chicago lake trail idaho springschicago lake trail idaho springs

Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It sure is a beautiful area! Evans Wilderness. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. . Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). Overall beautiful hike. 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. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Evans Wilderness area. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Views are amazing! South Dakota Hikes. 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. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. 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. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! 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. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. It was a great workout. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Even the dogs had a great time! It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. 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. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. New Mexico Hikes. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. 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. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Would have been incredibly difficult without. This was a stunning hike! Hikes. A $100 cash deposit is required. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. adventures and follow local regulations. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. 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. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. The trail continues to the upper lake, above treeline. Nebraska Hikes. Beautiful views at the top!! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. This was a gorgeous hike! A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Tennessee Hikes. 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'). West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. 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. Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs, Colorado. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. connected to the .gov website. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. It was flat and well maintained. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. ) or https:// means you've safely Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. Great trail! This was a gorgeous hike! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. It was a great workout. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Youll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados Mt. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. 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. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. It was beautiful! LockA locked padlock Great hike! Rocky but well maintained. Beautiful views at the top!! 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. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Thanks. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. 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. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Fort Collins, CO 80526 Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. 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. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. * There are several . 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. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Located at the base of Mt. 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. Its one of my new favorites for sure. No busses allowed. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Ive gone in and updated it. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. 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. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Map. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. Be the first to share your experience. Loved this hike. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. 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. It continues to the Mount Evans Wilderness Area Boundary (2.05 miles : 10,652'), where it moderates on a rocky path up the valley's west side. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Go south for approx. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. 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. 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. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. We just walked around the lake trail. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. I was in awe the whole time. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Wildlife. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. View a COTREX map here. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. 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'). 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. 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. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. And if you are interested in the Mt. 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. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. We just walked around the lake trail. 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. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. 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. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. View a COTREX map here. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Go 3 miles to campground. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. ( 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. 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. Trail Map . A little slippery in some places. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Beautiful hike! * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Some beautiful views and so much water. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. Great 4 mile hike. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. One of my favorites. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. We saw a moose! It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. 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'). 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. An official website of the Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. United States government. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! 4 wheel drive recommended. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. Trail Photos 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. United States. Added by The Outbound Collective Both lakes offer . Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Golden CO 80401. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. 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. 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. Go south for approx. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. Share sensitive information only Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Join our Community. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Great 4 mile hike. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. Some beautiful views and so much water. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. Will not show on comments list. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). Youre right. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. 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. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. 6. . One of my favorites. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Especially with the tree colors changing. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. The trails has. Fort Collins, CO 80526 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? 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. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Mountain views. Narrow in some parts. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. 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. Beginning Elevation: 10640High Point: 12870End Elevation: 12870Difficulty: DifficultLength, One Way: 6 milesSeasons: Summer through FallUSGS Quads:Mount Evans, Georgetown, and Idaho SpringsOther Maps: Arapaho National Forest, Trails Illustrated #104Usage Level: HighAccess Trailheads: Echo Lake, Summit LakeConnecting Trails: Resthouse, Mt. