NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. Golden CO 80401. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Wildlife. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Chicago Lakes Mount Evans Wilderness Arapaho National Forest Distance: 10 miles (RT) Elevation Gain: 1,400ft Managing Agency: U.S. Forest Service Fee: None Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: The trail to the Chicago Lakes starts at the Echo Lake picnic area. LockA locked padlock We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Evans. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Relatively close to Denver. Rocky but well maintained. 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. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. 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. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Rocky but well maintained. Print Trail ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! 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. Still worth it, though. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. 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. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. An official website of the Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). An official website of the The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. I was in awe the whole time. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Loved this hike. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. * There are several . 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. A $100 cash deposit is required. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. One of my favorites. ( 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. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. There was enough snow but didnt need. Join our Community. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. While the Mt. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. adventures and follow local regulations. Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. Activities Camping & Cabins two short trails are accessible within Summit Lake Park where you also have access to the lake shore and the Chicago Lakes Overlook Trail via the Summit Lake Loop. Print/PDF map. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. I can see why this is a popular one. Next time we will be! Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Perfect trail! We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Views are amazing! 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'). 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. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! It was beautiful! I can see why this is a popular one. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. 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). As the key is only available to residents within the Idaho Springs City Limits, you must provide proof of address. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. A good workout- going up both ways! You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52)and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). 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. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. Some beautiful views and so much water. Especially with the tree colors changing. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. 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. South Dakota Hikes. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. 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. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. connected to the .gov website. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Great 4 mile hike. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. Her first time in the USA! Comments. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. Not too difficult, not too easy. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. Go south for approx. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. 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. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. 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 Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! on official, secure websites. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. En "el estado de la pradera", la propiedad ms cara a la venta se extiende por ms de 2300 m en el prestigioso barrio de Lincoln Park, Chicago. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Share sensitive information only Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. 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'). From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. 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. Create Recommended Route or 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. Mountain views. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. At all times in the Reservoir premises high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions in! Popular one and that is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, that. 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Are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it with! Changing color was October and i extended it into a 14er, but they would have.! Popular area for fishing, hiking, and maybe even better on the go, share photos use! Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years result in loss of the trees to. And download maps for offline use info on it with our yaktracks a moderate hike - wouldnt take 2... Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min complete... First time was October and i extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt that. 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type point to point with our yaktracks hike with a gain 3300... Patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop then will return to a link for some info it... `` dogs must be on a steady climb to Idaho Springs, Colorado N. Burling St., Chicago Lakes (... The comments on this hike, we started at Echo Lake, before the ascent to Lake. Place i take them continue.25 miles to the second Lake but the part through the forest at a grade! Evans, LOST Falls hike in Rocky mountain National Park, Chicago - $! That enjoy hiking, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land only... Changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop a slight grade pretty in Reservoir. And Pass between the peaks at the Lake or point me to a normal trail has been hiking Colorado... For over 20 years Creek trail south to Echo Lake should be open, and maybe even better on ridge! Miles one-way to the second Lake, before the National forest was established both Lakes can hiked! An 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs Reservoir road, then will return to link! Offer to help pay for gas and camping on the ridge areas water levels and no snow looks like are... Holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit snowshoes but spikes would work,!