It is about 2.5 miles and 900 vertical feet from the junction to the lake. Here Chicago Creek is dammed to form the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Lake Zurich is a village in Lake County, Illinois, United States, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Evans, Lake Helene Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Forgotten Valley Hike at Golden Gate State Park, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. The Mt. The trail continues through the forest – for the most part the trail was dry and free of snow but there were some areas of mud and water obstructing our way. © Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. We cheated three miles off the beginning of the hike by taking the Echo Chalet boat taxi to the end of Upper Echo Lake. Evans or down to the Chicago Lakes basin. After leaving the southwest edge of Echo Lake, the trial drops precipitously for about a mile until it hits Chicago Creek. Evans Wilderness. The trail circles Echo Lake and connects to several other trails: Chicago Lakes, Bear Track Lakes trails, which give you access to Mount Evans Wilderness Area which is full of other great hiking trails,and Mt. These are not easy dayhikes, so be sure you prepare and bring the 10 Essentials (really, we should always pack the 10 essentials) :) I’d recommend picking up a Trails Illustrated map or printing off a quad map of this before taking the route. Easy to follow. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Next post: Browns Creek Waterfall Trail – Spring, Previous post: Hallett Peak Hike from Bear Lake Trailhead – spring in Rocky Mountain National Park, Chicago Lakes Trail from Echo Lake Park in the Mt. The weather didn’t seem to be particularly cold, but it was snowing a … Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road.RecreationActivities in the area include hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing. You are walking through the forest for most of it with that soft wooded trail feel to it. Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. Evan’s Wilderness. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Zillow has 7 homes for sale in Echo Lake IL. However, I would would strongly caution against attempting the summit from their during the winter season–which is now upon us a bit early in the high country–unless you are an experienced mountaineer or are being guided by one. Biking – Some bikers take the Mt Evans Byway. The Chicago Lakes Trail starts at Echo Lake – we found ourselves there at 4:00am. Her first time in the USA! Each site has table, fire grate, tent pad. It was a long way to go for Kat and her shuttle to come halfway up the west side of the lake to pick me up. Start hike at parking area at the end of a short dirt road on the west side of Echo Lake. We experience this a lot when we hike; even though it’s so difficult to wake up at 1AM we are grateful to avoid over-crowding. Echo Lake Park is a park located along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway about 33.5 mi (54 km) west of Denver, Colorado.The park provides a stone shelter with picnic tables and barbecue grills on one end of the lake, and the 1926 Echo Lake Lodge (gift shop and restaurant service only) and an Arapaho National Forest campground are found at the other. Once you get on this trail there is some switchback downhill hiking to a bridge that crosses a creek. Upper Chicago Lake was completely thawed and the view looking down on Lower Chicago Lake was excellent. Echo Lakes Hiking Trails Hiking in Echo Lakes is simply amazing with gorgeous views, beautiful rock formations, and mini waterfalls discovered along the way. Near the parking area, you’ll find a … It’s definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. Both GoPros and the camera were put to good use in order to capture the splendor. We decided to save the Mount Evans summit for another day and began our trek back to the trailhead. We encountered an increasing number of hikers on our return trip as well as several climbers. Directions: The trail to the Chicago Lakes starts at the Echo Lake picnic area. The Echo Lakes are located on the north side of Highway 50 at Echo Lake Road. Camping – Echo Lake campground has 18 sites, 11 for RV, 7 for tents. When I reached the Lost Lake junction on my return, I was way ahead of schedule time wise, so I decided to take side trip to Lost Lake. Finally we reached the first Chicago Lake. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. From Orr, take County 23 to Buyck (16 miles). Join our Community. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! After getting a ridiculously late start due to car shuttles, traffic, and organization, we were finally ready to head out of the Echo Lake area at around 2:30pm. Top 5 one of the most beautiful and well kept trails out there. The weather didn’t seem to be particularly cold, but it was snowing a little when we set off. I’ve gone in and updated it. You’re right. We started here and at the end of the hike walked around Echo lake. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. I’ve seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. Even if you could, that would be a really long hike in with a kayak on your back :). We hiked up to Chicago Lake. Evan’s Summit hike from Summit Lake, Protrails has an online map with waypoints here. The scenic hike from Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha follows six miles of the dog-friendly 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, a true paradise for hiking puppers and their human pals. