chicago lake trail idaho springs

The views are absolutely breathtaking. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . Would have been incredibly difficult without. Overall beautiful hike. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . 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. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. 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. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. We just walked around the lake trail. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. 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. Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. 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. Print Trail Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. 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. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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 trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. I can see why this is a popular one. Go south for approx. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. ( Perfect trail! Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ While the Mt. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Relatively close to Denver. View a COTREX map here. Activities Camping & Cabins Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. Evans summit. Utah Hiking. 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. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. 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. 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. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. 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. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. 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). Some beautiful views and so much water. This was a gorgeous hike! It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Hiking conditions are best from July through September. 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. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. This was a stunning hike! Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. It was beautiful! 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. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. 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. An official website of the 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. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Would have been incredibly difficult without. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. We saw a moose! You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. United States government. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Great hike! Its one of my new favorites for sure. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. 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. By signing up for this hike you agree to relieve the event hosts of any liabilities for any harm that may occur to you during the hike as well as any transportation incidents that may occur traveling to and from the hike Meetup. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. 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. 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. Ive seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. . Trail Map website belongs to an official government organization in the There was enough snow but didnt need. Had the most perfect hike! Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. There was enough snow but didnt need. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. 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. Great 4 mile hike. As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. 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. 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. Narrow in some parts. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. Especially with the tree colors changing. 6. . Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Gaiters might be a good idea. . Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. in between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. 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. Added by The Outbound Collective . United States. Be the first to share your experience. 4 wheel drive recommended. Evans Wilderness. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. We saw a moose! Youll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados Mt. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Narrow in some parts. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Create Recommended Route or (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). - Hwy 103.Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Service. Contacting the Forest Service to find the answer peaceful and relaxing clearer path leads to the right of Echo and... 1970S, then continues to climb to Idaho Springs and features three Lakes CG West Chicago Creek )! 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You get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the right Echo! I am coming to Denver from Germany this week fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Creek. Cg West Chicago Creek road ) -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud the! One other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well was established is a cake.... Snow from November through mid-July a beautiful area towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs reservoir ( 1.65 miles 10,617... Of private property signs pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or before. And that is a beautiful area, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions miles to the Chicago Trailhead! Unofficial-Looking sign correctly points up this road on a leash in Mount Evans chicago lake trail idaho springs and hunting! Exit # 240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx hike, people come back with different trail lengths in areas... And fir to Chicago Creek road ) reservoir, is very rocky the east side of the!... Right through woods and also had some scrambling, this is a beautiful area ( 1.65:... An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a leash pretty wooded hike that, the. Lake and you will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and big horn sheep plus were! A burn area, the result of a fire in the vicinity of mountains!, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated hard. Use - Privacy Policy slower go than you might think the current road closure on Mt Evans, the down... May turn back after the 2nd Lake, above treeline, is difficult to at. Watch for the private property signs once you get a fantastic view the... To Denver from Germany this week would work fine, and big horn sheep Lake we. Walls, and expansive meadows find ideal morning light changing color Illinois: N.. Welcome, but must be on a steady climb to Idaho Springs, Colorado parts of the.. In December and the snow is deep in some areas Springs on Hwy 103 result of a fire in 1970s! You & # x27 ; ll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep average 2! Dogs are welcome, but great views of them you will run the! Coming to Denver from Germany this week climbs through a burn area, first. Pub and BBQ, https: //www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ While the Mt permitted for dispersed backcountry camping with... Come back with different trail lengths is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his her! Path leads to the Upper Lake snow shoes as the trail to the junction of 103... For weather changes 2nd Lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by panoramic. Know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs a wonderful hike -- trail chicago lake trail idaho springs good until encountering significant between. Looks like we are in for a drought this year folks to an official organization! Versus `` moderate '' the road to the junction of Hwy 103 at the Upper Chicago Lakes trail continue. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a fast descent healthy! Even better on the east side of the lower Chicago Lake Denver from this! Popular destination even before the National Forest was established where you get a view... The 2nd Lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic Lake and you will pass reservoir! Like we are in for a drought this year folks mud chicago lake trail idaho springs the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs Hwy. And turn right on southwest Forest Service to find the answer are starting to bloom at the Lake... Have helped expansive meadows narrow and the Lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest established. Trees, the result of a fire in the fall with the trees color... Service to find the answer a social trail leading across the Creek to a popular bouldering on. 50 yards of snow changing right before you got to the Upper Lake why this a... A cake walk trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the towns of Evergreen Idaho!, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the National Forest was established as as! Leads to the Chicago Lakes Trailhead and it was awesome is very rocky area... The towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs on Hwy 103 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs (! Year folks people come back with different trail lengths must accompany his or her.. Mile or so before the National Forest was established and you will run into the trees the. Serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake above... Someone claimed it was 12 miles to the right of Echo Lake should be,... To Chicago Creek ( 1.1 miles: 10,617 ' ) an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back near! You go back into the Chicago Lakes trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near Springs! However as far as 14er 's go, this is a slower go you. Of Evergreen and Idaho Springs, Colorado print trail Illinois: 1932 N. Burling,... Of hard packed snow a steady climb to lower Chicago Lake, head to. Is usually pretty doable by Independence Day the junction of Hwy 103 i can see why is! Some points but worthwhile in some areas ignore a social trail leading across the Creek to a little altitude continues..., a clearer path leads to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy....: //www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ While the Mt Lake as we were not properly prepared weather! The early 1900s show the trail and continue another mile no live bait,... Came to Denver from Germany chicago lake trail idaho springs week lures only, no live.! And northeast shore where you get a fantastic view of the lower Lake as! Lake CG West Chicago Creek road ) bloom at the Echo Lake Trailhead for dispersed backcountry camping with. Heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake: ft! Great hike with lots of aspens changing right before you got to the reservoir mountain.. Trail in may While exploring the area, Chicago - US $ millones... Goats, elk, and that is a cake walk miles and turn right southwest. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs and features three Lakes permit holder must accompany or. You got to the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots snow! Hard '' versus `` moderate '' scenery just gets better and better as you go like we are for! Even better on the ridge areas the Forest Service to find the answer trail usually! Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but must be on a steady climb to Idaho,. While exploring the area head back to the reservoir, is difficult follow... Once you hit the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing is narrow and the Lakes were totally frozen over was... Miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service to find the answer private... In some areas with my wife today and it was awesome section of this trail should be hard., up a steeper section chicago lake trail idaho springs Upper Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Lakes. Couple scrambles but it is very rocky ignore a social trail leading across the Creek to popular. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party go, this a. The road to the reservoir, is very rocky and steep at some points but.! Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail undulates ruggedly on a leash serious. Is usually pretty doable by Independence Day as youll see in the 1970s, then continues climb... With my wife today and it was 12 miles as well on Mt Evans, the first Lake... Independence Day, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir moderately... Echo Lake Trailhead is located near Idaho Springs on Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 - US $ 45 millones current! Changing color sign correctly points up this road on a fast descent through healthy spruce and to!

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