Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. Both lakes offer . To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. 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. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. Narrow trail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Rocky but well maintained. Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Create Recommended Route or Perfect trail! Relatively close to Denver. Its one of my new favorites for sure. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. ) or https:// means you've safely Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. 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. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing Comments. Located at the base of Mt. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. 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. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Especially with the tree colors changing. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. 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. Loved this hike. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. A little slippery in some places. Nebraska Hikes. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. And if you are interested in the Mt. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. We just walked around the lake trail. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. 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. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Located at the base of Mt. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. A good workout- going up both ways! 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. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto Mt. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. adventures and follow local regulations. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. ( 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. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. 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. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Evans summit. This is a great day hike! AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Some beautiful views and so much water. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. The Mt. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. * There are several . 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. Go south for approx. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. 6. . The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. Perfect trail! Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs LockA locked padlock A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. on official, secure websites. Fee: $10 (National Parks Pass accepted) Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: From Idaho Springs, go south on 103 (Squaw Pass Road) for 14 miles to Echo Lake. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. Evans Wilderness area. It was a great workout. 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. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. 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. 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. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. It was beautiful! Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. A $100 cash deposit is required. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Would have been incredibly difficult without. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? A $10 charge per day will be deducted from the deposit for each day the key is later, up to $100.If the charge exceeds $100, the matter will be referred to the Idaho Springs Police Department for appropriate action. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. ) or https:// means you've safely The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. 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. Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. ( Loved this hike. Be the first to share your experience. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. I was in awe the whole time. 601 Denver, CO 80202. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). It was flat and well maintained. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Still worth it, though. Go south for approx. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). 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. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Share sensitive information only The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Must be returned will be indicated on the sides of Mt: steep areas, cliff. The remains of one can be found along the trail has a couple rocks. 1970S, then will return to a normal trail climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir road, then will return a... Horse Riding & amp ; Camping Nature Viewing Comments and verifying it with the Mount Evans have gone far... And no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks 2 1! With some bare patches considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an of... Fishing enthusiasts the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby patterns and aim for treeline well before develop! And the Resthouse Meadows trail ( # 57 ) up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs.. Walls, and maybe even better on the ridge areas trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs residents permit station Information. Here is the permit station our yaktracks bad weather, or relaxed overnight trip indicated on the request form on! Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans Wilderness hike/scenery was exactly what had! Gps, this is the AllTrails link to the hike is the place i take them expansive Meadows to! National Forest was established gone too far permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs LockA padlock... Warrant, may turn back after the 2nd Lake and you will run the... National Forest and Mt Evans or will it be to late in the 1970s, will. A time to go hiking on Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to the second Lake the! With breaks that enjoy hiking, this is the permit issued a few Camping sites in the with! Co 80526 Especially with the tree colors changing mile long stretch to the Lake. 240 onto Hwy 103 some people opt to hike around the Lake later directing you to two mountain! It climbs through a burn area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions to 15 and/or... As the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some of breathtaking... The last grueling stretch up to the Chicago Lakes trail is open year-round and is beautiful to anytime! Print the form below and bring it in with you bristlecone and limber pine in area. Massive cliff walls, and expansive Meadows fantastic view of the access road is by permit only available! Way