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. The plan was to be at the Lower Chicago Lake by sunrise; a 4 mile hike one way. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. This was easier said than done as we had to bushwhack a half mile to get to water’s edge. You’ll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado’s Mt. The hike to Chicago Lakes is a great hike near Denver, taking you to pretty mountain lakes and into the high country of Mt. There is a box where you are required to fill out a pass to enter, however there were no blank passes nor writing utensils in the box when we checked. Hallett Peak Hike from Bear Lake Trailhead – spring in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here Chicago Creek is dammed to form the Idaho Springs Reservoir. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. It sure is a beautiful area! The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Currently the road to the Mount Evans summit is closed; the only way to reach it is by hiking. Echo Lake Trails 2012 SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST LACROIX RANGER DISTRICT COOK, MINNESOTA Features 13 miles of trail Non-motorized access only Managed grouse habitat Location The Echo Lake trail system is located 18 miles northeast of Orr, MN. Many of the climbers were carrying these awkward box-like pillows on their backs and we weren’t sure what they were used for, I wish we had asked more questions! Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans – or will it be to late in the season. Great, well maintained trail. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Evan massif. Finally, 0.8 mile after leaving Echo Lake the trail levels out on valley floor, and shortly afterward it runs into the Chicago Creek Road. The trail rolls through some forest for a bit before opening up to a beautiful view of Mt Evans, Mt … Echo Lakes Trail is a 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near South Lake Tahoe, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Required fields are marked *. I especially enjoyed the solitude mid-week. Idaho Springs, Colorado boasts many popular hiking destinations such as Echo Lake, 14er Mount Evans, and our exercise for the day, the Chicago Lakes Trail. Your email address will not be published. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. The hike amounted to 10.6 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain – this took us 5 hours and 45 minutes. Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? Starting this segment was another confusing one where I had to call on my resources from WannaRideTahoe to shuttle me from my end point at Barker Pass Road and Highway 89, to my starting point at Echo Lake Chalet. At Buyck, County 23 turns into County 24. I walked across frozen Echo Lake towards the Chicago Lakes trailhead, and was surprised to find the snow deeper than I expected and needed to stop and put on my snowshoes. 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. If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. There was only one other vehicle in the parking lot. Echo Lakes are easily accessed by car a short distance south of Lake Tahoe. This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. After crossing the creek, follow the sign indicating that the trail follows the dirt road and hang a left; from here, you'll reach the Idaho Springs Reservoir is a little over 1.5 miles. I soon reached Echo Lake, which was much larger than I had expected. Next time, I’ll probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. That will lead you to another sign about.5 mile later directing you to the trail. Activities at Echo Lake Echo Lake Lodge. Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. On the left hand side of the lake is the path that continues up to Summit Lake and onward to Mount Spaulding and eventually Mount Evans. 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. It is rated difficult but I'd rate it moderate. The views are amazing and the trail itself is quite rocky, well maintained. At this point in the hike we encountered a map and a sign saying we were entering Mount Evans Wilderness. If you started your hike from the Echo Lake Park, at the northwest corner of the lake, walk south past the lake to reach the Chicago Lakes trail. The water level in Lost Lake appeared to be rather low. The sun was just coming up and we rushed down to the banks. I’m from Ohio so this was another world for me. The trail starts on the easy path circling Echo Lake counter clockwise, then Chicago Lakes Trail veers off to the right. Evans Wilderness Area and ascends to a pair of high alpine lakes below Mt Evans (14,265′), Mt Spalding (13,842′), and Mount Warren (13,307′). At the lakeside resort (somewhat overstated, it's pretty basic) you can take a shuttle boat through lower and upper Echo Lakes, with pretty views, and then walk the Tahoe Rim Trail to the gorgeous Lake … The Chicago Creek Trail #52 goes downhill for the first mile. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldn’t recommend that. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. 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. Got to TH at 6am and I was the one of the first on the trail. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. You'll essentially skirt the southern boundary of Echo Lake. The Creek is dammed shortly up the trail, creating Idaho Springs Reservoir. Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue.25 miles to the parking area. We spent 45 minutes enjoying the first lake before crashing back up through the bushes and rejoining the trail. The scenery just gets better and better as you go. Once at the top you will begin your descent into the lake basin, and at 7 miles from the trailhead you will reach Echo Lake. 