An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. An official website of the From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Goliath. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Share sensitive information only Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. 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. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. Go 3 miles to campground. It was beautiful! Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Loved this hike. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. This was a gorgeous hike! 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. 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. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Go south for approx. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Especially with the tree colors changing. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. 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 had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Activities Camping & Cabins Thanks. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. 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. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Evans summit. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. 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. One member of each party is required to register at the Mt Evans Wilderness boundary board and carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Print Trail The Mt. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. And if you are interested in the Mt. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. Official websites use .gov A .gov The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. 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. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. A good workout- going up both ways! Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District Rocky but well maintained. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. It sure is a beautiful area! Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. It was a great workout. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. 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. Narrow trail. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Beautiful hike! (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. . Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. 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 trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. Overall beautiful hike. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. 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. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. 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. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! 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. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. . Arrive early to secure parking, avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Great trail! Wildlife. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. This was a stunning hike! 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. Youll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados Mt. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. We saw a moose! It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Great hike! Narrow in some parts. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. Fort Collins, CO 80526 So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where youll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. A $100 cash deposit is required. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. 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. 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. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). 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'). Beautiful views at the top!! Make sure to bring water & a little snack. As the key is only available to residents within the Idaho Springs City Limits, you must provide proof of address. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. It was a great workout. 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. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. Its one of my new favorites for sure. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. 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. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. 6. . You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. 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). It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. 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. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. Added by The Outbound Collective 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 Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. on official, secure websites. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Chicago Lakes - MEWA - fishing in Idaho Springs, Colorado. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. 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. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Evans Wilderness area. ", "Hiked Chicago Lakes to Summit Lake and walked down the Mt Evans road. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Utah Hiking. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . 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