When it comes to outdoor excursions, there are strolls…and there are hikes. The trek to Chicago Lakes is definitely a HIKE. Easily accessed via Hwy 103 (Mestaa’Ehehe Pass), the trailhead at Echo Lake is a beautiful 40 minute drive from Downtown (I measured from Muddy Buck, because who can hike without coffee first…?). Once you set out, you will quickly leave the tourists behind as they swarm the flat trails around Echo Lake (which can be easily done with a stroller). But wave civilization behind, because you are about to drop all the way down to the bottom of the valley carved by Chicago Creek. Once at the bottom, you will pass alongside Idaho Springs Reservoir and its countless jumping fish before beginning to climb up to your destination. Passing the remnants of the Reservoir Fire of 1978 might feel a bit spooky, but the burned forest has been taken over by wildflower. Next, you will make your way to Lower Chicago Lake, a usually haunt of the local moose. If you don’t catch the moose, you are almost guaranteed to spot plenty of marmots. That’s probably one of the best parts of this hike: its seclusion (mostly due to the difficulty of the hike) increases the odds of seeing some pretty cool wildlife or, at the very lease, let you feel like the only person in the world for a couple of hours. The lower lake is beautiful, but don’t give up there. If you look southwest, you will see a waterfall cascading down a cliff face, fed by the upper lake. While the final push above treelike feels a bit grueling as you scramble up, the rocky amphitheater created by the base of Mt. Blue Sky is incredible. Unfortunately the water is always ice cold (but it still feels great to soak your feet in it!). If you are in a particularly masochistic mood, you can continue up the trail and climb your way out of the basin up to Summit Lake, the traditional trailhead for climbing Mt. Blue Sky. And, if you are training for an Ironman, why not continue all the way up to the top of Evergreen’s closest 14’er? But I’d say for the average human that the 10 mile trek to Upper Chicago Lake is far enough…especially when you remember how much elevation you lost during the first 20 minutes of the hike that you now need to make up for.
While the hike is open year round, you are guaranteed to have snow in the trail until at least June. There are plenty of aspens, so late September/early October is an ideal time for this hike. Just, PLEASE…remember to leash your dog. Not only could you ruin the wildlife viewing experience for yourself and others, moose don’t take kindly to your canine pals.
This hike is in a wilderness area, so wilderness regulations apply You can check out the CO TREX map HERE. Please do not forget your water…you are going to need it for the final climb back to your car. You can check out our pictures, but they are NOTHING compared to the real thing. If you are looking for a hike that you can be proud of, you really need to check this one out.
