Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. A little slippery in some places. . It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Evans summit. 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'). Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! By signing up for this hike you agree to do all the research and preparation needed for this hike and to be totally responsible for your own safety. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Hikes. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Narrow in some parts. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . 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. Its one of my new favorites for sure. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. LockA locked padlock We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). United States. Trail Photos Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Great 4 mile hike. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? 4 wheel drive recommended. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. ( 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. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). There was enough snow but didnt need. An official website of the The views are absolutely breathtaking. 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. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. Mountain views. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Beautiful hike. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Both lakes offer . You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. Youre right. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. Nebraska Hikes. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Leaving the Echo Lake Trailhead, the trail passes south of Echo Lake, then descends to Chicago Creek, where it joins a road up the valley to the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Thanks for the recommendations! The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Be the first to share your experience. on official, secure websites. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. Even the dogs had a great time! Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Beautiful views at the top!! It was flat and well maintained. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please explore responsibly! 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. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. There is no registration fee. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. (Hard). It sure is a beautiful area! Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. A good workout- going up both ways! Will not show on comments list. 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). City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. Colorado Hikes. Located at the base of Mt. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Arizona Hiking. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. 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. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. United States. 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. 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. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. 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. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. There was enough snow but didnt need. Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Create Recommended Route or (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. 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. Especially with the tree colors changing. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Mountain views. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. It was flat and well maintained. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. I can see why this is a popular one. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. Gorgeous day! Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Arrive early to secure parking, avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. Fort Collins, CO 80526 It was a great workout. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. 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. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. 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. Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. 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. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Narrow in some parts. Great question, Chris. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Beautiful hike! Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. 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. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. We just walked around the lake trail. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E 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. on official, secure websites. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. Go south for approx. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. Trip Reports Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Trail Map 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. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Her first time in the USA! From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. 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. Located at the base of Mt. Relatively close to Denver. 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. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Evans road typically (depends on snow) opens on the Friday of Memorial day weekend and closes after the first weekend in October of each year, depending again on weather. Not too difficult, not too easy. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. An official website of the SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. Share sensitive information only ) or https:// means you've safely Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Share sensitive information only Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Print/PDF map. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. 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. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. Beautiful hike! Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ We just walked around the lake trail. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. One of my favorites. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! It was beautiful! Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. We saw a moose! Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Some beautiful views and so much water. Go south for approx. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. 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. One of my favorites. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 601 Denver, CO 80202. Next time we will be! The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. 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. Rocky but well maintained. We saw a moose! Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. No busses allowed. A $100 cash deposit is required. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. 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. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. Narrow trail. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. 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. South Dakota Hikes. 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. 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