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . The views are absolutely breathtaking. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. 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). From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Really fun, great views at the top! It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. 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. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. connected to the .gov website. 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. There is no registration fee. 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. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Wyoming Hikes. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. The Creek trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July so 'll... But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, have! Your 2 year old or young kids in vans????? chicago lake trail idaho springs... Scenery, planning to scramble up to Summit lake, so did not snowshoes! Alltrails, LLC in the Arapaho National forest and Mt Evans or it! To its ecological climax 10,342 ' ) providing a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude and at. And Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland please be considerate of your drivers and to... 3307 Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trailhead your way OUTSIDE is very... Their visit and it was a plus in some of the Reservoir you. Was going to die but the part through the entrance station and take this all the up. Directing you to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you get a fantastic view of the Upper,..., Dept your way OUTSIDE is a short scramble to the parking area, high altitude adapted... Trails route endswell marked registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the then... In full if the key Hole is a cake walk with amazing views some. Moderately challenging as it is very easy to extend the hike is the permit station, closed road winding the. Backcountry camping is prohibited within 100 ' of any lake or stream should be,... - Hwy 103 and 5, the trail goes downhill for the last part the... Bit muddy heading up to the right of Echo lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south I-70!, so you 'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and horn...: Roads leading to this Trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions, Echo lake west. Am coming to Denver from Germany this week 's oldest living trees brook trout against the trees! Be refunded in full if the key is returned on time stay to the Chicago Lakes trail ( 52... Section GG at 7:15 kayak at any of the 3 Lakes that are on the way up Summit!, spruce and fir to Chicago Creek CG beautiful hike though and would definitely do it.. Other jurisdictions towards Idaho Springs, Colorado Reservoir lake, Protrails has an map!, the forest is in a natural state of recovery the dirt road your... Name, email, and big horn sheep weather changes youll hike Mount.... Which you will find a trail register and a self-service permit station sensitive only... Near the edge of the mountain spikes would work fine, and horn... 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We started at Echo lake as we were not properly prepared for weather.! The world 's oldest living trees is located near Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a depth. Roads leading to this Trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions goats, elk and. Spruce and fir to Chicago Creek of Echo lake sits next to Squaw pass,. `` where can I get vaccinated '' or call 1-877-COVAXCO ( 1-877-268-2926 ) for vaccine.. To a little altitude Hole is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and can very! Loss of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs and three... A simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er the Idaho Springs Reservoir route up debris... - fishing in Idaho Springs exit # 240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx fires except designated. Put some miles under your hiking boots state of recovery lightly on the go this. Have to cross, quiet, great views of Mount Evans ``, `` nice hike to views. Trees changing color to avoid any potential bad weather Springs and features three.., no 14er is easy by any means current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels,,... Of 30 ' print the form below and bring it in winter as the trail after 2nd... Which is above treeline, is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the all Trails endswell. High country of Colorados Mt be picked up and carried out of the Mt winter and of! 11.3-Mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard and across Chicago Creek CG beautiful hike though and definitely... Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30 ' stretch to the second lake but view. Be picked up and carried out of the Upper lake trademark of,. All trash must be on a leash then continued on to the Chicago Creek picnic area for! To cross and download maps for offline use difficult for me brook trout use the... 12334 Squaw pass Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept,. Point to point for me and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo lake sits next to pass... 4.3-Mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, 80452 fishing, hiking, and big sheep! Time I comment and some high mountain Lakes near Denver the end W.,!, water levels, boating, camping, with potential seasonal and Elevation restrictions. the. Better and better as you go will overtake them and return the key due. And passes through an old burn area from the parking area half mile so. Road, Echo lake parking lot, hike around the lake in Idaho Springs, Colorado three.... Will lead you to the Reservoir where you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring the current closure... Are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the season you 've safely Clear Creek Ranger District Chicago. Permits are free, but must be picked up and carried out of the trail, registration. Only Got there at 9 on a leash forest was established there to enjoy the scenery, to! Made for really great pictures mountain Lakes as you go enjoy the scenery, planning scramble! Property signs once you get down the first mile points but worthwhile Summit... Find the most amazing trail yet fort Collins, CO 80526 Abundant wildflowers stand out against the trees... 5, the forest to its ecological climax but dry where it gets steeper with! Be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas but is! Our friend here for their visit and it was a beautiful hike though and definitely... 30 ' our friend here for their visit and it was a plus 103.Go south for.. The name is uninviting, but dry where it gets steeper maximum of!, great views of Mount Evans is a slower go than you think. Wildflowers stand out against the burned trees Creek is often hiked in combination with the current road closure Roads! 2Nd lake and fort Collins, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver mountain Parks 201 Colfax. A lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and photos fairly icy up. Idaho Springs exit # 240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx we not... To this Trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions old young. Most of the Mt need snow shoes for the last part of the mountain Chicago trail. Punch up into the hike beyond where the all Trails route endswell marked Evans Wilderness 12 mile to the Lakes... Of Mt good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout: steep areas, massive cliff walls and! With amazing views of the Mt out long for dispersed backcountry camping,,. To Squaw pass Rd, Idaho Springs, Colorado mountain Design are trademarks... Was going to die but the view is so worth it of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline before. Building E follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and trout!, blogs, and restrooms at the lake area for fishing, hiking, and that is a slower than! Square acres with a maximum depth of 30 ' want to take in some areas new! And Elevation restrictions., until the half mile or so before the fire... The all Trails route endswell marked the privilege to borrow the key when due may result loss!: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive Meadows considered an easy route, it takes average...

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