Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Visit "Where can I get vaccinated" or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes Trail, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Join our Community. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. The creek at the bottom provides a nice resting area. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. ( Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. 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. Id recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. It was beautiful! Colorado Hikes. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. Nice, pretty wooded hike that, until the half mile or so before the reservoir, is very rocky. Lots of parking, and restrooms at the start, which was a plus. Its definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Echo Lake Trailhead is located south of Idaho Springs on Hwy 103. ) or https:// means you've safely Group size limited to 15 people and/or 10 pack/stock animals per party. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. There is a short scramble to the 2nd lake, for which you will be amply rewarded by a panoramic lake and mountain view. Didnt love walking up the dirt road to get to the second lake but the part through the woods was great. It can be accessed on foot the Chicago Lakes Trail. Some beautiful views and so much water. Experience this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. website belongs to an official government organization in the Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. A great trail for intermediate hikers and dogs. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Next time we will be! The higher parts of the trail are usually covered with snow from November through mid-July. on official, secure websites. I think this trail should be "hard" versus "moderate" . Idaho: 105 Camas Road, Ketchum - US$19,75 millones. Definitely moderately challenging as it is very rocky and steep at some points but worthwhile. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. United States government. I didnt see any signs for the reservoir, only Chicago lakes, so we didnt fully complete and turned around at the creek passing. Chicago Lakefront Trail. This is a great day hike! 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. Will not show on comments list. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. About 3 miles instead of the full 4. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. adventures and follow local regulations. Youll hike Mount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. Quite icy in one area near the edge of the mountain. We had snowshoes but spikes would work fine, and maybe even better on the ridge areas. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! The trail to the second lake, above treeline, is difficult to follow at times and is very steep. View a COTREX map here. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. No busses allowed. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. Wildlife. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. Permit holders are to close and lock the gate after entry and exit. It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. 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. Definitely a moderate hike - wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??? I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Go 3 miles to campground. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Here is the AllTrails link to the description and directions: The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. Abundant wildflowers stand out against the burned trees. Go south for approx. 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. Rocky but well maintained. 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. 6. . Evans Wilderness area. Plus there were lots of aspens changing right before you got to the trailhead. 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. Perfect trail! 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. We started late in the day, so we decided not to go far because we didnt want to get stuck, and also it was mainly show covered. Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, National Weather Service page for Mt. The trail then climbs upward and passes through an old burn area from the Reservoir Fire of 1978. 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. I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and avoid the last grueling stretch up to Summit Lake. The Mt. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. 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. 10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. . 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. Processed weed-free feedis required for stock. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip. Youre right. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. 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. 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. According to a 1945 trail plan, the trail extended to Summit Lake, although the total mileage is given as only 4.6 miles. There was enough snow but didnt need. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. No motorized equipmentor mechanized transportation. 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. Didnt need snow shoes but would suggest yak traks! The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. Especially with the tree colors changing. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? Tennessee Hikes. LockA locked padlock Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. It was a great workout. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Only saw 3 people Saturday afternoon. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! The permit must be either displayed on the dash of the vehicle or carried on the users person at all times while inside the gated area. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). The Idaho Springs Reservoir is located approximately 11 miles south along Colorado Highway 103. Watch for the private property signs once you hit the road to the reservoir. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. So this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to a little altitude. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. 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. An official website of the Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. The views are absolutely breathtaking. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. Getting there: I-70 exit #240 up Hwy 103 12.5 mi from Idaho Springs, approx. One of my favorites. Failure to return the key when due may result in loss of the privilege to borrow the key. And if you are interested in the Mt. Use of the access road is by permit only and available exclusively to Idaho Springs residents. The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Narrow in some parts. Trip Reports United States. The Chicago Lakes hike via Echo Lake is hard hike that enters the Mount Evan wilderness and features several lakes, a stream and wildlife. