Today, the city retains its status as a major hub for industry, telecommunications and infrastructure, with O'Hare International Airport being the second busiest airport in the world in terms of traffic movements. * There are several social trails in the area, simply choose the one that heads southwest. Chicago Lakes Trail Webpage (USFS) Directions: From Idaho Springs, go south on 103 (Squaw Pass Road) for 14 miles to Echo Lake. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Additionally, merged trails or exits are in place for a few sections due to lakefront storm damage and high lake levels. The first mile of the trail switchbacks down to a creek crossing. From Evergreen, take Squaw Pass Road to Echo Lake. Chicago Lakes Trailhead (start): 10,650 ft. lowest point: 10,320 ft. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Easily add multiple stops, live traffic, road conditions, or satellite to your route. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. Chicago was incorporated as a town in 1833, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. The upper lake is a great place to rest and have lunch. Turn right (west) onto Mt. Explore! Follow CO 103 to Echo Lk and the Chicago Lks Trailhead. View this information on the Lakefront Trail Access Map linked below. General Information Directions: I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103.Go south for approx. IMPORTANT: Stay found with the aid of a topographic map, a compass, a GPS receiver and the skill to use them. Learn more about the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, and the trail separation project. The trail continues to the upper lake, above treeline. 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. After refueling, you can continue the trail up the southern ridge to Summit Lake to properly finish the Chicago Lakes Trail. Lakefront parking lots will remain closed, as will all other lakefront amenities … The lakes sit in a classic glacier-carved valley and offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. Maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated #104E and or the Idaho Springs, Georgetown and Mount Evans USGS 7.5 topographic maps. Evans Road, through the entrance station and take this all the way up to Summit Lake Park. 12 mile to the junction of Hwy 103 and 5, the trail starts behind the Echo Lake Lodge. Lower Chicago Lake sits just at treeline. Choose from the Lakefront Trail, or the many neighborhood parks have straight-away or oval tracks. A lot of people are satisfied with making the upper lake their turn-around spot, as the last section of the trail … Step by step directions for your drive or walk. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. 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