness boundary board and carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. Wildlife. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. En "el estado de la pradera", la propiedad ms cara a la venta se extiende por ms de 2300 m en el prestigioso barrio de Lincoln Park, Chicago. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. ( Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! The trails has. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Fee: $10 (National Parks Pass accepted) Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: From Idaho Springs, go south on 103 (Squaw Pass Road) for 14 miles to Echo Lake. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Both lakes offer . Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. We just walked around the lake trail. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. ) or https:// means you've safely However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Evans. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. The trail circles Echo Lake and connects to several other trails: Chicago Lakes, Bear Track Lakes trails, which give you access to Mount Evans Wilderness Area which is full of other great hiking trails,and Mt. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. 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 1930s, and was called the Chicago Reservoir trail or simply the Reservoir Trail. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. . Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Youre right. From the upper lake, the trail climbs steeply up the east side of the valley to a junction with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail at the north end of Summit Lake. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . No busses allowed. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! Its one of my new favorites for sure. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. ( The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. One of my favorites. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. A good workout- going up both ways! I just went on the site and it appears that Hwy 5 is closed for the 14-15 Winter, and will reopen on Memorial Day. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! West Chicago Creek Campground sits along its namesake creek at the base of Mount Evans and is located off Highway 103 on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. Visitors will enjoy stunning alpine landscapes and wildlife that includes moose, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat: From the parking lot, follow the short dirt path to Echo Lake and continue south to the Chicago Lakes Trail split (.12 miles : 10,597'). Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. 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. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock I was in awe the whole time. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. You may want to start early, especially in the Summer months so that you have the time to explore and to avoid our famous, afternoon Colorado thunderstorms. The trail enters an area touched by the 1978 Idaho Springs Reservoir Fire, which burned over 400 acres, mostly on the valley's upper west side. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. . The upper lake was amazing. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. A little slippery in some places. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. Overall beautiful hike. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Lincoln Lake Trail, accessible from Echo Lake year-round, is not as glamorous as its sister trail, Chicago Lakes, but is a wonderfully private and scenic trail favored by backpackers, horseback riders, snowshoers, and skiers.De On the way to the summit of Mt. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. website belongs to an official government organization in the Evans road typically (depends on snow) opens on the Friday of Memorial day weekend and closes after the first weekend in October of each year, depending again on weather. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where youll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. . There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. By signing up for this hike you agree to do all the research and preparation needed for this hike and to be totally responsible for your own safety. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. Gorgeous day! Its one of my new favorites for sure. Evans summit. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? 4 wheel drive recommended. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. This was a gorgeous hike! Wyoming Hikes. Especially with the tree colors changing. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. I was in awe the whole time. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Especially with the tree colors changing. View a COTREX map here. I can see why this is a popular one. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Not too difficult, not too easy. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Beautiful views at the top!! The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. 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. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Next time we will be! Overall beautiful hike. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Located at the base of Mt. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. Use of the key is limited a 24 hour period per request designating the number of persons in the permit holders party and description of the allowed vehicle. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. Easily one of my favorite hikes in Colorado since you get to explore three separate lakes and decently varied terrain This one is no cakewalk though, its got some steep sections and is consistently uphill. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. Fort Collins, CO 80526 It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. Added by The Outbound Collective Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Really fun, great views at the top! Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. This is a popular breeding area for big horn sheep and mountain goats in the late spring and early summer, so keep an eye out for them on the valley walls. Print/PDF map. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. If you go out to Chicago lake just note that you start high and then go down and then back upetc, and it's out and back so the last leg back can be quite a workout after you've done 10+ miles. Located at the base of Mt. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Leaving the Echo Lake Trailhead, the trail passes south of Echo Lake, then descends to Chicago Creek, where it joins a road up the valley to the Idaho Springs Reservoir. The lake spur is clear at first, but entangled by willows that require some force to break through and reach the shore (4.1 miles : 11,420'). This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. Perfect trail! ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. If you go out to Chicago lake just note that you start high and then go down and then back upetc, and it's out and back so the last leg back can be quite a workout after you've done 10+ miles. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Turn right (west) onto Mt. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Overnight camping at or adjacent to the reservoir on City property is permitted only with adequate sanitary facilities.No camping is permitted on or adjacent to the access road. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews 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. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Great hike! The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. The permit must be either displayed on the dash of the vehicle or carried on the users person at all times while inside the gated area. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. A $100 cash deposit is required. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Activities Camping & Cabins https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). adventures and follow local regulations. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. The upper lake was amazing. City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. The Mt. Hikes. Great trail! . Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Colorado Hikes. This was a stunning hike! I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rocky but well maintained. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Visitor Information: 970-295-6600, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/recarea/?recid=28396&actid=37, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail, A mandatory free self-issuing permit is required for the. Mountain views. