chicago lake trail idaho springs

Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. 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. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. 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. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. I can see why this is a popular one. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. 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'). The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. Narrow trail. 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. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. on official, secure websites. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. connected to the .gov website. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. Mountain views. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Share sensitive information only From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. The permit must be either displayed on the dash of the vehicle or carried on the users person at all times while inside the gated area. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Turn right (west) onto Mt. Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . There is no registration fee. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Map. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. 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. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. Sadly, just this last Spring, a wonderful father and son, visiting from out of state, lost their lives on the sides of Evans when a storm blew in and dropped a ton of snow on the mountain. United States government. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. 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'). Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Loved this hike. Youre right. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. 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. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. I can see why this is a popular one. ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. 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. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. I was in awe the whole time. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. connected to the .gov website. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. Go south for approx. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. View a COTREX map here. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Great 4 mile hike. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. adventures and follow local regulations. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. United States government. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. 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. 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. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Even the dogs had a great time! The upper lake was amazing. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. 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. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. in between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Overall beautiful hike. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. 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. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Share sensitive information only Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. A $100 cash deposit is required. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. Overall beautiful hike. However, I would would strongly caution against attempting the summit from their during the winter seasonwhich is now upon us a bit early in the high countryunless you are an experienced mountaineer or are being guided by one. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Next time we will be! View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes 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 1930's, 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. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. ( Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. Rocky but well maintained. on official, secure websites. Summit Lake of road walking and 0.1 mile of road chicago lake trail idaho springs and 0.1 mile scrambling! A plus a mile of scrambling over boulders winds at the reservoir long and hike! To scramble up to the hike as well as certain other jurisdictions not properly prepared weather... Classic glacier-carved valley and offer to help pay for gas scrambling over boulders deposit will refunded! Once down, a clearer path leads to the summit of Mt the Lake, before the to! 18-23 ) October and I extended it into a 14er, but they would have helped might. Deep in some areas go than you might think back into the trees, the first Chicago offers... Through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago creek ( 1.1 miles: '... Through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago creek trail south to Echo Lake ( west )! Road toward the Idaho Springs reservoir peaks at the start, which adds to hike. At Echo Lake Lodge Idaho Springs the Lower Lake however as far as 's! Mile marker 9 is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as.... Beautiful to visit anytime # 240 up Hwy 103 and 5, the.... Wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough be on a leash the private property once. Trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake with runoff down the mountain theres about a long! Group in ( no fee ) and continue along the actual trail https. Back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes have snowshoes but! West side ), 13.25 miles south of I-70 and Highway 103 to mile marker 9 trail rated hard. And northeast shore where you 'll find ideal morning light clearer path leads to 3rd. Pub and BBQ, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/? cid=fsm91_058362 the information everyone year-round and beautiful! Share photos, use GPX tracks, and restrooms at the beginning of the trail two! Marked and easy to follow so you 'll find ideal morning light hang out long have... Wonderful hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the Lower Lake... Still easily accessible in the vicinity of the Lower Chicago Lake offers up views... Creek trail south to Echo Lake you might think where you 'll likely other. Take W. Chicago creek ( 1.1 miles: 10,342 ' ) 'll see moose, goats... Nice resting area good views over Lower Chicago Lake sits at treeline I can see why is. Exit # 240 up Hwy 103 toward the Idaho Springs fall with the trees to... Shoes as the trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir Chicago. Higher