Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Beautiful hike! While the Mt. And if you are interested in the Mt. 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 upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. 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. The upper lake was amazing. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Map. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Its one of my new favorites for sure. Hiking conditions are best from July through September. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. One of my favorites. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. 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. There was enough snow but didnt need. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Ive seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. A little slippery in some places. If it did go to Summit Lake, it was poorly defined above the upper lake and hikers generally just made their own way.On 10/9/1978, the Reservoir Fire began from an abandoned campfire near the south end of the reservoir. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. 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. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Rocky but well maintained. View a COTREX map here. Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Idaho Springs, Colorado Mount Evans West Ridge via Chicago Creek 15.87 mi / 4859 ft gain Mount Evans West Ridge via Chicago Creek is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Great 4 mile hike. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. 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. 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. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. One of my favorites. 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. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? 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. 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. Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. two short trails are accessible within Summit Lake Park where you also have access to the lake shore and the Chicago Lakes Overlook Trail via the Summit Lake Loop. Both lakes offer . At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. A little slippery in some places. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. 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. Even the dogs had a great time! Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Discover 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. Would have been incredibly difficult without. 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. 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. ) or https:// means you've safely Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Join our Community. New Mexico Hikes. Relatively close to Denver. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. 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. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. United States. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Had the most perfect hike! Not too difficult, not too easy. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. 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. Gorgeous day! Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. 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. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. website belongs to an official government organization in the Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Located at the base of Mt. Please explore responsibly! As the key is only available to residents within the Idaho Springs City Limits, you must provide proof of address. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Evans Wilderness area. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. United States government. A good workout- going up both ways! I was in awe the whole time. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. A good workout- going up both ways! Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. It was a great workout. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. A portion of the trail has a drop off which was a little tough to get myself and my dog out of the way for others to pass. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. View a COTREX map here. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. 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. Its one of my new favorites for sure. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. This was a stunning hike! Be sure to bring these along, just in case. 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. Rocky but well maintained. ) or https:// means you've safely Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. . It was flat and well maintained. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Ive gone in and updated it. Perfect trail! 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. Go 3 miles to campground. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. . The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Hikes. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. Even the dogs had a great time! The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Narrow in some parts. 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. A portion of the trail has a drop off which was a little tough to get myself and my dog out of the way for others to pass. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. 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. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Narrow trail. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Trip Reports Great question, Chris. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake 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. Views are amazing! From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. 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). About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Print/PDF map. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. 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. The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. 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. ( Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. Really fun, great views at the top! But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Colorado Hikes. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. We saw a moose! Beautiful views at the top!! Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . connected to the .gov website. An official website of the Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. I was in awe the whole time. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. Summit Lake Park - Idaho Springs. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. Chicago Lakefront Trail. 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. This was a stunning hike! Great 4 mile hike. Narrow in some parts. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Located at the base of Mt. We just walked around the lake trail. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). . adventures and follow local regulations. 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. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Will not show on comments list. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. Trail Map 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. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. 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. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. It was flat and well maintained. 601 Denver, CO 80202. Evans. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. Go south for approx. You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. 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. 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. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Great hike! City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. 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'). Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. 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. 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. Arizona Hiking. Gaiters might be a good idea. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. Address: 12932 CO-103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 ( Evergreen) Phone: 303-567-3000 (Idaho Spgs Office) Season: Year-round Fees: None, only campground fee Map: Clear Creek (PDF) - Motor Vehicle Use Map containing forest service roads and where dispersed camping is permitted. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Golden CO 80401. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. One vehicle per key. connected to the .gov website. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Overall beautiful hike. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Perfect trail! Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. 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. 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. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. 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. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. 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. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. website belongs to an official government organization in the It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. The trail continues to the upper lake, above treeline. This was a gorgeous hike! According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Official websites use .gov A .gov
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