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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Denver

    Chicago Lakes Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5.5-7.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.1 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    846 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    10.0
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    Panoramic view of Chicago Lakes hike near Denver, Colorado

    The Chicago Lakes Hike, near Denver, takes you to Colorado’s high country! The trail winds though the wilderness to beautiful alpine lakes nestled in a glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans!

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    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

    • 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

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    Chicago Lakes Hike Reviews

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