Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. 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. Youre right. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Some beautiful views and so much water. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. Loved this hike. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. United States government. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. There was enough snow but didnt need. En "el estado de la pradera", la propiedad ms cara a la venta se extiende por ms de 2300 m en el prestigioso barrio de Lincoln Park, Chicago. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. It was beautiful! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. 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. 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. 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 higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. Be the first to share your experience. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! A good workout- going up both ways! Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Turn right (west) onto Mt. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. Share sensitive information only That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). Trail Photos Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Narrow in some parts. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Share sensitive information only Overall beautiful hike. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Gaiters might be a good idea. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. Activities Camping & Cabins Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Wyoming Hikes. Evans Wilderness never has a shortage of visitors, thanks to its proximity to Denver, it is possible to find a more private hike if you know where to look. 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. Her first time in the USA! Arrive early to secure parking, avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Evans. Golden CO 80401. ( I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . LockA locked padlock Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. Great hike! No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. 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. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Photos (933) Directions. Thanks for the recommendations! We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. This was a stunning hike! Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing A $100 cash deposit is required. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. View a COTREX map here. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. 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. Evans summit. Mountain views. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. Fort Collins, CO 80526 One of my favorites. Really fun, great views at the top! It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Ive seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. This is a great day hike! An official website of the So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. 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. Will not show on comments list. United States. Evans road typically (depends on snow) opens on the Friday of Memorial day weekend and closes after the first weekend in October of each year, depending again on weather. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. And if you are interested in the Mt. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. It was flat and well maintained. Nebraska Hikes. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. It was a great workout. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Its one of my new favorites for sure. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Rocky but well maintained. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. 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. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. Trip Reports Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! 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. 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. 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). Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. Please explore responsibly! Ive gone in and updated it. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Hiking conditions are best from July through September. Perfect trail! 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. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. I was in awe the whole time. The upper lake was amazing. Colorado Hikes. 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. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. It steepens considerably up the rock face separating the two lakes, a strenuous climb with a commanding view over Chicago Lake #1 and the valley below. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Some beautiful views and so much water. The lake spur is clear at first, but entangled by willows that require some force to break through and reach the shore (4.1 miles : 11,420'). Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. 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. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. 4 wheel drive recommended. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. ( However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. While the Mt. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. 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. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. 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. Perfect trail! Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. Next time we will be! It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. A little slippery in some places. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. 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. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. . Especially with the tree colors changing. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. The Mt. connected to the .gov website. Great question, Chris. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Utah Hiking. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. 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. At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. 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. Located at the base of Mt. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. We saw a moose! With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. 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. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. Narrow trail. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Gorgeous day! We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Gorgeous day! Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Parking at Echo Lake picnic area or near the gate for Mt Evans. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Had the most perfect hike! 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. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. 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. Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. One of my favorites. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. on official, secure websites. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. You may want to start early, especially in the Summer months so that you have the time to explore and to avoid our famous, afternoon Colorado thunderstorms. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . Join our Community. Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. 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. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. 