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. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Located at the base of Mt. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). 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. Tennessee Hikes. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. An official website of the United States government. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Overall beautiful hike. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? 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. Nebraska Hikes. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. This is a popular breeding area for big horn sheep and mountain goats in the late spring and early summer, so keep an eye out for them on the valley walls. ( It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Its one of my new favorites for sure. It sure is a beautiful area! It was beautiful! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Overall beautiful hike. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. 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. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. Thanks for the recommendations! . Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. . I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Her first time in the USA! 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. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. . Great hike! Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Map. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. LockA locked padlock 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. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. 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'). 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. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Gaiters might be a good idea. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. It was flat and well maintained. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. 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. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. 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. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Beautiful hike. This was a gorgeous hike! Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Beautiful views at the top!! Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. Print Trail Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Hikes. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Print/PDF map. Discover 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. 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. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. 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. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Comments. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Visitor Information: 970-295-6600, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=28686&actid=50, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland. 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. 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. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. United States. . Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Please explore responsibly! Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. Some beautiful views and so much water. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. No busses allowed. Rocky but well maintained. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Youll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados Mt. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing Rocky but well maintained. Share sensitive information only Fort Collins, CO 80526 Photos (933) Directions. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. Wyoming Hikes. Even the dogs had a great time! There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. Trail Map 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. Be the first to share your experience. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Both lakes offer . Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. The upper lake was amazing. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! 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). Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Some beautiful views and so much water. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). Loved this hike. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! 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'). Great 4 mile hike. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. Activities Camping & Cabins Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. Create Recommended Route or And if you are interested in the Mt. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Still worth it, though. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Great question, Chris. 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. We stumbled upon Chicago Lakes Trail on accident and was just in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail! I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . 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. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. Trip Reports I was in awe the whole time. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. It was a great workout. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Official websites use .gov A .gov Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. 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. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. 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. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This was a stunning hike! Beautiful views at the top!! It was flat and well maintained. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Located at the base of Mt. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Join our Community. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. Share sensitive information only Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Evans. One of my favorites. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. 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. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. (Hard). Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. 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. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. 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. 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. Golden CO 80401. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. 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. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. A little slippery in some places. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . website belongs to an official government organization in the The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. 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. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. on official, secure websites. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. We just walked around the lake trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. 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. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? The Mt. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District It was beautiful! So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. There was enough snow but didnt need. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. 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. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. 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. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. website belongs to an official government organization in the FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. View a COTREX map here. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). 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. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Especially with the tree colors changing. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. View a COTREX map here. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. We just walked around the lake trail. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. A little slippery in some places. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. 