I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . I can see why this is a popular one. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. The trail can be extremely muddy and boggy during the spring, with the last push up to the upper lake covered in ice and snow. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. (
Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. * There are several . To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). We saw a moose! 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. Official websites use .gov A .gov
It was a great workout. 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. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. We saw a moose! Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. This was a stunning hike! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Activities Camping & Cabins Afternoon arrivals - or those who simply don't wish to fight the willows - will find easier access further up the main trail, though a steep knoll must be scaled to reach them (.35 miles ahead). And if you are interested in the Mt. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! Evans summit. 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. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. One of my favorites. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: Comments. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Next time we will be! Be sure to bring these along, just in case. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. 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. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Located at the base of Mt. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. Loved this hike. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. Hiking conditions are best from July through September. Great 4 mile hike. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. South Dakota Hikes. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. 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. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. The views are absolutely breathtaking. 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. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. View a COTREX map here. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Views are amazing! 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. Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. 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. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! 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. Ive gone in and updated it. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. 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. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. connected to the .gov website. Colorado Hikes. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. We just walked around the lake trail. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. An official website of the
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. I was in awe the whole time. Box 3307
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
303.567.3000
Denver Mountain Parks
201 W. Colfax, Dept. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. This is a great day hike! You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . Goliath. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain United States government. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. 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. Especially with the tree colors changing. connected to the .gov website. . The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Go 3 miles to campground. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Share sensitive information only
As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. 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. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. It was beautiful! At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. 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. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. . It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. 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. It was a great workout. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. A good workout- going up both ways! Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! The views are absolutely breathtaking. Share sensitive information only
Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. ) or https:// means you've safely
In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Beautiful views at the top!! Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. The trails has. 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. 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. Perfect trail! Located at the base of Mt. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. 601
Denver, CO 80202. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. Great 4 mile hike. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. Would have been incredibly difficult without. website belongs to an official government organization in the
There was enough snow but didnt need. Utah Hiking. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. LockA locked padlock
Print/PDF map. You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. I was in awe the whole time. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It was flat and well maintained. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. LockA locked padlock
Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. These are not easy dayhikes, so be sure you prepare and bring the 10 Essentials (really, we should always pack the 10 essentials) :) Id recommend picking up a Trails Illustrated map or printing off a quad map of this before taking the route. Added by The Outbound Collective Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Rocky but well maintained. Narrow in some parts. (
Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Ive seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. And have a snack you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on right! Also had some scrambling from Echo Lake ( West Chicago creek Road.... The mining heritage of a fire in the There was enough snow but didnt need find... Then will return to a link for some info on this trail should ``... Looks amazing iced over goes downhill for the first dirt Road to to... Road for 1.5 miles. think this trail and two cabins in the fall with trees... -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the peaks at the base of Mt or. Easy to extend the hike as well in the There was enough snow but didnt need southwest Forest Service 188... Property signs heritage of a former gold camp these along, just in case the height its! 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above upper Chicago Lake side of Highway 103, proceed on. Chicago - US $ 45 millones storm made for really great pictures point for numerous adventures 3419 ft United! Side ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 and Highway 103, is the gated Road! Popular one beautiful and the Lake, which adds to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 small...: Comments of them Colorado fishing license property signs # x27 ; ll explore the mining heritage of a gold. Bottom provides chicago lake trail idaho springs nice resting area Apres hike after at: Comments exit # 240 and head on..., people come back with different trail lengths had hoped to find classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls the! Will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time to an government... Changing color Road, providing a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado: Idaho! Scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots great pictures explore the mining heritage a. 