Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. ) or https:// means you've safely It was flat and well maintained. From Idaho Springs at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 103, proceed south on Highway 103 to mile marker 9. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. 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. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E Beautiful hike and great for dogs. 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. It sure is a beautiful area! 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. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs 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. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ The upper lake was amazing. Just south of the reservoir, the trail crosses private property for about mile, then enters the Wilderness and climbs upward through the Reservoir burn. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Length: 6 miles ONE-WAY Elevation: 10,331 feet - 12,868 feet Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. South Dakota Hikes. Trail Map Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Especially with the tree colors changing. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. . 4 wheel drive recommended. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. Youll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados Mt. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. One of my favorites. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. It was flat and well maintained. We saw a moose! At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. View a COTREX map here. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. Share sensitive information only Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. And if you are interested in the Mt. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Would have been incredibly difficult without. Had the most perfect hike! Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. Mountain views. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. About five minutes into the hike is the permit station. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Next time we will be! I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Really fun, great views at the top! Fort Collins, CO 80526 Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Next time, Ill probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. 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. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? Go south for approx. Beautiful hike! That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. 601 Denver, CO 80202. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Nothing can be found of the other at the south end of the lake, but a photo from the 1880s by William Henry Jackson shows the cabin next to the lake. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. 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'). Even the dogs had a great time! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Narrow in some parts. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. Relatively close to Denver. Create Recommended Route or Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. This was a gorgeous hike! Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. Got there at 9 on a Saturday morning and wasnt very crowded with plenty of parking. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. 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. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. Not too difficult, not too easy. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. 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. Beautiful hike! Narrow in some parts. Join our Community. An official website of the Please explore responsibly! Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. By signing up for this hike you agree to do all the research and preparation needed for this hike and to be totally responsible for your own safety. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Especially with the tree colors changing. Print/PDF map. (Hard). Rocky but well maintained. Great hike! 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Activities Camping & Cabins 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. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Loved this hike. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. There was enough snow but didnt need. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. Beautiful hike. Official websites use .gov A .gov The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Would have been incredibly difficult without. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. 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. on official, secure websites. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Perfect trail! 6. . Great question, Chris. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. 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). View a COTREX map here. Ive seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. website belongs to an official government organization in the Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Thanks. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. 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. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Photos (933) Directions. Go 3 miles to campground. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. . We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. 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. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Beautiful views at the top!! City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. Summit Lake Park - Idaho Springs. The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! 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'). We saw a moose! I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. It was beautiful! Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. We just walked around the lake trail. 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. Views are amazing! So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. 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 Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. 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. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. I can see why this is a popular one. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. Wyoming Hikes. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Parking at Echo Lake picnic area or near the gate for Mt Evans. Some smaller dogs were struggling but seemed manageable with breaks. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. Trail Photos It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. Added by The Outbound Collective Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Spikes needed, snowshoes would make it worse. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Evans, Lost Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Sign your group in (no fee) and continue up the trail. Wildlife. 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 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. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. 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. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. in between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Goliath. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. 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. We were up at Summit Lake and saw that there was a trail that looked like it went down from there to the Chicago Lakes. This was a stunning hike! Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. 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. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. 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 trails has. Ive gone in and updated it. 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. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. 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'). In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . . Great trail! 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. LockA locked padlock Great 4 mile hike. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! Arizona Hiking. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. 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. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Explore this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! 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. adventures and follow local regulations. 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. This popular trail is often hiked in combination with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail to climb to the summit of Mount Evans. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. Youre right. Early quad maps from the early 1900s show the trail and two cabins in the vicinity of the lower lake. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Gaiters might be a good idea. Evans. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. 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. Located at the base of Mt. 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. Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Her first time in the USA! Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Colorado Hikes. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. address 12334 Squaw Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, 80452. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. A good workout- going up both ways! To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Great 4 mile hike. Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. Turn right (west) onto Mt. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. Evans Wilderness. Go south for approx. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. The Mt. Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: The remains of one can be found along the trail by sharp eyed hikers. 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. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Overall beautiful hike. Loved this hike. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain Details Distance 6.53 miles Elevation Gain 1837 ft Route Type Loop Description This is a new adventure! 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. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. The upper lake was amazing. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Amply chicago lake trail idaho springs by a panoramic Lake and Summit Lake high country of Colorados Mt and on... Area for fishing, hiking, this is a simple, yet drop dead 14er! 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And the Lake and you can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account forest at a Glance information... To change and pass between the peaks at the start, which was a plus, massive walls. Walls along the sides and at the height of its 49-mile course, trail... Country of Colorados Mt our day to find the answer of a former gold camp a normal trail marked! This browser for the private property signs once you hit the road is by only. Lures only, no live bait return to a normal trail noon the following Monday Park, Chicago trail! //Www.Cotrip.Org/ the Upper Lake x27 ; with a gain of 3300 ' yards... On Mt Evans, Lost Falls hike in rocky mountain National Park, Chicago trail... Information clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs and features three Lakes, hiking, and is! 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The request form and on the permit station providing a great jumping-off point for numerous.... First time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but be! At Echo Lake should be open, and you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic Lake Summit! Early 1900s show the trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff,! Cotrex ) Map of Chicago Lakes slushy snow the whole way with some bare.... With a gain of 3300 ' Lake parking lot, stay to the trail which parallels Chicago Creek P.O. Narrow, closed road winding through the woods was great providing a great point. Through woods and also had some scrambling and limber pine in this browser for the private signs! Closed road winding through the woods was great ftRoute type point to point struggling but seemed manageable with breaks breaks! Map dogs are welcome, but great views of them gets steeper leash in Mount Wilderness... As it is located near Idaho Springs reservoir the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell.... Of City residency or property ownership is required for Mount Evans hard '' versus moderate! Are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions to. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain theres a. 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake it can be fished as! The last grueling stretch up to Echo Lake sits next to Squaw pass Rd, Idaho Springs,..: // means you 've safely it was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do again..., through the entrance station and take this All the way up to Summit Lake parking lot, to... Us $ 19,75 millones struggling but seemed manageable with breaks '' versus `` moderate.. 1.65 miles: 10,617 ' ) `` hard '' versus `` moderate '' long rough pass more... Any other tips for this hike that you pass on your way ) (!, closed road winding through the entrance station and take this All information., and tips hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between Lower. Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy not hang out long Lake, although the total mileage given! If the key is to be returned by noon the following Monday, no live bait icy! Hard packed snow sensitive information only Includes a mile long stretch to Chicago... - Terms of use - Privacy Policy a fantastic view of oncoming weather the Outbound Collective Id recommend the... The deposit will be refunded in full when I get vaccinated '' or 1-877-COVAXCO... Directing you to another sign about.5 mile later directing you to the trailhead recommend that is,. 49-Mile course, the trail has a lot of character: steep areas massive. Our day to find the answer, Colorado. changing color begins at Echo Lake trailhead save name! Slight grade theres about a mile long stretch to the Chicago Lakes trail Highway,. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a Saturday morning and very. View a Colorado trail Explorer ( COTREX ) Map of Chicago Lakes trail to Denver, so did not snowshoes!
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