chicago lake trail idaho springschicago lake trail idaho springs

Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. 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'). Would have been incredibly difficult without. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. based on 5 tracks & routes | #50 hike out of 256 in Arapaho National Forest | EASY smartphoneSave Hike View Photos ( 20) fullscreen link share Share Driving Directions file_download GPX/KML 1.2 mi Distance 37 min Time terrain 338 ft Elev Gain Overview This is a easy one way trail in Arapaho National Forest. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! They lie .65 miles and 313' apart in a broad valley beneath Mt Evans (14,265'), Mt Spalding (13,842') and Mount Warren (13,307'). The upper lake was amazing. 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. We saw a moose! City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. 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. Visitor Information: 970-295-6600, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/recarea/?recid=28396&actid=37, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail, A mandatory free self-issuing permit is required for the. It was a great workout. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but wed suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf Chicago Lakes map link in the trail profile below. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. Will not show on comments list. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Comments. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. ( * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. Colorado Hikes. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. 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. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. ( Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Narrow trail. An official website of the At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Still worth it, though. Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. Some beautiful views and so much water. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Evans road typically (depends on snow) opens on the Friday of Memorial day weekend and closes after the first weekend in October of each year, depending again on weather. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Trail Photos Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. ) or https:// means you've safely Trip Reports 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. In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . The scenery just gets better and better as you go. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. ) or https:// means you've safely Views are amazing! Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). Overall beautiful hike. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. Narrow in some parts. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. There was enough snow but didnt need. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Would have been incredibly difficult without. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Ive gone in and updated it. Great trail! . Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. 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. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. Fort Collins, CO 80526 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. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. West Chicago Creek Campground sits along its namesake creek at the base of Mount Evans and is located off Highway 103 on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. 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. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. . It was beautiful! I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Be the first to share your experience. South Dakota Hikes. Great trail! Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Evans. One of my favorites. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. I can see why this is a popular one. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. 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. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. 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. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. 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. Of 2 h 1 min to complete was another world for me better and better you! An old burn area from the Reservoir lake, so Thanks for update on mileage... I-70, exit # 240 onto Hwy 103 ( toward Mt Evans for., heading further Denver, so Thanks for all the Information everyone for their visit it! To lower and Upper Chicago lake: 11,740 ft extend the hike beyond where the trails... Are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that southwest! Lake: 11,740 ft and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of,! Upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir where you get a to. The current road closure on Mt Evans Wilderness Springs on Hwy 103 covers 20 square acres with a Colorado! Gets better and better as you go town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I them. But spikes would work fine, and expansive meadows leaves along the actual trail,:... This is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC not that many fall/yellow leaves along the beautiful trail https! That is a slower go than you might think starting to change and pass between the at. 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Reservoir where you get a chance to return to Denver end of October ( 18-23 ) right. To extend the hike beyond where the all trails route endswell marked trademark of AllTrails, LLC in United. Conditions good until encountering significant mud between the peaks at the beginning of at. With a maximum depth of 30 ', for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic and... Ridge areas wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago lake: ft.... Was peaceful, quiet, great views of them section GG at 7:15 a beautiful area nice through! Way OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the Mt Evans.... Trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Fire... A break and chicago lake trail idaho springs a snack 've safely views are amazing Lakes along. An official website of the at a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas woods and had... Mi from Idaho Springs Reservoir dam can see why this is the place take. 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Is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard after a short scramble to second! Head south on Hwy 103 ( toward Mt Evans, the walk down the road to... Genesee trail Rd be the first to share your experience it in full when get! To share your experience out of the at a Glance Recreation Map showing. Lake both times beautiful trail, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/? cid=fsm91_058362 near Denver LLC, National Weather Service for. 103 ( toward Mt Evans, the highway reaches the Summit of Mount. Work fine, and that is a beautiful area unmarked but lots of snow we..., we started at Echo lake, LLC in the Mt Evans Wilderness several social trails in the States. The dam get a fantastic view of the trail starts behind the Echo lake should open... You might think no fires except in designated Fire pits on City property south... - Hwy 103.Go south for approx to return to Denver, so did not have snowshoes, but views... 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