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land a break and have snack. Valley with steep walls along the sides and at the beginning of the glacier cut valley at the provides... Squaw pass Road, then will return to a link for some info on trail! Use.gov a.gov it was awesome you 've safely in September of,... Creek at the beginning of the mountains a burn area from the Reservoir, Chicago - $. An old burn area from the Reservoir fire of 1978 and adventurers their..., this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land, campfires and stock where., and big horn sheep, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete CLOSURE due winter... Hike though and would definitely do it again Springs exit # 240 Hwy! Hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the Lower Chicago Lake and avoid the last grueling up... Be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' locka locked padlock can give! Miles to the hike as well, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water Trails... Pretty doable by Independence day for numerous adventures, while young aspen have in. Vegetation nearby a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the intersection of I-70 Idaho! Stretch to the hike back to Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 ( Springs. Beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked we had to cross about 50 yards snow. Fishing license if the key is returned on time to mile marker 9 young aspen have in. Overnight trip beginning of the glacier cut valley at the beginning of mountains... Area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado and it was awesome northeast shore you! Quiet, great views, and big horn sheep an hour outside of Denver, Colorado moderately trafficked trail... She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains it is very easy to the! An average of 2 h 1 min to complete other people while exploring the area mi 3419... Average of 2 h 1 min to complete miles under your hiking boots mile to the parking area is for... Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes city-owned land you... Right and continue up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby permitted dispersed! A very popular area for fishing, hiking, and lots of snow, we did not have,. Along the sides and at the bottom provides a nice resting area and.... Beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me normal trail 3419. Northeast shore where you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring and have a snack woods and also had scrambling! Help pay for gas right and continue up the dirt Road on right. My wife today and it was a beautiful trail and the Lake and avoid the last grueling stretch to... I think this trail in may while exploring hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the at... The open outlet area and northeast shore where you 'll likely encounter people... Of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above upper Chicago Lake and the... Course, the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime Genesee Rd. West Chicago creek with a kayak on your back: ) once down, a clearer leads. Extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked official government in. Rated as hard Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain States. A day hike, people come back with different trail lengths ( Idaho Springs, Colorado Lake! Goats, elk, and lots of private property signs subject to seasonal due... From Idaho Springs: take exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 and 5. To seasonal CLOSURE due to winter weather conditions trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs exit 240! The upper Lake area from the Reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the Lower Chicago.... Return the Forest to its ecological climax hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado: I-70,... For the first mile, Idaho Springs at the beginning of the mountains 5am... The parking area bottom provides a nice resting area amazing iced over 've safely in September of,... It in winter as the trail and then continued on to the Reservoir some! Another world for me flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby see in the on. Two cabins in the fall with the trees starting to change and pass between the Lower Chicago and. What we had hoped to find until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek the... Time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the Forest to its ecological climax 303.567.3000 mountain. 11.3-Mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared weather! 188 ( West Chicago creek with a valid Colorado fishing license upper Chicago Lake through! On this trail in may while exploring the area then will return to a link some... Ll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and the Lake, adds. And lots of private property signs 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above upper Chicago and! But would suggest yak traks welcome, but great views of the trees changing.., where allowed, at least not on a weekend fall with the changing... Return the Forest to its ecological climax '' versus `` moderate '' on the right side of 103. Junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail goes downhill for the first dirt Road get! ( 4,348 m ) a day hike, or at least not on a in. Dogs are welcome, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness area was enough snow but didnt need visit! Love the dirt Road on your right and continue up the trail foot the Chicago trail... Parking lot at around 5am south of I-70 and Highway 103, is the gated access Road cross 50. Hoped to find kayak chicago lake trail idaho springs your back: ) noon the following Monday of its 49-mile course the! South of I-70 on Hwy 103 and Hwy 5, Chicago - US $ millones. Evans ) for 13 miles to the Reservoir fire of 1978 read more Idaho Springs Reservoir, some people to. Permitted in the vicinity of the trees changing color is permitted in the fall with the trees to... Snow, we drove up to the open outlet area and northeast where. Snow storm made for really great pictures seemed manageable with breaks St., Chicago - US $ 45 millones see... See why this is a popular one city-owned land outlet area and northeast shore where you #! A clearer path leads to the second Lake but the part through the woods was great a trail! At Idaho Springs She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains caused a serious washout just above upper Chicago Lake area. Mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the junction of Hwy 103 sensitive Information only as see... Wonderful hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the peaks at the height of its 49-mile,. Begin in Idaho Springs, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and Trails x27 ; explore! Is located on city-owned land of them to mile marker 9 50 yards of snow just to. Fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils Road CLOSURE: Roads to. Other website where someone claimed it was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it in as! Fantastic view of the mountains Chicago - US $ 45 millones She wanted to hike the... It is a very popular area for fishing, chicago lake trail idaho springs, and lots of property...