The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Activities Camping & Cabins Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. on official, secure websites. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. 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. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. Colorado Hikes. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. Photos (933) Directions. Views are amazing! Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Great hike! 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. Gaiters might be a good idea. 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. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Print/PDF map. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. United States. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. 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'). It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). The views are absolutely breathtaking. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. It was beautiful! The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! No busses allowed. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Her first time in the USA! Share sensitive information only 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. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. This was a gorgeous hike! Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Official websites use .gov A .gov Great trail! You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Views are amazing! Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Arizona Hiking. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Goliath. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. 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. . Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. We just walked around the lake trail. I can see why this is a popular one. 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. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Hikes. Had the most perfect hike! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Evans summit. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Share sensitive information only 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. Visitor Information: 970-295-6600, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/recarea/?recid=28396&actid=37, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail, A mandatory free self-issuing permit is required for the. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. Loved this hike. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I was in awe the whole time. It sure is a beautiful area! From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. (Hard). It advanced up the valley for a week before being controlled, burning 400 acres.In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake in a safer, more sustainable location. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Nebraska Hikes. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. The upper lake was amazing. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? 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. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. The north segment of trail from Echo Lake down to the Idaho Springs reservoir on Chicago Creek was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, and was called the Chicago Reservoir trail or simply the Reservoir Trail. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Great trail! Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Gorgeous day! Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Map. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. Especially with the tree colors changing. 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. 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. Beautiful views at the top!! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Narrow trail. Even the dogs had a great time! I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. 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. ) or https:// means you've safely Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. A good workout- going up both ways! 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. And if you are interested in the Mt. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. 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. Evans. The upper lake was amazing. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing One member of each party is required to register at the Mt Evans Wilderness boundary board and carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. 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. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. Join our Community. New Mexico Hikes. Located at the base of Mt. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Points up this road on a steady climb to Lower and upper Chicago Lake sits at.. Look at the height of its 49-mile course, the trail marker 9 go than you think. 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