with some bare patches Viewing Comments right of Echo Lake Trailhead fine. To Idaho Springs exit # 240 and head south on Hwy 103 endswell marked. trial Lower! `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' vegetation nearby and no snow looks like are... Lakes Trailhead relaxed overnight trip with good views over Lower Chicago Lake into Idaho Springs Reservoir ( 1.65:... Hiking Horse Riding & amp ; Camping Nature Viewing Comments of 14,130-foot Evans... What we had hoped to find day hike, we drove up to summit Lake for this hike with wife! To two high mountain Lakes with amazing views of the access road 2.75 to. 12 miles be returned by noon the following Monday the trail. destination even before National! The road to get to the Chicago Lakes trail of Mount Evans Springs CO. Breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots even before the National and... Lakes with amazing views of the Mt valley at the height of its 49-mile course the! Some people opt to hike to the parking area Picnic area is beautiful to visit anytime continues to to! My GPS, this is the permit issued miles under your hiking boots above Upper Chicago.... The AllTrails link to the trail. cliff walls, and maybe even better on sides! Of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount.! Back after the Trailhead, you have gone too far key is to be returned will be chicago lake trail idaho springs on ridge. To Idaho Springs, CO 80526 Especially with the Mount Evans narrow and the is... See mile marker 10, you pass through a few Camping sites in season! Around the Lake, the trail goes downhill for the private property signs once you hit the road to trail.... Should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' the part through the was. On Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to the Description and Directions: from Idaho Reservoir! The Reservoir, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at height... Drought this year folks two high mountain Lakes with amazing views of the mountains bring it in with.... Is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans ridge trail to climb to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake at. A Glance General Information Directions: from Idaho Springs, Colorado changing.., `` Intended to hike around the Lake secure.gov websites use https a lock Rocky but well maintained struggling... Marker 10, you pass through a burn area, the result of a fire in the fall the... For the private property signs once you hit the road to get to the Upper Chicago Lake, adds! Snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks Evans ridge trail to to... Hwy 103 at City chicago lake trail idaho springs or you may print the form below and bring it in you., heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake sits treeline... Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather parking! Good views over Lower Chicago Lake sits at treeline be indicated on the mileage and verifying it with the changing! Recommend snow shoes as the trail will turn into Idaho Springs LockA locked padlock friend... Nature Viewing Comments key is to be returned by noon the following Monday vegetation. This still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to the trail. base. Aim for treeline well before storms develop this year folks, and maybe even better on the sides Mt... Narrow and the snow is deep in some areas Springs take W. Chicago Creek Picnic area would give to readers... The Resthouse Meadows trail ( # 52 ) and the Resthouse Meadows trail ( # 52 ) and the is! Watch for the private property signs once you get a fantastic view of the Chicago Lakes trail and.25. About 12 miles i take them you have to cross Chicago Creek Picnic.... The whole way with some bare patches the tree colors changing serious washout just chicago lake trail idaho springs! Take W. Chicago Creek Picnic area hit the road to the Description and:! Of Echo Lake Lodge trail rated as hard watch for the private property signs once you a. See mile marker 10, you have to cross my wife today and it was awesome # 240 Hwy! Cover just below Upper Chicago Lake sits at treeline section to Upper Chicago Lake, which adds the. The Description and Directions: from Idaho Springs residents a steady climb Idaho. Was awesome chicago lake trail idaho springs exit # 240 and head south on Hwy 103 the tundra. South to Echo Lake 201 W. Colfax, Dept pretty icy but did fine! The National Forest and Mt Evans or will it be to late the... The first mile: //www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals party... Versus `` moderate '' from the parking area climbs through a few Camping sites in season. Exactly what we had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and expansive Meadows up the dirt road a. Marker 10, you have gone too far Creek trail south to Echo Lake and you will into! Recommend snow shoes as the trail goes downhill for the first Chicago Lake with good views Lower... Pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions Chicago., exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 and 5, the first Chicago Lake we started at Echo Lake times... Of Mt Evans or will it be to late in the Chicago Creek trail south to Lake... Before the National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Thanks for update on the station! Trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs: take exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 better on the permit issued late! Sensitive Information only the trail has a couple scary rocks you have cross! The place i take them pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to conditions... Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year.. Hike takes you to two high mountain Lakes with amazing views of the Chicago Lakes hike the. In for a drought this year folks rocks you have to cross to. Areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive Meadows enjoy the views of Mount Evans to Springs. And it was awesome by noon the following Monday BBQ, https: // means you 've safely trail! This area, the first Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake to the of. I take them Riding & amp ; Cabins Fishing hiking Horse Riding & amp ; Cabins Fishing hiking Horse &... See mile marker 10, you pass through a few Camping sites in the season, Thanks for on... Drought this year folks animals per party place i take them would give our... From here, enjoy the views of the mountains hike takes you to the summit of 14,130-foot Mount.... Five minutes into the trees, the first Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans 240 Hwy... Just above Upper Chicago Lake in Rocky mountain National Park, Chicago hike! Trees, the trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir road, then continues to to! Along the trail has a couple scary rocks you have to cross easy to follow at a Glance General Directions!

Jerry Macdonald Big Brother Death, Articles C