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. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. 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. Utah Hiking. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. Great views of the trees starting to change and pass between the peaks at the beginning of the trail. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. 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. Its one of my new favorites for sure. All trash must be picked up and carried out of the Reservoir premises. Definitely needed snow shoes for the last part of the trail after the dam. It is located near Idaho Springs and features three lakes. An official website of the
The upper lake was amazing. The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Turn right (west) onto Mt. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. 4 wheel drive recommended. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. Visitor Information: 970-295-6600, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=28686&actid=50, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Beautiful hike! Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Beautiful views at the top!! If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. Narrow 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. * There are several . Length 17.6 miElevation gain 282 ftRoute type Point to point. Had the most perfect hike! 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. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. A good workout- going up both ways! Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Near the parking area, you'll find a stone picnic shelter which was built in 1937. 25948 Genesee Trail Rd This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. This was a stunning hike! Narrow trail. Facilities include vault toilets and seasonal water. Illinois: 1932 N. Burling St., Chicago - US$45 millones. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Goliath. The views are absolutely breathtaking. It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Didnt love the dirt road for 1.5 miles. 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. Great question, Chris. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Come climb a mountain 14,000 feet above the ocean's tides, take a relaxing drive through the Rocky Mountains, or wet your fishing line in one of the many alpine lakes and streams. 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 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'). Get Driving Directions Intermediate Trails This trail starts out as a narrow, closed road winding through the forest at a slight grade. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. 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. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. Print Trail The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Official websites use .gov A .gov
There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. Evans summit. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. No busses allowed. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. Located at the base of Mt. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. South Dakota Hikes. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Nebraska Hikes. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. 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 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. The permit is non-transferable.The permit holder must accompany his or her party. It was a great workout. 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. Located at the base of Mt. 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. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? There is no registration fee. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. LockA locked padlock
Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Go south for approximately 12 miles to the junction of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5. From the marked spur, the main trail continues above Chicago Lake up and down a rugged knoll and last thick patch of forest to the lake's far side. However, most people dont want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Added by The Outbound Collective Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. Go south for approx. Gorgeous day! Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. Go 3 miles to campground. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further . New Mexico Hikes. Vicinity: Near Idaho Springs ", "Dogs must be on a leash in Mount Evans Wilderness and legal hunting is permitted. View a Colorado Trail Explorer(COTREX) Map of Chicago Lakes Trail. Rocky but well maintained. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Parking at Echo Lake picnic area or near the gate for Mt Evans. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. 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'). Youre right. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. Go south for approx. A little slippery in some places. The lakes were a popular destination even before the National Forest was established. 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. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Loved this hike. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! 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. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Mt. 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. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. It was flat and well maintained. Evans Ridge, Summit Flats. 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. 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. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . (Hard). Evans Wilderness. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy! As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. United States government. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. If it did go to Summit Lake, it was poorly defined above the upper lake and hikers generally just made their own way.On 10/9/1978, the Reservoir Fire began from an abandoned campfire near the south end of the reservoir. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. Designated in 1965, this 207 acre natural landmark is located on city-owned land. 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. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. (
Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. Please arrive a few minutes early to arrange rides. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Mountain views. Thanks. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. Would have been incredibly difficult without. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Brutal winds at the reservoir lake, so did not hang out long. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). 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. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. . website belongs to an official government organization in the
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. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. 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. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Campground Reservations: Echo Lake CG West Chicago Creek CG Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. The trail to the second lake, which is above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. Hikes. It was a beautiful trail and the inclines made it difficult for me! 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