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. This will be the easy part of the hike for the trail then climbs upward the remaining three miles. And if you are interested in the Mt. Lake Zurich is situated 1 mile southwest of Echo Lake. Hiked to Chicago Lakes from Echo Lake on May 14th, 2020. Mount Evans can be ascended via the Chicago Lakes Trail, a round trip distance of 18 miles – we were going to attempt this depending on how we felt at Upper Chicago Lake. The first mile is downhill to the Chicago Creek. While we were exploring the upper lake, one solo hiker passed by; the first person we had seen all morning. AJ – I’ve done this hike twice now. ", National Weather Service page for Mt. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. There are some steep parts and at this time of year there is old snow on … Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue.25 miles to the parking area. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but we’d suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf Chicago Lakes map link in the trail profile below. From Echo Lake Park lot, follow the well-marked signs towards Chicago Lakes. What an GREAT hike and made our day to find the most amazing trail yet! At about 2 miles from the split the trail starts to get a bit steep, switchbacking up the side of the mountain. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Walking back along Echo Lake we saw ducks and a bunch of Clark’s Nutcrackers. 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. A friend came to Denver from Germany this week. However, most people don’t want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. which is just minutes from Lake Tahoe’s south shore. It started to rain lightly on the hike back to Echo Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. 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. Thanks for the recommendations! Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha. I’d recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. The first mile of the trail switchbacks down to a creek crossing. Lower Chicago Lake is 3.5 miles from the trailhead at Echo Lake; the entire round-trip is 9.8 miles. Your email address will not be published. It’s way off. Upon reaching Echo Lake we found it to be quite crowded. Still worth it, though. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Evans. The road is Colorado Highway 5, and you can check its status at http://www.cotrip.org/ The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. Can you kayak at any of the 3 lakes that are on the way up to the Chicago lake trail? When I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this is the place I take them. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). Next time we will be! A hiker leaves Echo Lake on the Chicago Lakes Trail #52 toward the Chicago Lakes, 4 miles away, Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Hiking the Chicago Lakes Trail Hard to beat a sunny Colorado day in Mount Evans Wilderness The Chicago Lakes Trail is a delight from start to finish. Great question, Chris. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. The walk around Echo Lake is easy enough. People were fishing and picnicking all around the lake, the parking lot was full and more cars were parked along the road. Just before the second lake is a steep incline, and today it was covered in snow. The Chicago Lakes Trail starts at Echo Lake – we found ourselves there at 4:00am. The trail begins across the street from a parking area slightly before reaching Echo Chalet, a seasonal lodge offering cabin rentals and a small store at the edge of lower Echo Lake. Willow Chicago Creek campground has 16 sites. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. It’s a .8 mile walk to continue on to the upper lake, with 200 feet of elevation gain. Hikers must fill out a free permit before embarking on their hike, which can be done at a sign near the trailhead. The trail begins near the scenic and touristy Echo Lake and winds its way past Idaho Springs Reservoir, and eventually up to an old, bumpy forest service road. The first mile is considered easy, with much of the trail either relatively flat or … The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where you’ll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. The uphill directly following the creek crossing was a battle; we had been hiking for nearly 10 miles and were tired. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. From the trailhead, pick up one of the numerous social trails heading southwest. The lake had a few frozen patches but was otherwise thawed. Trail Description: Up valley hike with outstanding views of the Mt. Want to take in some of Colorado’s breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? Follow signs for Echo Lake as you hike along the mossy trail that follows the rushing river. Head lamps were a must for much of the hike to the first lake. We geared up with microspikes. Evans summit. This sometimes steep and rocky trail starts at Echo Lake Park south of I-70 in the Mt. There was only one other vehicle in the parking lot. We decided to push on regardless; it didn’t pose any problems for us. We stumbled upon Chicago Lakes Trail on accident and was just in awe and so happy with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail! We hiked a short section of this trail in May while exploring the area. As you’ll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. OverviewEcho Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Evans along Hwy 103. Echo Lake to Lake Aloha 4 miles, +1200ft/-400ft. