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. Mountain views. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. It was beautiful! It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Comments. Arrive early to secure parking, avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. 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. Use of the key is limited a 24 hour period per request designating the number of persons in the permit holders party and description of the allowed vehicle. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. Both lakes offer . 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. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Rocky but well maintained. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. Ive gone in and updated it. 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. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . 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. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. 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. Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. 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. Requests for keys to provide access to the Idaho Springs City Reservoir will be available at City Hall, 1711 Miner Street, on a first come, first served basis. Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. I was in awe the whole time. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. Colorado Wildside 276 subscribers Chicago Lakes in Idaho Springs, Colorado Day Hike Video Arrived at Echo Lake around 6:30 on 5/31 and there were about 10-15 cars at that time. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. 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. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. The upper lake was amazing. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. Will not show on comments list. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. 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. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. 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. Create Recommended Route or Share sensitive information only Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Map. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. ( Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Activities Camping & Cabins Evans summit. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. This is a great day hike! Narrow trail. Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans or will it be to late in the season. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Circle the lake, or continue over its outlet on the trail leading up to Summit Lake (12,830'), which provides panoramas over the basin, and back down the entire Chicago Creek drainage. As the key is only available to residents within the Idaho Springs City Limits, you must provide proof of address. 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. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Official websites use .gov A .gov Wyoming Hikes. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. We just walked around the lake trail. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Utah Hiking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Not too difficult, not too easy. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. 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. Wildlife. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Located at the base of Mt. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. South Dakota Hikes. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. 6. . Goliath. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. . 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. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Want to take in some of Colorados breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. Hikes. 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. 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