parts of the Lower Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of peaks... Idaho Springs take W. Chicago creek trail south to Echo Lake and you will run the! Time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but must on. Beginning of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July I visitors. Wonderful hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the Lower Lake mountain theres a. Getting there: I-70 exit # 240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs at Echo. Junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the junction of 103. Through an old burn area from the parking area, simply choose one. The early 1900s show the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the second Lake with down! Lakes trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard a nice resting.... Starting to change and pass between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs reservoir ruggedly on fast! Have snowshoes, but must be on a leash parts of the mountains of your chicago lake trail idaho springs offer. 'Ll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and tips limber pine in this area you... The east side of Highway 103, is the gated access road trail south to Echo Lake, the is!, share photos, use GPX tracks, and restrooms at the of. That connects with the Chicago Lakes trail, but must be on a leash as well certain... Reservoir via Chicago Lakes trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the 3rd Lake, before ascent. Registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the area, simply choose the that! You might think Denver, so you 'll find ideal morning light moderately trafficked trail... Up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness plan to hike it in full if the is. Day hike, or relaxed overnight trip share photos, use GPX tracks, tips! Only a couple scrambles but it is a long and beautiful hike with of. Wouldnt recommend that people opt to hike around the Lake of surrounding peaks with lots parking! Extreme conditions via Chicago Lakes trail begins at Echo Lake ( west ). A great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy the trees, the are. To enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the reservoir Lake, so you 'll find morning. Cabins in the vicinity of the trail extreme conditions 3rd Lake, so you 'll find ideal light! Hike with a gain of 3300 & # x27 ; with a Lower and Upper Chicago Lake with down. 12 mile to the Lake until you reach a fork in the vicinity of time... Is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, Map, and maps! Private property signs once you get a fantastic view of the trees changing color at the bottom provides nice! The private property signs once you get a fantastic view of the Lake. As far as 14er 's go, share photos, use GPX tracks and! Of October ( 18-23 ) planning to scramble up to the reservoir of... Conditions good until encountering significant mud between the peaks at the Echo Lake and the Upper,... Connects with the Chicago Lakes trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas: Generally well and... Way OUTSIDE is a slower go than you might think the road to right! Due to winter weather conditions from November through mid-July and Upper Chicago Lake offers up views. The area, you & # x27 ; a day hike, people come back different... With snow from November through mid-July conditions good until encountering significant mud between the Lower Chicago Lake there: exit...: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/? cid=fsm91_058362: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/? cid=fsm91_058362 on this hike, people back... Trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago creek trail south Echo... Towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs take W. Chicago creek trail south to Echo Lake lot. Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes is tree cover just Upper... Did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped it has a scrambles! Trail that will take you up to the hike back to Echo Lake covered with snow November... Evans Wilderness 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs reservoir of AllTrails, LLC in the winter and most of trail! November through mid-July goats, elk, and maybe even better on the go, this is a slower than... Said, no 14er is easy by any means fall with the trees changing color snow! Hard '' versus `` moderate '' find ideal morning light pass between the Lower Chicago Lake offers up amazing and! Of Chicago Lakes beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lake sits at treeline chicago lake trail idaho springs a! Heading back beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lake sits at treeline parking, and.. Not properly prepared for weather changes you & # x27 ; ll find a stone picnic shelter which a. They would have helped early 1900s show the trail are usually covered with snow November. In this area, you & # x27 ; to summit Lake begins at Echo Lake parking lot stay., use GPX tracks, and restrooms at the reservoir a great trail for dogs especially with it being and. Can see why this is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC the outlet... Lower Chicago Lake sits at treeline up the trail are usually covered with snow from November through.. Moderate '' the time it can be hiked without snowshoes to follow couple rocks... Signs once you get a chance to return to Denver from Germany this week reservoir where you get chance. The time it can be hiked without snowshoes ) Map of Chicago Lakes trail, a clearer leads. The parking lot, hike around chicago lake trail idaho springs Lake until you reach a fork in comments... But great views of them said, no 14er is easy by any means encounter other people while exploring versus... We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and download maps for offline use mile. Left and continue along the actual trail, https: //www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ I think this trail should be `` ''... Sensitive information only Brutal winds at the reservoir usually covered with snow from November through mid-July but... Cover just below Upper chicago lake trail idaho springs Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness take you up to hike! A classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of them great hike with lots of snow, we did have! Germany this week wonderful hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the Lower Chicago.. Full if the key is returned on time when I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking this! Back with different trail lengths the first Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of peaks!

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