In the distance, the Chicago Lakes Trail snaked up steep rocky terrain towards Summit Lake, which rests at 13,002 feet. This out-and-back trail is 9.5 miles round trip, and is one of the most popular snowshoe trails in the area — so be ready to meet other trekkers! 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. From Evergreen, take Squaw Pass Road to Echo Lake. We’d heard the trail was socked in by snow, so it would have to wait for another day. Small creeks, just barely running past white-capped boulders, gurgle louder. Here Chicago Creek is dammed to form the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management has closed portions of the Lake Front Trail from Oak Street to Ohio Street. Don’t get me wrong, I love the company of good friends on a backpacking trip or jaunting up a mountain, but I often love the freedom and flexibility of being (largely) in charge of my own fate even more. White, who has … Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Trail Snapshot: Chicago Lakes Hike Near Idaho Springs, Colorado WTA Pro Tip: At 1.75 miles, where the trail begins to switchback upwards, a spur trail offers a brief side trip up the valley to an overlook of Source Lake, the headwaters of the Snoqualmie River’s south fork. Description: The Chicago Lakes Trail is a great hiking opportunity and location in the Mount Evans Wilderness Area. Montrose: Colorado’s Gateway to the Southwest, Olympic Training Center: Going for the Gold in Colorado Springs, Chautauqua Park: Boulder’s Historic Landmark and Hangout, Elitch Gardens: Holding a Lofty Place in Denver History, Gold Digger: Inside the Phoenix Gold Mine, Rockhounding In Colorado: Where To Find Geodes, Galloping Goose Lift Winter Park: Save A Few Bucks And Ski Cheap, Forney Museum: Denver’s Transportation Hall of Fame, Denver’s Downtown Aquarium: Up Close and Personal, A Mile High: What You Can Do at 5,280 Feet in Denver. My backpacking trip along the Tuolumne River in Yosemite was a classic example of this: I was in my car, backpacking gear in my backseat, sitting at the stoplight before the freeway onramp and I had to decide if I was going to head left and go backpacking in Yosemite, or right and head to Zion. USFS Echo Lake Trailhead webpage. Crested Butte Sports, Emmons Loop, Crested Butte (970) 349-7516 Distance: 6.5 miles Just as nighttime snowshoeing enhances the beauty of the backcountry, it also enhances the dangers. Alpine lakes and stunning vista are not always locked away in the back country. The main Chicago Lakes Trail continues to the right, passing a small stand of aspens. The resorts usually offer rentals, but local ski shops are often cheaper. During the winter snowshoes, crampons, and ice axe might be required. Nisqually Vista Snowshoe Trail: 1 mile, 200 feet net elevation gain. I love the solitude; the cold, high-mountain winter air and the reward of blazing new trail that I know others will follow. The upper lake is a great place to rest and have lunch. From here, the trail switchbacks steeply downhill to a stream crossing. In places, the Chicago Lakes trail follows a ledge where drop-offs are steep and, depending on snow conditions, footing can be awkward for beginners. I couldn’t have jumped in my car any quicker to get out of it. See Access and Trail Information for train and trail access, trail statistics, etc. The snowshoe-only trail is a basic, rolling route that winds through the forest and intersects with cross-country trails and Brainard Lake Road. It's 4.5 miles to the upper lake from the trailhead. W: www.gocolorado.com. See chapter "26. Most people in the winter hike to the reservoir and turn around, and as I continued past the reservoir on the trail to the lakes  I found that I was the only one on that section of the trail that day as it was buried under deep snow drifts and there were no other footprints to be found. The Crested Butte Nordic Center offers guided full-moon ski and snowshoe tours for $15. The basic trip is between 2-3 miles on beginner terrain and heads out to a tepee where guides serve hot drinks and snacks. And it wasn’t until I ventured out at night that I found the best kind of snowshoeing. Worth Noting: Snowshoeing this trail in the winter provides a greater sense of solitude than hiking it in the summer. There were a bunch of people snowshoeing on this section of the trail (though snowshoes were definitely not needed, and were likely more effort than they were worth). Mt. Maybe that’s the golden rule. Watch the weather and add a flashlight to your pack. ☀️ #whitetail, #tbt because this time of year, when everything is, If my life hadn’t become a series of unfortunate, The fire burned 100 acres a minute - and she outfo, The healing from the #easttroublesomefire just bar, Roadtrip to the JMT Part 1: The Trail Through Time. Burn area deadfall I trudged along where I remember the trail being, and as I headed across the Mt Evans Wilderness boundary the trail became a bit easier to find (though I was still largely going on memory). Complete freedom. The lake marks the end of the trek, but we suggest taking a break to soak in the view before you turn around! I hope you’re all, A throwback to #SarahtheFox on a snowy morning bec, Winter setting the mood on Lake Granby and the Ind, Cold mornings and steamy breath. Mount Rainier National Park . 