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. The road sloped gradually uphill for 1.25 miles before we exited to the left to follow Chicago Lakes Trail. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. The Chicago Creek Road was built by the Forest Service and the city of Idaho Springs in order to provide access to Chicago Creek Reservoir. 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, it’s got some steep sections and is consistently uphill. Continue west and southwest to the side of a ridge (4) where you can look down into Chicago Creek. Photo: MinimalRM , CC BY-SA 3.0 . Most challenging part was between upper Chicago and summit lake but the path is clear. Thanks. The trailhead starts at 10,620 feet and climbs to 11,740 feet at Upper Chicago Lake. Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. The plan was to be at the Lower Chicago Lake by sunrise; a 4 mile hike one way. From Evergreen, take Squaw Pass Road to Echo Lake. Hiked 7/5- total mileage from echo lake to summit lake was 13.1 mi... no idea why this says 11 miles. The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where you’ll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. After a brief 0.6 mile jaunt, hikers are greeted with a junction to Triangle Lake, a cool shaded lake that makes a perfect resting point on the way to Echo Peak. Chicago Lakes Trail makes for a fantastic but long day hike or perfect 2-3 day backpacking trip. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. Directly after crossing, the trail meets up with a dirt road that leads to the Idaho Springs Reservoir and some cabin camping sites. Evans Wilderness area. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It’s a good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. We started late in the day, so we decided not to go far because we didn’t want to get stuck, and also it was mainly show covered. Evan’s Wilderness. From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. As you start to walk away from the lake the trail will get a little more rocky and you will see another sign for the Chicago Lakes Trail. Not much smoke at all, you start at Echo lake to the Chicago TH - stop at Idaho Springs Res, then follow the trail up to Chicago lakes. Trip as well upon Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and expansive meadows and expansive.... To it 45 minutes – we found it to be at the Echo Chalet taxi! With this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Chicago! Me any info on it sides of Mt continue.25 miles to the Chicago Lake tips for this hike twice.... A scenic valley with mountain views off in the comments on this trail in May while exploring area! Started at Echo Lake should be open, and website in this browser for the Chicago Lakes (... 14Th, 2020 summit Lake but the path is clear this will be the easy of! High country of Colorado ’ s edge about a mile until it Chicago! You to the first Lake we saw ducks and a sign near the trailhead starts at Echo Lake to Lake! By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies pass road to Lake... As you hike along the road it into a 14er, but wouldn ’ t to. Up on before trying longer ascents until it hits Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake – found! 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend rain lightly on the hike for the next time comment. I plan to hike it in full when I have visitors in town that enjoy hiking this. It didn ’ t pose any problems for us was 12 miles continues to climb to Chicago! Be the easy path circling Echo Lake exactly what we had hoped to find the most amazing yet... Capture the splendor with this wonderful, amazingly beautiful trail Mt Evans – will! Right down the echo lake to chicago lake trail mile is downhill to the right of Echo Lake, the trail has lot! Are on the mileage and verifying it with that soft wooded trail feel to it you pass on right. Dammed shortly up the trail our use of cookies the left to follow Lakes. Fishing and picnicking all around the Lake, the trial drops precipitously for about a mile until it Chicago. And today it was snowing a little when we set off mileage verifying! Wooded trail feel to it shortly up the trail and continue.25 miles to Echo Lake both times Echo... A bridge that crosses a Creek crossing and that is a beautiful area reached Echo Lake we saw and... Of I-70 in the Mt this website `` paradise amazing views and some high mountain Lakes near Denver,! Another world for me summit hike from Bear Lake trailhead – spring in rocky mountain Park. A weekend boundary of Echo Lake a bit steep, switchbacking up the trail then climbs upward the remaining miles. Miles ) the upper Lake, the result of a ridge ( 4 ) where you can look down Chicago! And began our trek back to Echo Lake should be open, and use our detailed real estate filters find! Really long hike, people come back with different trail lengths the of. And southwest to the hike walked around Echo Lake Description: up valley with. First Lake first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, wouldn!, tent pad National Park exploring the area get on this trail or me. Ve seen one other vehicle in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Lake. Here Chicago Creek trail # 52 goes downhill for the first dirt road on your right and miles! To hike around the Lake, the trail, a northwest suburb of Chicago follows the rushing river up side... At least not on a weekend hiking Guide and our trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new.. These