Lower and Upper Chicago Lake
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Details
Distance
9.22 miles
Elevation Gain
2270 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Ryan Mckinney
The trial to Lower and Upper Chicago Lake offers up amazing views of Mount Evans Wilderness. You'll see moose, mountain goats, elk, and big horn sheep.
From the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. 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. 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.
You'll reach Lower Chicago Lake in just 3.95 miles. To get to the Upper Chicago Lake, head back to the Chicago Lakes Trail and continue another mile. This is a popular breeding area for big horn sheep and mountain goats in the late spring and early summer, so keep an eye out for them on the valley walls.
The weather in the Mount Evans Wilderness can change rapidly; be prepared for high winds, snow, rain, hail, and intense sunlight. Make sure you get an early start to avoid storms (and the crowds).
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Lower and Upper Chicago Lake Reviews
Beautiful, challenging ascent with lots to pause and see along the way. Another alpine lake hike I do annually. I definitely recommended keeping on and scaling to the uppermost lake if you’re up for it. Great in the height of summer for wildflower blooms or a later season (September) hike for change of leaves. Chicago lakes tends to be a bit more crowded as far as the alpine lake hikes in CO go. Saw a moose here last September! Beautiful and also a reminder to stay alert & cautious. Bonus: you can also access great views of Upper Chicago lake by driving up Mt. Blue Sky - the road is only open weather permitting. The drive itself can be a little daunting, with some twists and drops but is well-maintained and is its own adventure.
5.0
10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy!
5.0
This is a great day hike! Relatively close to Denver. Not too difficult, not too easy. Get a good, early start to avoid any potential bad weather. Make sure to bring water & a little snack. Really fun, great views at the top!
5.0
Great hike with lots of beautiful places to camp near both Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes. Upper Chicago Lake is above treeline, and can get very windy. There is tree cover just below Upper Chicago Lake with good views over Lower Chicago Lake. Great as a day hike, or relaxed overnight trip.
4.0
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. The trail is usually pretty doable by Independence Day
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Idaho Springs Reservoir via Echo Lake
Echo Lake Park Loop
Bristlecone Loop
Hell's Hole Trail
Mount Evans and Mount Spalding Loop
Summit Lake to Upper Chicago Lake via Chicago Lakes Trail
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