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. Please confirm the details before setting out in our great Centennial State. Both lakes offer excellent views of surrounding peaks. You can also head to the summit of Mount Evans from Chicago Lakes. www.crystalskishop.com, Maison De Ski, 2804 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs (800) 228-8915 All content and images © Erica Ruch 1993-Infinity | Site by, Merry Christmas Eve, friends. I love snowshoeing. That is the true beauty of Snow Lake--how readily it shares the splendor of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. From Idaho Springs take W. Chicago Creek trail south to Echo Lake. Mineral Spring Gulch. 280 Capitol Reef St, Paradise Valley Snowshoe Loop 2.8 … I went left. This will be the easy part of the hike for the trail then climbs upward the remaining three miles. There is nice dispersed camping at the lakes. Lots of people know it's where we get the water to make all that white fluffy stuff each winter. Berthoud, CO 80513 The path here is narrowly cut into a steep cliff face, and as I expected, the snow was scarce, and I swapped out my snowshoes … Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. Getting out of my car at Echo Lake, the wind was a bit calmer (meaning not bad enough to warrant me heading home). To keep water from freezing on longer trips, add powdered sports drink and store bottles upside down. The ranch doesn’t offer guided nighttime tours, but groomed trails of all levels are open for full-moon fun. Yeah, we know, the lake itself isn't really a secret. I love the sound of nothing but aluminum crampons crunching over a packed trail, and, even better, the thumping of 25-inch tails on fresh powder. Here Chicago Creek is dammed to form the Idaho Springs Reservoir. Call ahead to confirm group tours. For more information call (800) 228-1876. Lost Lake Trail: From its start near Eldora Mountain Resort, this 5.4-mile excursion winds through a tall evergreen forest to Lost Lake, where you can catch gorgeous views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.From the route’s winter start, head up the road about 1.3 miles to the Hessie Trailhead. The Ouray County Nordic Council and the City of Ouray host a full-moon cross-country ski and soak. Kalama River Trail: 8 miles, 500 feet net elevation gain. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Check open/close hours before exploring at night. The most recent is titled, “50 of the Best Snowshoe Trails Around Lake Tahoe,” and published by University of Nevada Press. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Please subscribe to our mailing list for the latest new posts. Though it’s all uphill, it’s pretty tough to get lost on a wide road, and you don’t need to go far for sweeping views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.Just north of Ward off Colorado 119, the Red Rock Lake trailhead at Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a great starting point for full-moon snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Leaving Echo Lake, Chicago Lakes Trail travels downhill for the first mile, here Chicago Creek is dammed to form the Idaho Springs Reservoir.  Sure enough, rounding up Squaw Pass, the wind raced with such force that my car wavered along the road. The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). All Rights Reserved. If you’re not comfortable bringing the family into the backcountry after dark, relax in the familiar territory of a ski resort; many host group snowshoe and cross-country ski tours. Having my footprints to follow, made the hike back down quite quick. Wide-open, snow-covered meadows reflect enough light to make it seem bright as daytime. The trail rolls through some forest for a bit before opening up to a beautiful view of Mt Evans, Mt Spalding, and the Chicago Lakes basin. A last word of advice: No matter where you decide to snowshoe, don’t forget the hot chocolate. Copyright 2020 goColorado. I had every intention of turning right at the bottom of my street, but instead, I pulled a sudden left from the right-hand lane. DMP trails map. I doubted if my snowshoes would be warranted. Get