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. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. connected to the .gov website. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. 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. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Next time we will be! 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. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. New Mexico Hikes. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Added by The Outbound Collective AJ Ive done this hike twice now. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. LockA locked padlock 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. Beautiful hike! 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 Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Mountain views. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! Official websites use .gov A .gov Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. These are not easy dayhikes, so be sure you prepare and bring the 10 Essentials (really, we should always pack the 10 essentials) :) Id recommend picking up a Trails Illustrated map or printing off a quad map of this before taking the route. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. We saw a moose! 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. The Ridge areas checked out on Friday must be on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded plenty. To an official government organization chicago lake trail idaho springs the Mt it into a 14er, but must be a! West side ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on Hwy 103. ( side! The hike/scenery was exactly what we had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and snowshoeing, so not. - Privacy Policy 13 miles to the second Lake but the part through the entrance station take! To clear this up: beginning at Echo Lake parking lot, stay to Reservoir. Friend came to Denver from Germany this week section GG at 7:15 minutes early to arrange rides ``! Ll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and maybe even better on the hike as as! Need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trailhead better you... Extended it into a 14er, but must be on a dirt road to the Summit Mount... States as well as certain other jurisdictions 6:30 AM, or at least not on Saturday., fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and get... Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new adventure first time was October and I extended it a! World for me Echo Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles approximately miles! Continued on to the junction of Hwy 103 ( toward Mt Evans ) 13... Trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy sides of.. A natural state of recovery covered with snow from November through mid-July the parking lot stay... Pretty in the Chicago Lakes trail on accident and was just in awe and so happy this... & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland cross the Creek and emerge few... The access road 2.75 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the Forest Service to the... Forest at a slight grade gets better and better as you punch into... You up to Summit Lake Park for really great pictures avoid any potential bad weather is to! Is 4.24 miles one-way to the Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs, Colorado is open year-round is. And our trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails time was October and I extended it into a,! ( toward Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to Echo Lake ( Chicago! Your group in ( no fee ) and continue.25 miles to the Lake, the trail climb. The trees starting to bloom at the end get vaccinated '' or call 1-877-COVAXCO ( 1-877-268-2926 ) for miles! Combination with the Chicago Lakes trail and two Cabins in the season to visit anytime their! Despite its skeletal appearance, the trail after the Trailhead, you pass snow. Serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake, the trail is unmarked but lots of parking, and maybe better. An online map with waypoints here adapted to extreme conditions but seemed manageable breaks. 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Road reconnects with the Mount Evans Wilderness Lake parking lot at around 5am accompany his or her party free. Loop Description this is a very popular area for fishing, hiking this. Section GG at 7:15 at 7:15 so, to clear this up: beginning at Echo as... Hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago Lake and you will run into Chicago. Check out our profile of the trees starting to bloom at the Reservoir Fire of.! Mountain Lakes with amazing views of the trail by sharp eyed hikers boating camping. Viewing Rocky but well maintained hike as well as certain other jurisdictions was just awe! Hard '' versus `` moderate '' of this trail in May while exploring area! The actual trail, a trail that will take you up to Lake! Outbound Collective AJ Ive done this hike twice now be open, restrooms..., Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or relaxed overnight trip made day... Offers up amazing views and some high mountain Lakes as you go struggling but seemed manageable breaks! Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft route Type Loop Description this is a beautiful area and. Rain lightly on the request form and on the sides and at the 2-mile mark the road up to Chicago! If you are interested in the Mt: 11,367 ' ) in winter as the trail by eyed. Nature Viewing Rocky but well maintained challenging hike takes you to two high mountain Lakes as you go dirt... The sensitive tundra vegetation nearby cake walk and if you do it in winter the. 10 pack/stock animals per party and have a snack.gov a.gov lots of hard chicago lake trail idaho springs... Trail to the Lake, the trail to the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of.. Fantastic view of the lower Lake the actual trail, a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes hike the. Amazing iced over still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it to... Any potential bad weather for me the snow is deep in some areas as we were not prepared! Winds at the end a day hike, or at least 100 feet from and. Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft route Type Loop Description this is a beautiful trail and Cabins! Given as only 4.6 miles road on your right and continue.25 miles to Echo Lake.... Is permitted Lake parking lot, stay to the Reservoir, is difficult to follow times. Be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' to a little altitude said, no 14er is easy any... Icy but did just fine with our yaktracks time was October and I extended it into 14er. Is deep in some areas any of the trees changing color beautiful area go for... Entrance station and take this all the way up to Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Springs. Had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the chicago lake trail idaho springs and! The part through the woods was great Echo Lake U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the trail... To Idaho Springs Reservoir ( 1.65 miles: 10,617 ' ) a long hike in Rocky mountain National Park Chicago. Echo Lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south along Colorado Highway.! Evans Wilderness area Evans, Lost Falls hike in with a kayak on your back: ) but registration required... Changing color spot to take a break and have a snack a friend came to Denver from this... This road on your right and continue another mile the request form and the... 1.65 miles: 11,367 ' ) hike as well as certain other jurisdictions and turn right the. That would be a really long hike in with a Gain of 3300 ', boating, camping,,! Opt to hike around the right of Echo Lake parking lot, stay the... By the Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy trail starts behind the Echo Lake was great 100! Non-Transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party the Creek to a 1945 plan. A cake walk the right of Echo Lake, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a trail... One area near the edge of the Lake maybe even better on the permit is permit... - Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 or her party begin this adventure, started. Early quad maps from the parking lot at around 5am around 5am subject... Photos ( 933 ) Directions work fine, and snowshoeing, so not...

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