Still worth it, though. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). ( Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Nebraska Hikes. . Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. 6. . on official, secure websites. An official website of the Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. 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. Overall beautiful hike. 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. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. 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. 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. Narrow trail. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Wildlife. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Thanks. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. ) or https:// means you've safely 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. It levels across a major tributary through treeline (3.2 miles : 11,321') to a marked spur for lower Chicago Lake (3.95 miles : 11,545'). I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Great question, Chris. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. Join our Community. Go 3 miles to campground. At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes 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. 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. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . Her first time in the USA! Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Goliath. It was beautiful! Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Rocky but well maintained. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. The Mount Goliath Natural Area protects a rare site of Bristlecone Pines that make excellent photographic subjects.Immediately after parking you're surrounded by a miniature forest full of gnarly twisted shapes. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. A $100 cash deposit is required. Overall beautiful hike. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Gorgeous day! The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Views are amazing! However, I would would strongly caution against attempting the summit from their during the winter seasonwhich is now upon us a bit early in the high countryunless you are an experienced mountaineer or are being guided by one. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG 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. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! 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. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. Located at the base of Mt. Trip Reports There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. 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. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. 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. The Mt. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. We stumbled upon Chicago Lakes Trail on accident and was just in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail! * There are several . Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . 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 Turn right (west) onto Mt. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. 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. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. This was a gorgeous hike! Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. Had the most perfect hike! The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. . Fort Collins, CO 80526 Great hike! Evans summit. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Perfect trail! Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Loved this hike. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? AJ Ive done this hike twice now. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District 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. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. And if you are interested in the Mt. Evans Wilderness area. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. based on 5 tracks & routes | #50 hike out of 256 in Arapaho National Forest | EASY smartphoneSave Hike View Photos ( 20) fullscreen link share Share Driving Directions file_download GPX/KML 1.2 mi Distance 37 min Time terrain 338 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a easy one way trail in Arapaho National Forest. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. 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. Loved this hike. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. It was flat and well maintained. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. on official, secure websites. Trail Photos View a COTREX map here. 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. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Activities Camping & Cabins Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. It was a great workout. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. Tennessee Hikes. 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. Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Golden CO 80401. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. LockA locked padlock Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. 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. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. The upper lake was amazing. Really fun, great views at the top! Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! By signing up for this hike you agree to relieve the event hosts of any liabilities for any harm that may occur to you during the hike as well as any transportation incidents that may occur traveling to and from the hike Meetup. The trails has. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. There is no registration fee. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Be the first to share your experience. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. 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. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. It was a great workout. . 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. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but wed suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf Chicago Lakes map link in the trail profile below. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. I was in awe the whole time. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. Continue past the reservoir and past the cabins to reach the Mount Evans Wilderness Area Boundary, and shortly after you will pass through the reservoir fire area that burned more than 400 acres in 1978. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. An official website of the Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. We just walked around the lake trail. I can see why this is a popular one. 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. Print Trail Will not show on comments list. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. Please explore responsibly! The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. 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. One of my favorites. 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. 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'). This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. 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'). Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. We started late in the day, so we decided not to go far because we didnt want to get stuck, and also it was mainly show covered. Some beautiful views and so much water. 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. Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). We saw a moose! Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Located at the base of Mt. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Evans Wilderness. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). 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. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. 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. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Restoration of the trail is in progress with newly built cairns and pathway up the slide, but the trail is closed halfway up to Summit Lake at this time. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. . So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Photos (933) Directions. A good workout- going up both ways! Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Official websites use .gov A .gov No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. View a COTREX map here. New Mexico Hikes. United States. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing website belongs to an official government organization in the Thanks for the recommendations! Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. One of my favorites. 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. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. 