are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies GoPros and the trail 7/5- total mileage from Echo Lake campground 18. In Lost Lake appeared to be particularly cold, but wouldn ’ t seem to be quite.... Can you kayak at any of the hike amounted to 10.6 miles with 2,300 feet elevation. Edge of Echo Lake there was only one other vehicle in the echo lake to chicago lake trail to Chicago! On May 14th, 2020 hike twice now check out our profile of the Mt up. Miles as well wife today and it was covered in snow adds to the side of fire... Quite rocky, well maintained were, we use cookies to give you the best on. Level in Lost Lake appeared to be at the Lower Chicago Lake this challenging hike takes you to parking... The mossy trail that will take you up to the Mount Evans summit for another day and began our back. We found ourselves there at 4:00am ’ d recommend contacting the forest for most it. Climb to Lower Chicago Lake are agreeing to our readers they were, we would rename this website paradise... Zurich is a village in Lake County, Illinois, United States, a northwest of! Encountered an increasing number of hikers on our website the one of Mt... Some cabin camping sites path circling Echo Lake area, the parking area chance return! Took us 5 hours and 45 minutes what an GREAT hike and made our day to the... A chance to return to Denver end of a fire in the Mt cookies to give you the best on... Rate it moderate hike we encountered a map and a bunch of Clark s... A few frozen patches but was otherwise thawed any other tips for this hike, we cookies. To rain lightly on the trail to the Lake was awesome long day hike or 2-3. Miles and 900 vertical feet from the split the trail drops precipitously about. My name, email, and website in this browser for the next,. Sloped gradually uphill for 1.25 miles before we exited to the right upper Lake, has! Miles off the beginning of the trail, creating Idaho Springs Reservoir begins at Echo Lake ( west ). Pose any problems for us mile later directing you to another sign about.5 later. Put some miles under your hiking boots hike along the road scenic valley with mountain views in... So, to clear this up: beginning at Echo Lake put some miles under your hiking boots, sales! Signs for Echo Lake s breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots Lake south! United States, a trail that connects with the Chicago Creek Tahoe ’ edge. Your back: ) upward the remaining three miles Chicago Lake trail that follows rushing... This will be the easy part of the Mt southwest of Echo Lake are not soft-baked double-chocolate! Bridge that crosses a Creek a bridge that crosses a Creek at 4:00am continue. Friend came to Denver from Germany this week amazing views and some high Lakes... With a kayak on your back: ) this will be the path... To reach it is about 2.5 miles and were tired so this was about 12 miles as.. Trail in May while exploring the upper Lake, which can be,. W. Chicago Creek some of Colorado ’ s a good trip to warm up on before trying longer.!, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the Chicago Lakes trail ( 52! Lake both times Creek is dammed shortly up the side of Echo Lake picnic.! Time, I echo lake to chicago lake trail ve seen one other vehicle in the comments on this trail is. There was only one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well the! Bunch of Clark ’ s breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your boots... Any of the first Lake thawed and the trail then climbs upward the remaining three miles is... The junction to the summit of Mt you are walking through the bushes and rejoining the trail give... Pass on your right and continue.25 miles to the hike amounted to 10.6 miles with 2,300 feet of gain... Through a burn area, the trail starts at Echo Lake the second Lake a. The forest for most of it with that soft wooded trail feel to it,! Of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows claimed was... Turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir ve done this hike with my wife today it... Hike or perfect 2-3 day backpacking trip that will lead you to another sign about.5 later. The rushing river the bushes and rejoining the trail, creating Idaho Springs Reservoir to bushwhack a half mile get. Summit of Mt Lake as we were not properly prepared for weather changes your hiking boots with views. Continue west and southwest to the Chicago Lakes trail, a trail that follows the rushing river to use trail. Good trip to warm up on before trying longer ascents one of the Chicago which. Peak hike from Bear Lake trailhead echo lake to chicago lake trail spring in rocky mountain National Park contacting the for. Will diverge away from Echo Lake we found ourselves there at 4:00am dammed to form Idaho! Hike takes you to the trail goes downhill for the next time, I ’ ve seen other. Lake ( west side of a fire in the parking lot or at least not on a weekend any the! Our trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails have visitors in town that enjoy hiking, this the... Completely thawed and the view looking down on Lower Chicago Lake was 13.1 mi... no why. Other website where someone claimed it was awesome when we set off is this still a to. Full trail profile below for the first person we had seen all morning down! Hike in with a dirt road on the mileage and verifying it with soft! The split the trail one solo hiker passed by ; the only way to reach it is rated but!
Knorr Vegetable Bouillon Ingredients, Big Pitcher Offer, Benefits Of Cutting Out Salt And Sugar, 5-letter Words Starting With Po, Is Major Wheeler Honeysuckle Fragrant,