Chicago Lakes Hike Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Chicago Lakes Hike
The hike to Chicago Lakes is a great hike near Denver, taking you to pretty mountain lakes and into the high country of Mt. Evan’s Wilderness.
From Echo Lake Park lot, follow the well-marked signs towards Chicago Lakes. The trail will diverge away from Echo Lake and will traverse along a scenic valley with mountain views off in the distance.
Follow the trail which parallels Chicago Creek towards Idaho Springs Reservoir. From here, enjoy the views of the glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans (4,348 m). Continue along the beautiful trail, heading further and further back into the valley.
Eventually making your way to the base of Chicago Lakes, with Rogers Peak to your left and Mt Warren directly in front of you.
Hike around Lower Chicago Lake and follow Chicago Creek up to the Upper Chicago Lake. From this high alpine lake, you will be surrounded by a spectacular mountain cirque.
Many hikers continue to hike around Upper Chicago Lake.
To return from Chicago Lakes, hike back the way you came.
Check out some other great hikes around Denver:
Insider Hints for Chicago Lakes Hike
- The Chicago Lakes hike can be busy in summer, so start early.
- Echo Lake Park is a great destination for day use activities.
- Echo Lake Lodge and General Store are a great place to stop for lunch!
Getting to the Chicago Lakes Hike Trailhead
From Denver, take I-70 west towards the mountains. Take Exit 240 in Idaho Springs towards Mt Evans via Mt Evans Rd. Trailhead parking is at Echo Lake Park.Route Information for Chicago Lakes Hike
When to do:
April to November
Backcountry Campsites:
Camping is allowed at Echo Lake Campground
Toilets:
Yes, primitive pit toilet
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Family friendly:
No
Chicago Lakes Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Chicago Lakes Hike
It is a great way to immerse yourself in the wilderness.
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This was a tough trail that is steep for most of the way there. It was challenging and I was wiped out afterward but the views are amazing!
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Start early and you'll have most of the trail to yourself on the way up. Save some energy on the way back. The scenery at the top are amazing
- Technical Difficulty
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Lovely views, worth every step!
- Trip Length
- 06:30
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
One of my favorite hikes near Denver! the last part of the trail to get to the Upper Chicago Lake was very rocky
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Good weather. The trail was in perfect condition. Had some nice stroll.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Cool trail. We had a fantastic time traversing along the beautiful valley. It's not that easy, but it's well worth trying.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Decent moderate hike with few rugged trails. The thriving forest looks so beautiful.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Trails were neat and not complicated. Chicago lakes look stunning.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
After the hike we also visited the Echo Lake Park. It was a nice place.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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