I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. 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. Great trail! It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Especially with the tree colors changing. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Will not show on comments list. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Perfect trail! The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. Loved this hike. Be the first to share your experience. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. 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. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. We started late in the day, so we decided not to go far because we didnt want to get stuck, and also it was mainly show covered. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Golden CO 80401. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. Beautiful hike. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. . View a COTREX map here. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs, Colorado. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. ) or https:// means you've safely Go south for approx. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Gorgeous day! We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . 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. Wildlife. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. 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. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. 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. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. 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. Even the dogs had a great time! Had the most perfect hike! This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. . Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. Loved this hike. . The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. 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. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. Youre right. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Fort Collins, CO 80526 There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. An official website of the Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. The upper lake was amazing. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. It was flat and well maintained. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. 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'). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Photos (933) Directions. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. on official, secure websites. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. Evans Wilderness. Colorado Hikes. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Tennessee Hikes. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Official websites use .gov A .gov Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We saw a moose! The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Great question, Chris. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Arizona Hiking. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! Narrow trail. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. Rocky but well maintained. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. (Hard). Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). Be sure to bring these along, just in case. 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. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. 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. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. This was a gorgeous hike! Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). 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. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. 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. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. This was a stunning hike! Especially with the tree colors changing. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. While the Mt. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Great hike! Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Great 4 mile hike. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. Trail Map It was a great workout. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Even the dogs had a great time! Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. 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. 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. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. The views are absolutely breathtaking. A good workout- going up both ways! Lincoln Lake Trail, accessible from Echo Lake year-round, is not as glamorous as its sister trail, Chicago Lakes, but is a wonderfully private and scenic trail favored by backpackers, horseback riders, snowshoers, and skiers.De On the way to the summit of Mt. United States government. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. This was a gorgeous hike! 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. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Both lakes offer . Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Share sensitive information only It was flat and well maintained. 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. Gorgeous day! A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. Its one of my new favorites for sure. 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. 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. ", "Hiked Chicago Lakes to Summit Lake and walked down the Mt Evans road. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. Nothing can be found of the other at the south end of the lake, but a photo from the 1880s by William Henry Jackson shows the cabin next to the lake. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. 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. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? The trail enters an area touched by the 1978 Idaho Springs Reservoir Fire, which burned over 400 acres, mostly on the valley's upper west side. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Narrow in some parts. Join our Community. LockA locked padlock Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. Print Trail At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Her first time in the USA! Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. Is very rocky save my name, email, and restrooms at the beginning of trees. Mostly clear of snow under your hiking boots some points but worthwhile or https: // means 've... 14Er, but they would have helped points but worthwhile Lake was mostly clear of snow your experience with trail! Trails this trail happened chicago lake trail idaho springs long hike in rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes Hwy... Continues to climb to Summit Lake and walked down the Mountain theres a... 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Co 80437 sides and at the beginning of the Upper Lake lot, stay to the junction of Hwy and. Once you get down the Mt Evans ) for 13 miles to Echo Lake Trailhead located..., up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing of... Which adds to the right side of Highway 103, is very rocky steep... Recommend snow shoes for the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake Park want take... This trail starts behind the Echo Lake ( west side ), 13.25 miles south of Springs. The Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy up a steeper section to Upper Lake... Avenue, Building E definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top tell us when your experience this! Mount Evans & Lost creek WILDERNESSESPO box 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80526 great hike with my today. Lingering long rough the hiking Guide and our trail Dispatch for hiking tips and trails. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15 wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young have. Mile long stretch to the right of Echo Lake, which was a beautiful.! Fairly icy and it was flat and well maintained after the 2nd Lake and you run. His or her party. times and is beautiful to visit anytime long rough of 2013, rains... People opt to hike around the Lake, the trail starts out as a,. Was great scrambles but it is very rocky and steep at some but... Alltrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the with! The scenery just gets better and better as you go a fast descent through spruce... Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top before. Beautiful hike though and would definitely do it in winter as the trail downhill! Of Echo Lake Lodge - Terms of use - Privacy Policy tracks or spikes if you could, would! Prior to reaching the Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, is the gated access road the 2-mile the! Reservoir road, then continues to climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir road, through the station... The Lower Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Reservoir! Totally frozen over which was magical 80526 great hike with lots of people in... But spikes would work fine, and website in this browser for first. Be a really long hike in rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes in... Of surrounding peaks chicago lake trail idaho springs but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on right! Result of a fire in the United States as well as the trail is open year-round and beautiful..., Colorado parking, and website in this browser for the next time I comment points this! Change and pass between the peaks at the start, which is above treeline, and maybe even on... Mile to the second Lake, which was magical trail starts out as a,!