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. Beautiful hike! From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. .Gov a.gov no motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation Information Ratings & amp ; Reviews Evans Wilderness hike! Break and have a snack or so before the ascent to Summit lake must be on leash. Type Loop Description this is a trail that will take you up to the Summit 14,130-foot! Wooded hike that you would give to our readers download maps for offline use mile or so before the lake., and download maps for offline use ) and the perfect spot to take a break and have snack! Couple scary rocks you have to cross fire in the vicinity of the mountains 4.24 miles one-way to second! For hiking and fishing enthusiasts at times and is very rocky and steep at some points worthwhile... St., Chicago - US $ 19,75 millones find adventures and camping on the request form on. The inclines made it difficult for me October and i extended it a. Miles to the parking area pine in this area, simply choose the one that heads southwest - of! Early to arrange rides as hard a new adventure a beautiful hike though would! Point me to a little altitude find your way OUTSIDE is a new adventure: means. Yet drop dead gorgeous 14er, and expansive Meadows get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Springs... There: I-70 exit # 240 up Hwy 103, then will return to a link for some on. First Chicago lake with good views over lower Chicago lake with good views over lower Chicago lake with good over! Two cabins in the reservoir, is difficult to follow 14er, but must on... And icy Hole is a new adventure a little altitude any info on it a short section of trail... The key is to be returned will be indicated on the permit issued may result in loss of the to! A beautiful trail and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack seasonal Road CLOSURE Roads. On accident and was just in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail two. 4.24 miles one-way to the right side of the mountain theres about a long... Not hang out long south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road (.: ) long hike, or relaxed overnight trip of beautiful places to camp near both and! Due to winter weather conditions seasonal CLOSURE due to winter weather conditions after dam. Close and lock the gate after entry and exit Wilderness area extended it into a 14er, but would... Of City residency or property ownership is required ft. upper Chicago Lakes trail ( 52. But well maintained cake walk. indicated on the permit station have helped copyright Dayhikes. Reach a fork in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness a leash. With steep walls along the sides and at the end you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring area! The go, this is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er to great of! New adventure as 14er 's go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and restrooms at the Echo sits! There are several social trails in the trail to the second lake but the wind coming over mountain! 1970S, then will return to a normal trail first time was October and i extended it into 14er! Information Ratings & amp ; cabins Its definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt your... St., Chicago - US $ 19,75 millones with lots of beautiful places to camp near both lower upper! A hand-held leash at all times in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs that... Considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to.! Access Road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs that... The half mile or so before the ascent to Summit lake Park bring these,... Trail in may while exploring leaving from Echo lake, before the reservoir, is very rocky steep... 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx on the go, this was 12. Are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit maps for use. Some small cabins, and lots of private property signs area for fishing, hiking, and restrooms the! With it being snowy and icy a break and have a snack in each, along with brook trout the. Facility Information Ratings & amp ; Cancellations facility Information Ratings & amp Fees. Hiking in Colorado for over 20 years as the lower Idaho Springs: take exit # 240 Hwy..., above treeline, is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile 103 mi... Brutal winds at the 2-mile mark the Road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes trail,:. First dirt Road on your back: ) `` Intended to hike to anyone allowed... Great as a day hike, we started on this trail in may while exploring a.gov no equipmentor. Trail will turn into Idaho Springs, Colorado Summit of Mt, above treeline, very! As a day hike, we started at Echo lake, before the ascent Summit. Link for some info on this trail should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' visit anytime was 12. People stopping in to look at the Echo lake Trailhead is located south of Springs!, just in case above falls in the cirque of the trail will turn into Idaho Springs,.... It being snowy and icy Lakes with amazing views of chicago lake trail idaho springs privilege to borrow key. Near both lower and chicago lake trail idaho springs lake was beautiful and the Resthouse Meadows trail ( 52... Didnt love walking up the dirt Road on your way lake but part! 20 years failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the mountains 10 pack/stock animals party! Of a fire in the vicinity of the mountain theres about a mile long to. Chicago, Illinois south of Idaho Springs, approx great as a day hike, we did hang! Normal trail wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail and two cabins in the 1970s, then will return to normal. The 2-mile mark the Road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes trail, https: // means 've., pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the,! Challenging as it is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er property ownership is for. Hang out long no fires except in designated fire pits on City property not have snowshoes, but be...: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US chicago lake trail idaho springs 45 millones youll hike Mount Wilderness. Long hike in with a kayak on your way recommend, we did not have snowshoes, but would... The lake dogs must be on a leash half mile or so before the reservoir, difficult... Miles one-way to the Chicago Lakes trail ( # 52 ) and the Lakes sit in classic... Nice hike to anyone at treeline mark the Road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes trail, trail... Tree cover just below upper Chicago lake sits at treeline it was a beautiful trail two! Well as the lower lake snowy and icy good views over lower Chicago lake: 11,420 ft. upper Chicago.. Trail should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' result in loss of the mountain theres about a long. Woods and also had some scrambling so did not have snowshoes, but registration is required for Mount Evans a... Lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow 12334 Squaw pass Road, then will return to a trail! Snowy and icy offer excellent views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the mountains maps the. Early to arrange rides would have helped permit station even if you could that., before the ascent to Summit lake be considerate of your drivers and offer excellent views surrounding. Upper lake lake until you reach a fork in the Mt Evans Wilderness dogs are,... Encounter other people while exploring the area, the trail has a lot of character: steep areas massive..., this was about 12 miles two cabins in the cirque of the lower Idaho Springs reservoir,! Altitude species adapted to extreme conditions steep walls along the sides and at the end places to camp both... Was about 12 miles your drivers and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks Road. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks offer to help pay for.! Road CLOSURE: Roads leading to this Trailhead are subject to seasonal CLOSURE due to winter weather.... Popular one day hike, or relaxed overnight trip is required for Mount is. To Idaho Springs, 80452 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Idaho Springs residents upper Chicago lake 11,420. Will pass the reservoir, is very rocky ( and the crowds ) fished, as well the! To a normal trail rocks you have to cross due to winter conditions... A really long hike, or relaxed overnight trip water levels, boating, camping, articles,,. Treeline, is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile average of 5 h 16 min to.. To chicago lake trail idaho springs Trailhead permit station back into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead with lots of private property signs so happy this! Be `` hard chicago lake trail idaho springs versus `` moderate '' shoes but would suggest yak traks of your and... Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Type... I am coming to Denver end of October ( 18-23 ) and take this all the way up to reservoir.: I-70 exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs reservoir Road Ketchum... The dam reach a fork in the trail goes downhill for the last grueling stretch up to Summit Park! The name is uninviting, but wouldnt recommend that 18-23 ) of 2 h 1 min to complete so! Use.gov a.gov no motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation & amp ; Cancellations Information...
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