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Its a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. The upper lake was beautiful and the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack. 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. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. The upper lake was amazing. It was flat and well maintained. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. No fires except in designated fire pits on City property. Share sensitive information only This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. At a Glance General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Utah Hiking. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. FRIENDS OF MOUNT EVANS & LOST CREEK WILDERNESSESPO BOX 3431EVERGREEN, CO 80437. Get to know this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Idaho Springs, Colorado. 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. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Beautiful hike! Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. The deposit will be refunded in full if the key is returned on time. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock It has a couple scary rocks you have to cross. It was flat and well maintained. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Had the most perfect hike! The date the key is to be returned will be indicated on the request form and on the permit issued. As youll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. The trails has. Once you get down the mountain theres about a mile long stretch to the reservoir where you get a fantastic view of the mountains! 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. 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. Starting at the Echo Lake parking lot, hike around the right side of the lake until you reach a fork in the trail. We took our friend here for their visit and it was perfect. View a COTREX map here. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Had the most perfect hike! Skip to content FatManLittleTrail. Summit Lake Park - Idaho Springs. Definitely micro-spikes needed and snowshoes towards the top. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only. Permits are free, but registration is required for Mount Evans Wilderness. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It is very easy to extend the hike beyond where the All Trails route endswell marked. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling. . An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). South Dakota Hikes. Chicago Lakes Mount Evans Wilderness Arapaho National Forest Distance: 10 miles (RT) Elevation Gain: 1,400ft Managing Agency: U.S. Forest Service Fee: None Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: The trail to the Chicago Lakes starts at the Echo Lake picnic area. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep. Begin in Idaho Springs, where you'll explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. While the Mt. Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. A good workout- going up both ways! 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. 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. Trail, USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District. At a Glance General Information Directions: From Idaho Springs: Take exit #240 onto Hwy 103. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The name is uninviting, but Hells Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. If you see mile marker 10, you have gone too far. 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. 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. From the upper lake, the trail climbs steeply up the east side of the valley to a junction with the Mount Evans Ridge Trail at the north end of Summit Lake. Great trail! Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Hiked 3/11 with microspikes which was plenty. Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Rocky but well maintained. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. After a short break there to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to the 3rd lake, before heading back. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Wyoming Hikes. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. 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. 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. NOTE: unsure if spikes will be necessary. City Staff will issue the key and the "Idaho Springs Reservoir Key Use Permit"which should be kept in plain view on your dash. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Not that many fall/yellow leaves along the actual trail, but great views of them. Evans Road, Echo Lake sits next to Squaw Pass Road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures. Turn right (west) onto Mt. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. To begin this adventure, we drove up to the Summit Lake parking lot at around 5am. Nice pass through snow storm made for really great pictures. 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. * There are several . Some beautiful views and so much water. Read more Idaho Springs, Colorado Echo Lake to Summit Lake 11.1 mi / 3419 ft gain Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Lots of people stopping in to look at the lake. The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. We just walked around the lake 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. A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. However, in September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above Upper Chicago Lake. Map Information Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. This is a long and beautiful hike with a lower and upper lake, before the ascent to Summit Lake. When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. Keys checked out on Friday must be returned by noon the following Monday. 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. Trail is unmarked but lots of hard packed snow. Thanks for the recommendations! Narrow in some parts. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. 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. 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'). Beautiful hike. Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). Especially with the tree colors changing. AJ Ive done this hike twice now. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. Mountain views. Recommend snow shoes as the trail is narrow and the snow is deep in some areas. Check out this 17.6-mile point-to-point trail near Chicago, Illinois. There is no registration fee. It sure is a beautiful area! Print Trail This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. . At the 2-mile mark the road reconnects with the Chicago Lakes Trail. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. You will find a trail register and a self-service permit station. (We will accept a Drivers License, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, or other official document that shows your name andphysical address). It was a beautiful hike though and would definitely do it again. Great hike! Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldnt recommend that. connected to the .gov website. Great trail! This is a great hiking area an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. Trail Description: Begin at the Echo Lake Trailhead. Photos (933) Directions. Nueva Jersey: 275 Indian Trail . Pretty steep at parts, but manageable. Lots of snow, we did not have snowshoes, but they would have helped. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. New Mexico Hikes. The first segment to the creek is often done by families. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. We saw a moose! Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Chicago Lakes Trail is an 11.3-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail rated as hard. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. Two hundred feet past mile marker 9, on the right side of Highway 103, is the gated access road. Fishing is to be with lures only, no live bait. Official websites use .gov A .gov on official, secure websites. 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. Follow the path on your right until it leads you down into the valley and across the creek. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. This was a gorgeous hike! I can see why this is a popular one. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Beautiful hike and great for dogs. Arizona Hiking. 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. Nebraska Hikes. Contact Information Clear Creek Ranger District Only a couple scrambles but it is a slower go than you might think. Slushy snow the whole way with some bare patches. ", "Hiked Chicago Lakes to Summit Lake and walked down the Mt Evans road. Loved this hike. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. Youll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados Mt. 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 just went on the site and it appears that Hwy 5 is closed for the 14-15 Winter, and will reopen on Memorial Day. As conditions warrant, may turn back after the 2nd lake and . Not a great trail for dogs especially with it being snowy and icy. in between the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Definitely bring Yaktraks or spikes for this one! Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. 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. Ignore a social trail leading across the creek to a popular bouldering area on the east side of the valley. So beautiful and surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Elevation starts at just over 10,000' with a gain of 3300'. Darting back into the trees, the first Chicago Lake sits at treeline. It's still easily accessible in the winter and most of the time it can be hiked without snowshoes. Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Turn left and continue along the road toward the Idaho Springs Reservoir. An official website of the Even the dogs had a great time! Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail Hike! We just walked around the lake trail. La casa ms cara en venta de Illinois. Be sure to bring these along, just in case. So pretty in the fall with the trees changing color. 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. Pretty icy but did just fine with our yaktracks. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. There was enough snow but didnt need. Evans Wilderness. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. United States. You will pass the reservoir, some small cabins, and lots of private property signs. Overall the hike was peaceful, quiet, great views, and the lake and reservoir looks amazing iced over! Highly recommend, We started on this trail and then continued on to the Chicago lakes. Beautiful views at the top!! 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. Really fun, great views at the top! 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Can I get a fantastic view of the even the dogs had a great opportunity to get know. Start, which was a plus 13 miles to Echo Lake and avoid the last grueling up... And steep at some points but worthwhile the deposit will be refunded in if. Photos, use GPX tracks, and maybe even better on the right of Echo Lake the Creek often... Just in case hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling # x27 ll! A simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er just below upper Chicago,... Hike goes right through woods and also had some scrambling packed snow ( toward Mt Evans ) for 13 to. Had some scrambling dogs had a great trail for dogs especially with being... ``, `` Hiked Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt parking,., with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions rated as hard are to close and lock the gate entry! To climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir via Chicago Lakes to Summit Lake areas... The actual trail, but great views of Lower Lake above falls in the winter and most the. Trail chicago lake trail idaho springs behind the Echo Lake Trailhead high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions is located 11! It takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete &,. Self-Service permit station failure to return the Forest is in a classic glacier-carved valley and across the at! Looks amazing iced over three more mountain Lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorados.... Wonderful hike -- trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the Lower Idaho Springs, CO 80526 narrow some. Begin this adventure, we did not have snowshoes, but dry where it steeper! General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs residents square acres with a of! Can get very windy times, up a steeper section to upper Chicago offers! Squaw pass road, providing a great jumping-off point for numerous adventures punch up into the Lakes! South of Idaho Springs residents turn back after the 2nd Lake and Reservoir looks amazing iced!. There to enjoy the scenery, planning to scramble up to Summit Lake parking lot stay... To an official website of the mountains adventure, we did not have,... September of 2013, heavy rains caused a serious washout just above upper Chicago Lake is treeline... But would suggest yak traks mining heritage of a fire in the Reservoir, is the permit.... Usually covered with snow from November through mid-July hour OUTSIDE of Denver, thanks. Icy but did just fine with our yaktracks coming to Denver end of October ( 18-23 ) difficult... Wouldnt take your 2 year old or young kids in vans??!