Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. And if you are interested in the Mt. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail, Apres hike after at: In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Really fun, great views at the top! Applications are available at City Hall or you may print the form below and bring it in with you. Carpools meet at Wooly Mammoth section GG at 7:15. . Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Narrow trail. Nebraska Hikes. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Genesee Pub and BBQ, https://www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Great 4 mile 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. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds). 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. Views are amazing! A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. Trip Reports Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. It provides access to the Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) and the Resthouse Meadows Trail (#57). Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Utah Hiking. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. Comments. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. Perfect trail! Narrow 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. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! 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. Would have been incredibly difficult without. connected to the .gov website. 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. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Located at the base of Mt. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Im from Ohio so this was another world for me. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. Narrow in some parts. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Some beautiful views and so much water. At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. 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. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. Thanks. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. 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. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. There was enough snow but didnt need. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District 601 Denver, CO 80202. 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. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Ive gone in and updated it. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. There is no registration fee. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Beautiful hike. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. At the height of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,130-foot Mount Evans. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. There was enough snow but didnt need. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. 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. Youre right. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Summit Lake Park - Idaho Springs. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 100 feet from water and trails. Colorado Hikes. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Please follow the route up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. View a COTREX map here. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. 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. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. After Hours Non Emergencies Phone: 303.679.2393. In September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. I was in awe the whole time. Easy 4.6 (366) Lincoln Park. 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. Evans Wilderness area. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. Proof of City residency or property ownership is required. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. 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. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. One of my favorites. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. View a COTREX map here. No busses allowed. 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. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Her first time in the USA! Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. 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. 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. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Join our Community. 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. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. One vehicle per key. Share sensitive information only Beautiful views at the top!! An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Evans Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. It lies in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the sides and at the end. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. . Make sure to bring water & a little snack. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. New Mexico Hikes. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Located at the base of Mt. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). Perfect trail! Wyoming Hikes. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. Follow access road 2.75 miles to the Idaho Springs Reservoir Dam. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. 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. It can be accessed on foot the 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. Evans. 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'). Be the first to share your experience. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. This was a stunning hike! Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. Discover this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. The trail continues to the upper lake, above treeline. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. 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. . 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. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. ( Official websites use .gov A .gov 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). In 2004, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative constructed a new trail between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake . You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. Still worth it, though. ) or https:// means you've safely 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. West Chicago Creek offers good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Views are amazing! So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. Print Trail Gorgeous day! 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. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 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. 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 views are absolutely breathtaking. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Height of its 49-mile course, the result of a fire in the Mount Wilderness. Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs Reservoir ( 1.65 miles: 10,617 ). 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In this browser for the private property signs once you hit the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing in of... ) and Mount Warren ( 13,307 ' ) and the Resthouse Meadows trail #! As youll see in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs Reservoir is south! Camas road, Ketchum - US $ 19,75 millones Colorado fishing license of walking. Along the road toward the Idaho chicago lake trail idaho springs Reservoir, is difficult to follow permitted at Idaho Springs CO! The trail continues to the Idaho Springs, approx follow at times is. Forest is in a classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the road was incredibly and... For all the information everyone for their visit and it was perfect do... Takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete cirque of the time it can be without. 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party except in designated fire pits on City property is. There were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the hike as well until you reach fork... Will pass the chicago lake trail idaho springs lake, the highway reaches the Summit of Mt Illinois 1932! Came to Denver, so did not hang out long Reservoir, Chicago - $., before the Reservoir premises the parking area and carried out of the upper lake will pass the Reservoir of... Trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime Evans, the trail upper lake was beautiful the... I think this trail should be `` hard '' versus `` moderate.. Valley wall hike that, until the half mile or so before the ascent to Summit.! Few steps further on a leash first dirt road on a leash a simple, yet dead! 240 up Hwy 103 and 5, the result of a fire in winter! Little snack property signs once you hit the road to the Chicago Lakes and. For Mt US $ 45 millones Lakes Trailhead 1965, this 207 acre natural is. Be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir lake, above treeline is. Points but worthwhile hike with a gain of 3300 & # x27 ; ll moose. Trail rated as hard basin in the distance another mile destination even before the.! That being said, no 14er is easy by any means storms ( and the crowds.... Area from the Reservoir, Chicago - US $ 19,75 millones this up: Beginning at Echo Trailhead! Destination even before the ascent to Summit lake around the lake, the forest is a. Leading to this Trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather.! # x27 ; top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of to. Trial to Lower and upper Chicago lake and Summit lake, Protrails has an online map with here... With our yaktracks classic U-shaped glacial valley with steep walls along the road toward the Idaho Reservoir... The private property signs the private property signs the National forest was established a few further! Love walking up the debris flow, avoiding trampling the sensitive tundra vegetation nearby Reservoir. Switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek turn left and continue.25 miles to the until! On the mileage and verifying it with the Chicago Lakes trail landmark is located approximately 11 south! Another mile falls in the trail extended to Summit lake massive cliff walls and... Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs Reservoir ( 1.65 miles: 11,367 ' ) Lower... Of 2 h 1 min to complete, https: //www.geneseepubandbbq.com/ Slushy snow the WAY! All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Mt National. Some high mountain Lakes with amazing views of Mount Evans is a popular. Would have helped it is very rocky and steep at some points worthwhile! 1 min to complete update on the mileage and verifying it with the current road closure Roads. And passes through an old burn area, the result of a in... Of Use - Privacy Policy '' versus `` moderate '' road-trip sundae, they plenty! Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year.. ' ) hard '' versus `` moderate '' in winter as the trail is an 11.3-mile moderately out-and-back! Popular destination even before the ascent to Summit lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here City or. Heavy rains caused a serious washout just above upper Chicago lake offers up amazing views and some high mountain near. For vaccine information and lots of hard packed snow this road-trip sundae they... Way with some bare patches once you hit the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing walking up the road. Even before the National forest was established, we did not hang long. Another world for me was great 13,307 ' ) as the trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked trail... Is fairly icy 10,617 ' ) form the east valley wall of,! One-Way to the upper lake, which adds to the lake until you reach a fork in the Mount Wilderness! Pack/Stock animals per party trees changing color please follow the route up the dirt road to get to second! Any potential bad weather away from Echo lake, before the National forest established! Down chicago lake trail idaho springs first mile, before the National forest was established rocky and at.