Chicago Lakes Trail

Distance: About 7 miles to lower lake, 8 miles to upper lake, depending on the book/web site you read

Elevation Gain: Trail gains 200 feet, then drops 400 feet, then gains 1,400 feet to the upper lake

We went up to Echo Lake on Sunday. The weather is iffy.. scattered sun and grey clouds. But, we want to hike. So the three of us park near the lake... and head out to a trail we haven't finished yet. we started it in December, but well... there was a lot of snow piled up. lol. Anyway - to the trailhead -- This is where the Chicago Lakes trail gets interesting. You'll climb about 200 feet in elevation, then drop down about 400 feet to Chicago Creek. The trail follows a shelf along the hillside. While there's a major drop-off on the side, there is also a beautiful view of the valley ahead. We stop and take a few pictures where the trees open up. We enjoyed guessing where we were going from here. The hike to Chicago creek at the bottom is steady up's and down's. Can you say nature's stair master! But you'll know when you're near; you'll hear the rushing water.

There's a creek crossing on a couple wooden planks. Hike a few more yards and you'll come to a road. Follow it up the hill about a mile. You'll pass next to the Idaho Springs Reservoir, then two cabins before the Chicago Lakes trail becomes single track again. There is a sign at this junction with permit forms, even for day hikers. We filled one out, while other hikers just past by looking at us. Well, if a bear eats us... I want the rangers to know who we were.

Catch our breath here, because the trail is about to start climbing. The trail climbs a couple hundred feet, then evens out, then climbs again, then evens out. the flats are such a tease! You'll be doing this for the next 1.5 miles. While it can be tough at times, the scenery is great. We found lots of wildflowers and beautiful views. did a bit of splash hiking. all the rain has given way for lots of little creeks. A wildfire burned 400 acres in this area in 1978. With so many trees gone, you get amazing views of the peaks around the valley.
At about 3.5 miles into the hike, you get your first view of Lower Chicago Lake. The trail is actually above the lake, so you'll have to hike down on one of the many social/goat trails in the area to reach the shoreline. The upper lake is on a shelf higher than the lower. We tried to go on to it --- but the trail was so flooded and the brush was very unfriendly. We climbed up on a rockslide... but we could see no way around. Found a waterfall chugging down. sounded very nice. Then we hear nearby thunder... and it starts to hail. What luck. T says we should take a short cut down to the lake. ( short cuts are never a good idea). needless to say.. it was no trail.. not even for deer. We fight through the brush... and finally find the main trail. It rained the whole way back to the Jeep. Hot showers, coffee/tea & camp pies await at home.. Mmmm! It was a good hike. we want to go again when it's dry to see the top lake.