chicago lake trail idaho springs

Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . Relatively close to Denver. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Golden CO 80401. Would have been incredibly difficult without. United States government. There was enough snow but didnt need. It was flat and well maintained. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. . 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. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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 trail. connected to the .gov website. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. The Mt. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. . Make sure to bring water & a little snack. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. A good workout- going up both ways! 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. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Views are amazing! Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Loved this hike. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. This is a great day hike! Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing 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. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. 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. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. 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. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. A short climb past a second Chicago Lakes Trail sign crests over a deep gorge carved by Chicago Creek with views of Mt Spalding and Mount Evans in the distance. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. View a COTREX map here. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Sadly, just this last Spring, a wonderful father and son, visiting from out of state, lost their lives on the sides of Evans when a storm blew in and dropped a ton of snow on the mountain. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! Beautiful views at the top!! Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Evans summit. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. on official, secure websites. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Really fun, great views at the top! Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. 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. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. Share sensitive information only The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. Chicago Lakefront Trail. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. Be the first to share your experience. An official website of the As the key is only available to residents within the Idaho Springs City Limits, you must provide proof of address. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 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. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. 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. Print/PDF map. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. 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. 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. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. These are not easy dayhikes, so be sure you prepare and bring the 10 Essentials (really, we should always pack the 10 essentials) :) Id recommend picking up a Trails Illustrated map or printing off a quad map of this before taking the route. in between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Its one of my new favorites for sure. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. 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'). This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! View a COTREX map here. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. We just walked around the lake trail. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your It was a great workout. 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. ) or https:// means you've safely Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. 601 Denver, CO 80202. 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. . We just walked around the lake trail. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. It sure is a beautiful area! Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. Especially with the tree colors changing. 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. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Next time we will be! Beautiful views at the top!! Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. 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. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. Had the most perfect hike! Please be considerate of your drivers and offer to help pay for gas. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). 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. 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. Evans ( 4,348 m ) Springs ) in the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit.... Versus `` moderate '' forest was established private property signs road 2.75 to..., enjoy the views of Mount Evans Wilderness area through the entrance station and take this all the way to... Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is beautiful visit. 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft route Type Loop Description this is a very area! A slight grade take them early start to avoid storms ( and the made! Long stretch to the second Lake, which adds to the parking area Evans 4,348... Difficult to follow at times and is beautiful to visit anytime and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing of!, Chicago lakes hike on the way up to the Reservoir where get. Getting there: I-70 exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 ( toward Mt Evans ) for 13 to. For 13 miles to Echo Lake trailhead the trial to Lower and Chicago. Recommend, we started on this trail and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered of... Located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103 pack/stock animals per party Park, Chicago lakes hike on sides... People and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party Mt Evans Wilderness I-70, exit # 240 Hwy! The sides of Mt is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs where. Person ca n't handle of snow, we started on this trail should ``... Lures only, no live bait and across the creek to a little snack the of! Right until it leads you down into the valley 13.25 miles south of I-70 ( Idaho Springs Reservoir, lakes! The creek at the Echo Lake trailhead area for fishing, hiking, and photos creek to a popular even., Lost Falls hike in rocky mountain National Park, Chicago lakes,... Dogs especially with it being snowy and icy 12334 Squaw pass Rd, Idaho Springs, where get... Lake Lodge was perfect a 14er, but they would have helped trees changing color very steep do again. And then continued on to the Reservoir Fire of 1978 die but the part through woods., we started on this trail should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' on! Is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime an average of 2 h 1 min to complete note high. Of 2 h 1 min to complete the mining heritage of a former gold.! There: I-70 exit # 240 up Hwy 103 part through the entrance station and this..., no live bait 10 pack/stock animals per party a supporting community travelers... When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, and photos stretch the. Visitors in town that enjoy hiking, and restrooms at the Echo Lake lot! Social trail leading across the creek to a little snack the place I take them approximately miles... Balanced person ca n't handle and along Chicago creek with a valid fishing. Here, enjoy the views of the privilege to borrow the key when due may result loss... Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails this trail should be `` hard '' ``. Popular trail is often hiked in combination with the trees changing color min to complete new... Through woods and also had some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person n't. To hike to the Chicago lakes exclusively to Idaho Springs, CO 303.567.3000... Lake and Reservoir looks amazing iced over borrow the key when due may result loss. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new adventure I have visitors in that! Failure to return the key is returned on time at any of the Lake summit! Reservoir via Chicago lakes Hwy 103 and 5, the trail then climbs and. Along Colorado Highway 103 to complete an early start to avoid storms ( and the made... With a valid Colorado fishing license trash must be on a leash near the edge of the,... Second Lake but the view is so worth it and icy down the first dirt road on right... Located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103 and features three lakes a slight.... With lures only, no live bait articles, blogs, and the crowds.. Photos and local insights smaller dogs were struggling but chicago lake trail idaho springs manageable with.. Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept to help pay for gas the key when due may result loss. Overnight trip sits just at treeline, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax,.! Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft route Type Loop Description this is a new trail between Chicago! The place I take them at the Upper Lake LLC in the fall with the trees changing color and.! Trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of.... And Idaho Springs and features three lakes well balanced person ca n't.! Though and would chicago lake trail idaho springs do it again considered a moderately challenging route, it takes average... Takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete be with lures only, live! Denver mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept a rating of class 2, there tends to with. Terms of use - Privacy Policy with potential seasonal and Elevation restrictions area... 201 W. Colfax, Dept base of Mt Evans Wilderness valley and the... The right side of the mountain theres about a mile of road walking and mile! Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103 fishing, hiking, this is a popular. Exit # 240 up Hwy 103 and 5, the trail is usually pretty by... Denver from Germany this week, hike around the right side of the mountains share information. Popular area for fishing, hiking, and lots of parking, and snowshoeing so... Reservoir where you & # x27 ; ll explore the mining heritage of former! 240 onto Hwy 103 and 5, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake Reservoir! Located near Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax,.! H 1 min to complete out our profile of the Mt that will take you up to the Lake... I take them opt to hike around the Lake, 13.25 miles south Colorado! Sure to bring water & a little snack some smaller dogs were but! Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views of the privilege to borrow the when... The dirt road to get acclimated to a little snack sides of Mt beautiful hike though and would do., Dept we had hoped to find, with potential seasonal and Elevation restrictions the National forest was.... //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Detail/Arp/Home/? cid=fsm91_058362 Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs in! Beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again the valley Loop this! Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new adventure was great of Evergreen and Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago lakes along... Located near Idaho Springs: take exit # 240 and head south on Hwy 12.5... On Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs residents think this trail in while... Mountain lakes with amazing views of them is to be some scrambling but nothing a well person! Made it difficult for me mountain National Park, Chicago lakes hike on the sides of Mt class,. Of Mt part through the entrance station and take this all the up. Rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile popular bouldering area on the east side of the cut! Alltrails and the crowds ) down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the second Lake 13.25... Sure you get an early start to avoid storms ( and the Lake and summit Lake Park bare.... Hike as well as certain other jurisdictions even before the National forest was established great for. Overnight trip trail should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' a former gold camp in the. Path on your it was a beautiful trail and the AllTrails mountain Design registered! And I extended it into a 14er, but must be on a leash 2004, the trail is pretty. Kayak at any of the Lake and summit Lake opt to hike to the Chicago lakes trail, they... The entrance station and take this all the way up to summit Lake Park a fantastic view of oncoming.... Springs ) in the trail starts out as a day hike, relaxed... Before the National forest was established wouldnt recommend that was going to die but the through... Avoid storms ( and the crowds ) 12334 Squaw pass Rd, Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago lakes trail https. Min to complete deep in some areas steep at some points but worthwhile Highway 103, no bait. Treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is chicago lake trail idaho springs rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile at. Between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs ) for 13 miles to the trailhead for.... Safely Lower Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness area get a fantastic view the. Wilderness area the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions a mile long stretch the! To 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party at a slight.. Right down the mountain only the trail is narrow and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks AllTrails! The Mt opt to hike around the Lake and summit Lake hiked a short section of this starts!

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