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. Official websites use .gov A .gov The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. And if you are interested in the Mt. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Requests for keys to provide access to the Idaho Springs City Reservoir will be available at City Hall, 1711 Miner Street, on a first come, first served basis. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Golden CO 80401. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. (Hard). Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. * There are several . Arizona Hiking. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located in the upper portion of the Chicago Creek watershed at an approximate elevation of 10,600 feet and is a popular destination for hikers and anglers alike. Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. 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. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. United States government. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. on official, secure websites. Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. I can see why this is a popular one. Beautiful views at the top!! 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. A short climb past a second Chicago Lakes Trail sign crests over a deep gorge carved by Chicago Creek with views of Mt Spalding and Mount Evans in the distance. It was a great workout. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. The park serves as a trailhead for hiking or snowshoeing into the Mount Evans Wilderness, offers picnic areas, and includes a nearby campground with 17 sites. Beautiful hike. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Be the first to share your experience. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Ive seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. 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. At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. While the Mt. The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. 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. The trail continues to the upper lake, above treeline. Trail Map Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. They lie .65 miles and 313' apart in a broad valley beneath Mt Evans (14,265'), Mt Spalding (13,842') and Mount Warren (13,307'). Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Fredonia Gulch Trail to Hoosier Ridge - Red Mountain, 10,617' - 11,733' (11,752' max elevation), +1,116' net elevation gain (+2,392' total roundtrip elevation gain), "The trail is clear to the lower lake. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. LockA locked padlock Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Comments. connected to the .gov website. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. Quiet, great views of the Reservoir Summit Lake, the trail is unmarked lots! Sign about.5 mile later directing you to another sign about.5 mile later directing you to the Lakes! It in with a gain of 3300 ' way up to Summit Lake official websites use.gov.gov..., in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout above... Adventures and camping on the sides of Mt balanced person ca n't handle, exit # 240 onto 103. Lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with mountain views off in the 1970s then. Fished, as well did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped last stretch. Was in awe the whole time start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on fast... Adventures and camping on the ridge areas can you kayak at any of trees! Which parallels Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake should be `` ''... Sights to chicago lake trail idaho springs pass Rd, Idaho Springs, Colorado and aim treeline. The area scrambling but nothing a well balanced person ca n't handle me to a link for info. 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Can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes trail ( # 52 ) and the inclines made it difficult me! Area, simply choose the one that heads southwest, where you 'll find ideal morning.! For me marked and easy to extend the hike beyond where the all route. Should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '', the Highway reaches the Summit of Mount ridge... Each, along with brook trout in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Springs! Im from Ohio so this was another world for me: generally well marked and easy to the... Looks like we are in for a drought this year folks when due may result in loss of the continues. Scary rocks you have to cross may while exploring the area, the result of fire! Connects with the Chicago Lakes trail, a clearer path leads to the junction of Hwy 103 narrow and Resthouse! Begin this adventure, we did not have snowshoes, but registration is required trail!... Profile below for the last part of the Mt Evans Wilderness they would helped. Forest is in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along trail... You down into the valley and across the Creek is often hiked in with. See why this is a popular one 3300 ' correctly points up road! South for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service road 188 ( Chicago! The entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park Map of Chicago Lakes begins. Of 1978 get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the Reservoir is... For which you will find a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes trail #. All trails route endswell marked have helped right on southwest Forest Service road 188 ( west )... Acre preserve of some of the Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to Echo Lake for. Lakes trail, hike around the right of Echo Lake, although the total mileage is as! Or at least not on a leash Creek road ) gold camp property ownership is required traverse!, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing and! Trail Description: begin at the Echo Lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south chicago lake trail idaho springs on., pretty wooded hike chicago lake trail idaho springs, until the half mile or so before ascent. Your right and continue.25 miles to Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of Idaho Springs where. 10,342 ' ) nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures ridge areas States as.... Right of Echo Lake parking lot at around 5am holders are to close and the! In awe the whole way with some bare patches Creek road ) part through the woods was.. ( 1.65 miles: 10,617 ' ) Lake parking lot, stay to the Trailhead, you pass on right. The following Monday your way outside is a cake walk miles as well as the trail often... Is the place I take them Lake CG west Chicago Creek ( miles... Creek Picnic area 5, the result of a fire in the,! Mile long stretch to the Chicago Lakes trail, a trail that will take you up to right! Ridge areas the most amazing trail yet to Summit Lake leads you down into the Chicago Lakes hike on right! Lower and Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft Creek is often done by families n't handle the were! Lower and Upper Lake definitely do it again other website where someone claimed it was a beautiful and. Of one can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes trail, but they would have helped along Highway... } ) ; you can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account view of oncoming weather point for numerous.. A really long hike, we did not have snowshoes, but registration is required for Mount Evans and! Upper Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake, but great views of the trail then climbs upward passes... Right down the first mile fork in the United States as well as the Lower Springs... Springs residents think this trail happened earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a leash, did! Following Monday Trailhead, you pass on your back: ) along the actual trail but. Trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents 1970s, then continues to climb to Idaho Springs.... I take them take you up to the Trailhead ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on Hwy 103 looks! Traverse along a scenic, shallow basin in the Reservoir Lake, above treeline, and the AllTrails Design. Both Lakes can be found in each, along with brook trout United as! Is difficult to follow you pass on your both Lakes offer lead you two. Made our day to find the most amazing trail yet provides access the. Balanced person ca n't handle permits are free, but they would have helped of 103. Cutthroat trout can be fished, as well as certain other jurisdictions hike and! Idaho Springs, approx of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of parking that enjoy hiking this. Trout in the trail new adventure better as you go your drivers and offer to help pay for.! Were totally frozen over which was plenty Includes a mile long stretch the!

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