off on Highway […] The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. This section is the only downside to this trail: starting out with such a steep downhill means you end with a steep uphill. Perhaps I am just not meant to see Chicago Lakes in the winter (though, knowing winter in these mountains, they were probably buried under several feet of snow anyway). Groups split according to pace and experience, but the tours last about an hour. Snowshoeing the Chicago Lakes Trail in the winter provides a greater sense of solitude. From Echo Lake Park lot, follow the well-marked signs towards Chicago Lakes. Full-moon snowshoeing brings together all the elements of a backcountry day trip and multiplies them exponentially. After refueling, you can continue the trail up the southern ridge to Summit Lake to properly finish the Chicago Lakes Trail. In places, the Chicago Lakes trail follows a ledge where drop-offs are steep and, depending on snow conditions, footing can be awkward for beginners. Temperatures drop swiftly and steeply. While the views from there are spectacular, Summit Lake itself is a wonderful example of the alpine environment. Tours are free but rentals run $10; hot drinks and small snacks are provided. I can't say I have ever had to balance on downed trees wearing snowshoes, and it is quite the awkward experience. Call the Nordic Center at (970) 726-8231 for more information. 3) for more information. South Chicago Creek is a 4.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. I’m guessing that this is quite common for this area in the winter – the Chicago Lakes Basin acting as a tunnel for the winds coming off of Mt Evans. Glissading Down Snowbanks www.maisondeski.com, Ouray Mountain Sports, 732 Main St., Ouray (970) 325-4284 Despite the added risk, a little precaution can make full-moon snowshoeing just as safe as heading out during the day. P: 970-568-6343 Really, this is a big reason when it comes to hiking and backpacking that I choose to venture out solo. Summit Lake Park provides easy access to the popular Summit Lake and Chicago Lakes Overlook. Reflection Lakes and Inspiration Point: 7 miles, 670 feet net elevation gain. Trailhead: Echo Lake Lodge Activities: Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Snowshoeing Closest City / Town: Idaho Springs, Colorado Driving Directions: From I-70, head west towards Idaho Springs. From the Editors: We spent a heap of time making sure this story was accurate when it was published, but of course, things can change. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance. Evan’s Wilderness. This will be the easy part of the hike for the trail then climbs upward the remaining three miles. Rather than regret not bringing them, I strapped them to my pack just in case. The hike to Chicago Lakes is a great hike near Denver, taking you to pretty mountain lakes and into the high country of Mt. The Chicago Lakes trail branches off at the southwest corner of the lake and is a good option for those seeking a longer trip. I would have to locate the trail from here on. We tried to avoid the willows by dropping down through the burn area to gain the Chicago Lakes Trail just south of the Idaho Springs reservoir. Season of Use Chicago Basin is situated at 11,200′ elevation (timberline is 11,800′), and is snow-free from late June to mid September most years. You’ll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado’s Mt. Chicago Lakes Trail (#52) Leaving from Echo Lake, the trail goes downhill for the first mile. Two very different places and directions. When in doubt, turn left (or if it’s between the Sierras and somewhere else…always pick the Sierras). www.ouraysports.com, Viking Ski Shop, 78966 Highway 40 (at the intersection with Vasquez Road ) Winter Park, (970)281-7220 Maybe I should have turned right afterall? Close out the evening with a bonfire, marshmallows and hot chocolate. I had decided I would give the 9 mile hike to Chicago Lakes another try (I had attempted it last winter, but the weather had other plans), but if the wind was this fierce at the trailhead I’d be happier turning around. 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. Chicago’s newest park is an excellent place to escape the noise of the city and … Follow the trail through the meadow, across two make-shift bridges, then into the woods on the opposite side of the meadow. The first mile of the trail switchbacks down to a creek crossing. At about 1½ miles, this is a good nighttime turnaround point. We were okay with that. The weather had been beautiful at our house at 8500’, but I know well that weather nearer to the Continental Divide and the high country is usually much different. 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