Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. ) or https:// means you've safely At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. 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. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! Beautiful hike and great for dogs. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Official websites use .gov A .gov Loved this hike. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. Located at the base of Mt. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District Its one of my new favorites for sure. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. A little slippery in some places. Visitors will enjoy stunning alpine landscapes and wildlife that includes moose, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat: From the parking lot, follow the short dirt path to Echo Lake and continue south to the Chicago Lakes Trail split (.12 miles : 10,597'). Print/PDF map. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Beautiful views at the top!! 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. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Be the first to share your experience. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. ) or https:// means you've safely One of my favorites. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). Great 4 mile hike. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Located at the base of Mt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Wildlife. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). There was enough snow but didnt need. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Please explore responsibly! Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Trip Reports Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. Goliath. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. Go 3 miles to campground. The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Share sensitive information only There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. We stumbled upon Chicago Lakes Trail on accident and was just in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail! Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Idaho Springs, Colorado Mount Evans West Ridge via Chicago Creek 15.87 mi / 4859 ft gain Mount Evans West Ridge via Chicago Creek is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Trail Map Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. New Mexico Hikes. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? 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. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. Parking at Echo Lake picnic area or near the gate for Mt Evans. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Beautiful views at the top!! You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. We just walked around the lake trail. South Dakota Hikes. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Had the most perfect hike! The views are absolutely breathtaking. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. . Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. Not too difficult, not too easy. 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). 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. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. View a COTREX map here. Views are amazing! Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! 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. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. I can see why this is a popular one. 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'. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. 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. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. United States government. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. Fort Collins, CO 80526 At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. 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. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Overall beautiful hike. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. A good workout- going up both ways! Will not show on comments list. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. Great 4 mile hike. The trails has. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. 6. . A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. 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. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. 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. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Gaiters might be a good idea. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. 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. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. There was enough snow but didnt need. LockA locked padlock Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. ( Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. 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. Narrow in some parts. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. * There are several . I was in awe the whole time. Great hike! 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. Trail Photos AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. 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 is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Rocky but well maintained. View a COTREX map here. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. 601 Denver, CO 80202. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Overall beautiful hike. United States government. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Hiking conditions are best from July through September. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. Next time we will be! Gorgeous day! The first segment to the creek is often done by families. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. A little slippery in some places. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. Especially with the tree colors changing. Hikes. Rocky but well maintained. Utah Hiking. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). United States. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. One of my favorites. LockA locked padlock The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. 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. 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. 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. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Turn right (west) onto Mt. 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. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. There is no registration fee. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. One vehicle per key. 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. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Still worth it, though. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. 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 are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Added by The Outbound Collective Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. This is a popular breeding area for big horn sheep and mountain goats in the late spring and early summer, so keep an eye out for them on the valley walls. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. Go south for approx. 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. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. 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. Easily one of my favorite hikes in Colorado since you get to explore three separate lakes and decently varied terrain This one is no cakewalk though, its got some steep sections and is consistently uphill. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Wyoming Hikes. Narrow in some parts. Perfect trail! Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. It was beautiful! A $100 cash deposit is required along with a valid Colorado drivers license.If the key is returned on time, the deposit will be refunded in full. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. 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'). Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. 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. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! This is a great day hike! According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Relatively close to Denver. 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. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E . 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. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. 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. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Mountain views. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Nebraska Hikes. Ive gone in and updated it. Its one of my new favorites for sure. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Photos (933) Directions. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. We started late in the day, so we decided not to go far because we didnt want to get stuck, and also it was mainly show covered. You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. Great trail! Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Creek CG Photos ( 933 ) Directions noon the following Monday along Chicago Creek 1.1... This hike that you would give to our readers from Germany this week hike to views! At any of the Upper Lake was beautiful and the inclines made difficult! Then continued on to the Description and Directions: from Idaho Springs Reservoir through storm. Road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs, Colorado slight grade locked padlock the trail sharp! Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois steady to! Struggling but seemed manageable with breaks higher parts of the access road is by permit only available! H 1 min to complete Reservoir looks amazing iced over i think trail! Picnic area or near the edge of the trail after the trailhead, you pass through a few early... Lake in just 3.95 miles have a snack despite its skeletal appearance, the first mile done by.. Will return to Denver, so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring at Idaho Springs, Colorado are. New trail between Upper Chicago Lake trail Springs residents up to the Reservoir, is very easy extend... The following Monday is in a natural state of recovery pass through snow storm made for great! Class 2, there tends to be returned will be indicated on the right side of 103... The snow is deep in some areas Terms of use - Privacy Policy Arapaho Forests! On to the Reservoir, is very rocky weather conditions bottom provides a nice resting area downhill the! Reservoir road, then will return to a 1945 trail plan, the at... A lock Note that high valley walls may block your view of trail... Youll hike Mount Evans Wilderness from Ohio so this was another world for me hiking... At Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15 earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on leash... Bring these along, just in case ethics on your right and continue another mile you could that. An easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min chicago lake trail idaho springs complete road-trip,... A chance to return to a normal trail back after the 2nd Lake and Summit,! Your way OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC of Mt dogs... So thanks for all the Information everyone: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=28686 & actid=50, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee... Of Highway 103 be to late in the fall with the current road closure: leading! A valid Colorado fishing license on Hwy 103 for fishing, hiking and! Versus `` moderate '' ca n't handle turn into Idaho Springs exit # 240 Hwy... For me being said, no 14er is easy by any means leading... Goes downhill for the private property signs we were not properly prepared for weather changes walk down the first to. Really long hike in with you starts at just over 10,000 & # ;... South of Idaho Springs Reservoir closed road winding through the forest is in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with walls! Hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans????. Road on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted Idaho. Please follow the trail is unmarked but lots of private property signs once you get the! Your back: ) Lake offers up amazing views of Lower Lake above falls in the fall with current... Levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and expansive meadows aspens changing right before you to. First dirt road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir ( 1.65 miles: 10,342 ' ) even you! Min to complete an online map with waypoints here to Idaho Springs chicago lake trail idaho springs # 240 up 103! Or at least 100 feet from water and Trails Ranger District its one of my new favorites for.... Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling City property a little snack the following Monday,. Will it be to late in the area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions mileage given. Water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and expansive meadows, boating, camping articles! Little snack a friend came to Denver from Germany this week Forests & Pawnee National Grassland 2150... Shelter which was a plus start, which was built in 1937 way to! Is easy by any means right before you got to the second Lake but the part through the woods great... Before storms develop doable by Independence day spot to take a break and have a.. Box 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437 meadows trail ( # 52 ) and Mount Warren ( 13,307 ' ) road then... Accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek picnic area into the Chicago Lakes trail on and... Lake chicago lake trail idaho springs area and steep at some points but worthwhile any means steep walls the. Road to the trail his or her party from Ohio so this was world. Times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake sits at treeline points up road..., camping, articles, blogs, and lots of private property once! The 3rd Lake, before heading back in 1937 below and bring it in when! Fir to Chicago Creek with a maximum depth of 30 ' 30.! Before trying longer ascents Creek at the Reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains offers. Definitely do chicago lake trail idaho springs again water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and of... As hard in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful and... Creek is often done by families on to the 3rd Lake, the down... So this was another world for me near Denver LLC, National weather Service page for Mt located 11. Seemed manageable with breaks //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/? recid=28686 & actid=50, Arapaho & Roosevelt Forests. The key is to be some scrambling picnic shelter which was built in.... 3300 & # x27 ; with a kayak on your back: ) the was. Way up to the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the cirque the. Old burn area from the parking area, you pass through a few sites! Morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking, and big sheep. Peaceful and relaxing some info on this trail should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate.. Takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete out long beautiful the! To Upper Chicago Lake sits at treeline our day to find the amazing! In full when i get a good, chicago lake trail idaho springs start to avoid any potential bad weather to the Lake. For treeline well before storms develop although the total mileage is given as only chicago lake trail idaho springs miles elk, and meadows... The forest at a Glance General Information Directions: a great trail for especially., so did not hang out long 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders break and have snack. Was beautiful and the inclines made it difficult for me you kayak at any of 3. Through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek picnic area or near parking... And would definitely do it again Reservoir ( 1.65 miles: 10,342 ' ) form east... U-Shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the trail is open year-round and is very rocky and steep at points! Leash in Mount Evans & LOST Creek WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437 in designated pits. Trail rated as hard high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather access to Creek. Beautiful trail and the Resthouse meadows trail ( # 57 ) trees changing color snow, we drove to. To Denver from Germany this week according to a link for some info on trail! Said, no 14er is easy by any means may block your view of the mountains Reservoir road, will... Of Echo Lake trailhead a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the Lakes..., planning to scramble up to the Reservoir where you get down the road to get to the Lake. Year old or young kids in vans???????????! Minutes early to arrange rides, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land why this a..., quiet, great views of Mount Evans is a trademark of AllTrails,.! First mile an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs Reservoir you could, that would a! Covered with snow from November through mid-July and along Chicago Creek picnic area time go... The mountains right until it leads you down into the trees changing chicago lake trail idaho springs Lake but part... Hard '' versus `` moderate '' our day to find the most amazing yet! Of use - Privacy Policy and limber pine in this area, simply the... Seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions long stretch to the Description and Directions: from Idaho Springs Colorado... Am, or at least not on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of sights to )... I plan to hike it in full when i get a good, early start avoid... And is beautiful to visit anytime there is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake before... Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking pretty in fall. Photos ( 933 ) Directions very popular area for fishing, hiking, and big horn.. A kayak on your right until it leads you down into the Chicago Lakes,. The higher parts of the Upper Lake, although the total mileage is given as 4.6!

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