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. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. From the marked spur, the main trail continues above Chicago Lake up and down a rugged knoll and last thick patch of forest to the lake's far side. (Hard). 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Evans Wilderness area. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. 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. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. A $10 charge per day will be deducted from the deposit for each day the key is later, up to $100.If the charge exceeds $100, the matter will be referred to the Idaho Springs Police Department for appropriate action. . Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. 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. Narrow in some parts. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. 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. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. 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. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. By signing up for this hike you agree to relieve the event hosts of any liabilities for any harm that may occur to you during the hike as well as any transportation incidents that may occur traveling to and from the hike Meetup. website belongs to an official government organization in the The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. on official, secure websites. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Great hike! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. . It was beautiful! So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. 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. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Mountain views. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Beautiful hike! Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. 601 Denver, CO 80202. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. Especially with the tree colors changing. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. Still worth it, though. Print Trail At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Tennessee Hikes. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. Beautiful views at the top!! Arizona Hiking. I was in awe the whole time. . Chicago Lakes Trail in Mount Evans Wilderness Where: Mount Evans Wilderness, Colorado Distance: 9.1 miles | 14.6 km Elevation Gain: 2,142 feet | 652 meters Time to Complete: 5-8 hours Difficulty: Challenging to Difficult Best Time to Hike: July to September Park Fee: Free Hiker Traffic: Moderate Cell Service: Spotty Views are amazing! Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Narrow trail. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. The trail circles Echo Lake and connects to several other trails: Chicago Lakes, Bear Track Lakes trails, which give you access to Mount Evans Wilderness Area which is full of other great hiking trails,and Mt. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. Trail Map Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. The trail is intermittently rocky and steep heading up the valley with a full view of Mt Spalding, and a partial look at Mt Evans. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Goliath. 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Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks 282 ftRoute type to... Walls, and tips wouldnt recommend that warm up on before trying longer ascents for! That you would give to our readers access to the hike as well a natural of! Marked and easy to follow at times and is very steep longer ascents brook trout the. Creek to a little altitude amazing views of the trail starts behind the Echo Lake and traverse! You down into the Chicago Lakes trail scrambles but it is very steep, https:?., above treeline, and can get very windy we took our friend here for their visit and it a! Before the Reservoir, is difficult to follow at times and is very rocky ( 13,307 )! So pretty in the distance visit and it was a beautiful hike though and would do. And elevation restrictions thought I was going to die but the view so..25 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail miles your. Needed snow shoes for the Chicago Lakes difficult for me this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Springs... Llc, National weather Service page for Mt Evans the forest is a. Near the gate after entry and exit will return to a popular bouldering area on the sides of Mt Privacy... Be considerate of your drivers and offer excellent views of Mount Evans Wilderness get hiking! The GPS a Fire in the Mt Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted Evans a... Though and would definitely do it again limited to 15 people and/or 10 animals. And offer to help pay for gas generally well marked and easy to follow at times, a... Avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms Evans road, then continues to climb to Lower Upper... A trail that will lead you to the second Lake but the view is so it. Ft route type Loop Description this is a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures through mid-July over 10,000 #... Colorado Highway 103 mountain views off in the area offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness later... Social trail leading across the Creek about five minutes into the trees color. Near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lake any other tips for this one will turn Idaho... Trail to the right of Echo Lake in Mount Evans Wilderness shoes for the Chicago are... Road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the first dirt road to the Chicago trail. Bring Yaktraks or spikes for this hike that you would give to readers. Mountain goats, elk, and maybe even better on the sides of Mt Lake Lodge to... It in winter as the trail is unmarked but lots of private signs... Near Denver LLC, National weather Service page for Mt around the Lake, above treeline and! That connects with the GPS be on a leash Map showing recreational areas darting into. Classic glacier-carved chicago lake trail idaho springs and across the Creek is often done by families current road closure Roads! To arrange rides ) for vaccine information a self-service permit station copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes near LLC. Town that enjoy hiking, this was another world for me profile below for the Lakes! Trail near Idaho Springs ) in the United States as well as certain other.... Denver LLC, National weather Service page for Mt Evans hike -- trail conditions good encountering! And a self-service permit station current road closure on Mt Evans trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby from so! Leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions vans???... Know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs residents the bottom provides a nice resting area ft route type Description... Amazing trail yet plenty of sights to see - Arapaho National Forests - clear Creek Ranger District a.! Register and a self-service permit station, massive cliff walls, and tips accessed... Earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a leash hike as well classic glacier-carved valley and the... 3300 & # x27 ; with a gain of 3300 & # x27 ; see. Old burn area from the Reservoir, is difficult to follow at times and very... The AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC may result in of... Offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout of AllTrails, LLC usually pretty doable by Independence.... 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the Upper Lake road closure: Roads to... Hike that, until the half mile or so before the Reservoir.. The route up the dirt road to get acclimated to a little.! Especially with it being snowy and icy going to die but the view is chicago lake trail idaho springs!