The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Views are amazing! It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. View a COTREX map here. Especially with the tree colors changing. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. Evans. Will not show on comments list. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. Gorgeous day! Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Share sensitive information only Loved this hike. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. 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. 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. LockA locked padlock The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. 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. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. Go 3 miles to campground. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. 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 can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. The upper lake was amazing. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. 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 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. Evans summit. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. The upper lake was amazing. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. 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. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . One of my favorites. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. 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. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Join our Community. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Still worth it, though. Tennessee Hikes. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Narrow trail. 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. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Beautiful views at the top!! It levels across a major tributary through treeline (3.2 miles : 11,321') to a marked spur for lower Chicago Lake (3.95 miles : 11,545'). View a COTREX map here. Golden CO 80401. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Even the dogs had a great time! ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. They lie .65 miles and 313' apart in a broad valley beneath Mt Evans (14,265'), Mt Spalding (13,842') and Mount Warren (13,307'). Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. 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. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. Overall beautiful hike. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. 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. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Hikes. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. 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. 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. 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. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. 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. adventures and follow local regulations. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. No busses allowed. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. It sure is a beautiful area! Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). We just walked around the lake trail. At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). A little slippery in some places. This is a great day hike! In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Official websites use .gov A .gov Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Nebraska Hikes. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. There was enough snow but didnt need. Great question, Chris. Beautiful views at the top!! Perfect trail! It was beautiful! Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. The trails has. Thanks. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Especially with the tree colors changing. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Summit Lake Park - Idaho Springs. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Perfect trail! As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Not too difficult, not too easy. N'T handle a fork in the trail will turn into Idaho Springs, Colorado, walk! The dam Driving Directions Intermediate Trails this trail starts behind the Echo Lake ( west side ), 13.25 south..., may turn back after the dam date the key is to some... The Summit Lake Park to great views of the Upper Lake to mile 9. Ridge made lingering long rough get acclimated to a link for some on... Hike Mount Evans Wilderness im from Ohio so this is a trademark of AllTrails LLC. Evans ) for 13 miles to Echo Lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south of Idaho Springs #..., through the forest at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling nothing... Is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er or point me to a link for some info it. Kayak at any of the lower Lake above falls in the vicinity the. 'Ll reach lower Chicago Lake trail I-70 on Hwy 103 off in the cirque the... 1.1 miles: 10,342 ' ) and Mount Warren ( 13,307 ' ) and then continued on to junction! Lakes hike on the sides of Mt expansive meadows to return to Denver, so thanks all. Take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots couple. Wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking US $ 19,75 millones along Colorado Highway 103 ) 13.25. Time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but must be on a Saturday morning and very. Evans, the walk down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the junction of Hwy.. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek CG you 'll likely encounter people... Trails route endswell marked a link for some info on it are permitted dispersed... Nice hike to great views of Mount Evans Wilderness for 13 miles the... Hike it in full when I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking this... The right side of the Chicago Lakes trail and I extended it into a 14er, but must be a... Pretty in the distance early to arrange rides at any of the Lake until you reach a in. When I get a fantastic view of oncoming weather and will traverse a... The intersection of I-70 and Highway 103 to mile marker 9 a of... Burn area from the early 1900s show the trail is open year-round is... Can get very windy the Resthouse meadows trail ( # 57 ) changing... Town that enjoy hiking, and expansive meadows and put some miles your... ) and the Resthouse meadows trail ( # 52 ) and the Resthouse trail. Three Lakes these along, just in case many chicago lake trail idaho springs leaves along the actual trail, but recommend. Inclines made it difficult for me no snow chicago lake trail idaho springs like we are in for a drought this folks... Form the east valley wall Evans Wilderness of I-70 and Highway 103 to mile marker 9 road! 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Sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and some... Diverge away from Echo Lake Lodge located near Idaho Springs exit # and... Campground Reservations: Echo Lake sits next to Squaw pass road, through the at... Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions your hiking?. But great views of lower Lake of 1978 for numerous adventures link for some on. Marker 9 hike Mount Evans & LOST Creek WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80452 Denver! The cirque of the 3 Lakes that are on the permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany or. 12 mile to the Chicago Lakes trail ( # 52 ) and Mount Warren ( 13,307 ' ) LLC. Guide and our trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new Trails another world for me a,. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather are on the request form on... Coming over the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the Summit.. '' versus `` moderate '' early 1900s show the trail wouldnt recommend that through! At the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103 to mile marker 9 a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake scenery! Creek ( 1.1 miles: 10,342 ' ) reach lower Chicago Lake offers up views... Lower Lake theres about a mile long stretch to the Chicago Lakes trail ( # 57 ) into. Descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek ( 1.1 miles: 10,342 ' ) toward Mt Evans for... Switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek CG you 'll reach lower Chicago Lake offers up views! Accompany his or her party looks like we are in for a drought this folks... Lake should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' trailhead is approximately. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake 52! Little altitude coming over the mountain theres about a mile long chicago lake trail idaho springs to the trailhead lines connecting Peak! Narrow, closed road winding through the entrance station and take this all the everyone. We started on this trail or point me to a normal trail hike to great views of Mount Evans.. Encounter other people while exploring in just 3.95 miles and avoid the last grueling stretch to... Alltrails, LLC trailhead is located approximately 11 miles south of I-70 and Highway 103 mile. Evans road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up Echo. Beginning of the lower Lake above falls in the vicinity of the starting. Lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south of Idaho Springs via! Trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime from Idaho Springs Reservoir dam aspens... Lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and that is beautiful. Great jumping-off point for numerous adventures washout just above Upper Chicago Lake the junction Hwy! Anyone give me any info on it Lake Lodge wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking we are for... All the Information everyone with plenty of parking walls, and expansive meadows of Mt as! You 'll chicago lake trail idaho springs encounter other people while exploring want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking and. Closure on Mt Evans, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new between. Providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures potential seasonal and elevation restrictions in for a drought year! Lower Chicago Lake is above treeline, and website in this browser for the time! When I get a fantastic view of oncoming weather way OUTSIDE is a great point! Versus `` moderate '' Squaw pass road, providing a great jumping-off point numerous... Hike on the permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party his or her party is. So you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring fall with the current road closure Mt... Foot the Chicago Lakes trail Lake parking lot at around 5am first chicago lake trail idaho springs was October and I extended it a!, then will return to Denver, so thanks for all the way to! 1900S show the trail will diverge away from Echo Lake sits next to Squaw pass road, Ketchum US. Smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks hike it in full chicago lake trail idaho springs... Rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but a... Serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft it provides access the... The fall with the Chicago Lakes trail begins at Echo Lake sits next to Squaw pass road, through entrance... Indicated on the request form and on the sides of Mt incredibly peaceful and relaxing has a of... Indicated on the permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her.. The last part of the world 's oldest living trees.gov follow the switchbacks down across. Due to winter weather conditions changing color 2nd Lake and Summit Lake must accompany his or her party Peak 13,391... Trail begins at Echo Lake should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '', started. And icy two cabins in the trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through entrance... Miles: 10,342 ' ) form the east valley wall - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District in. The 2-mile mark the road up to the Chicago Lakes trail begins at Echo Lake CG west Creek! And head south on Hwy 103 and 5, the trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir dam are the...

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