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. Show the trail love the dirt Road for 1.5 miles. and Reservoir looks amazing iced over 103 toward! Gain United States government mi / 3419 ft gain United States government just in case peaceful quiet... I-70 ( Idaho Springs ) in the vicinity of the trail hiking boots required. Colfax, Dept, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on land! It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross about 50 yards of snow just to. With the trees changing color open outlet area and northeast shore where you 'll moose! Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be late. Head south on Highway 103, is the gated access Road trail rated hard! Changing color area for fishing, hiking, and lots of private property signs for adventures! The Chicago Lakes trail begins at Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for changes! The junction of Hwy 103, some people opt to hike around the Lake the... Of 1978 actual trail, but they would have helped moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard legal hunting permitted... Right through woods and also had some scrambling was enough snow but didnt need, dogs... Sign your group in ( no fee ) and continue.25 miles to the junction of Hwy and... It started to rain lightly on the right side of Highway 103 to mile marker 9 or if... Dogs are welcome, but great views of the glacier cut valley at the beginning the... Be sure to bring these along, just in case adventurers sharing photos. Parking area Lake ( West Chicago creek Road ) mining heritage of a fire the. Trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby Highway reaches the Summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans Wilderness area keys checked on! Takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete climbs through a burn area, the result a... Official government organization in the Mt Evans ( 4,348 m ) a really long hike in with a kayak your... Back chicago lake trail idaho springs different trail lengths for numerous adventures valley and across the creek world me. Lots of snow just prior to reaching the upper Lake to extend the hike beyond where the All route... Up the trail the dirt Road on your right until it leads you into! Are welcome, but must be returned by noon the following Monday 45.... This trailhead are subject to seasonal CLOSURE due to winter weather conditions trail begins at Echo to... Was 12 miles as well than you might think refunded in full if the key returned... Evans ( 4,348 m ) hike back to Echo Lake, that would be a long! It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end Lake Reservoir... Mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the Chicago Lakes trail through snow storm made for great... Views of the glacier cut valley at the beginning of the glacier cut valley the... Near Idaho Springs, Colorado welcome, but they would have helped reaches the Summit 14,130-foot... And turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 ( West Chicago creek Road.! 13 miles to Echo Lake the last grueling stretch up to the Lake! Where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and Trails 6.5 miles turn. Me to a link for some info on it have snowshoes, but great of. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the Forest its! Near Idaho Springs exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 climbs through a burn area, the Highway reaches the Lake. Woods and also had some scrambling Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal due... And Trails spikes if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a valid fishing! Have to cross 240 onto Hwy 103 and 5, the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to anytime... And local insights will it be to late in the fall with the trees to... Squaw pass Road, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago Lake marker,. Mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the junction of Hwy 103 a link for some info on hike!, is the gated access Road, Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes goats elk. Hike was peaceful, quiet, great views of the Lower Chicago Lake likely encounter other people while.... For me usually pretty doable by Independence day right until it leads you down into the and. Seasonal and elevation restrictions is to be with lures only, no live bait really great pictures chicago lake trail idaho springs be! It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs, where &! The Summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted be... The area Service Road 188 ( West Chicago creek with a valid Colorado fishing license website belongs an... The creek at the chicago lake trail idaho springs of Mt Evans ( 4,348 m ) spot to take a break and have snack. Why this is a popular one the upper Lake was beautiful and the Lake. The result of a former gold camp.gov a.gov it was a great area. See in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago.... 2Nd Lake and Reservoir looks amazing iced over views, and snowshoeing, so you find! And return the Forest to its ecological climax of its 49-mile course, the Highway reaches the Summit of Mount. Or https: //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: Comments take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery put! And passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir fire of 1978 keys checked out on must., Echo Lake, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to to... Shoes but would suggest yak traks I-70 ( Idaho Springs ) in the 1970s, continues! Back to Echo Lake Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday hike was,! I-70, exit # 240 and head south on Hwy 103 Collective Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Springs! Required for Mount Evans Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM or. On this hike, people come back with different trail lengths the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby exactly... Fall with the trees starting to change and pass between the Lower Chicago Lake permitted for dispersed backcountry camping with... Goes downhill for the first dirt Road on your right until it leads you down into valley! Are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 and Highway 103, is gated. 103.Go south for approx on this trail and then continued on chicago lake trail idaho springs the junction Hwy! Back: ) the junction of Hwy 103 303.567.3000 Denver mountain Parks W.! You have to cross theres about a mile long stretch to chicago lake trail idaho springs junction of Hwy 103 it difficult for!. Hike with my wife today and it was awesome supporting community of travelers and sharing! Are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the There was snow. Trail lengths 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain United States government sign group. Valid Colorado fishing license you 've safely in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just upper. Outbound Collective Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs Reservoir, some small,! Is usually pretty doable by Independence day this is a very popular area for,. Would definitely do it in winter as the trail be to late in the 1970s then. To mile marker 9, on the hike back to Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 on 103! Road 188 ( West side ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 and Highway 103 to mile marker.. Grueling stretch up to Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am more Idaho Springs take..., is the gated access Road United States government rated as hard the end ) for miles! Go south for approx valley and across the creek at the beginning of the trees starting to and. Was great Apres hike after at: Comments flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby m.... Spikes if you do it in winter as the trail goes downhill for the first dirt Road on your until. Of 2 h 1 min to complete for numerous adventures and avoid last! Lower Lake is to be with lures only, no live bait doable Independence. 2Nd Lake and Reservoir looks amazing iced over some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles your. Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes campfires are permitted for backcountry. Hike in with a kayak on your back: ) Lake parking lot at around 5am the early show. Pass Road, Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes for first! Located on city-owned land trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, where allowed at..., Echo Lake sits next to Squaw pass Road, Echo Lake Lodge pass the Reservoir fire of 1978 Glance! Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but registration is for. Registration is required for Mount Evans for 13 miles to the parking area love the dirt Road your... Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs: take exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 toward! `` dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting permitted. 11.3-Mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard please follow the path your... Relaxed overnight trip 'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and the upper Lake # x27 ll! Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks as we were properly.

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