In a recent TrailMix column I recounted the details of a recent hike on a perfect late-November day. Less than a week later we found ourselves in the midst of a major winter storm. So goes the weather in Colorado.
The question then was where to hike on a day when the snowfall is being measured in feet rather than inches and wind gusts are reportedly in the 80 mph range?
A group of us decided that a hike below treeline was called for. A good candidate: Echo Lake to the Chicago Lakes — although later standing at the edge of Echo Lake, hunched over to avoid the brutal wind gusts, we started to wonder about the choice. Persevering for a few minutes, though, we reached the shelter of the trees and the relative calm to be found under that canopy.
The hike up to Lower Chicago Lake turned out to be a delightful outing in a scenic location, further enhanced by the dramatic lighting and glimpses of impressive rock faces occasionally visible through the storm.
With no base to the snow, snowshoes weren’t necessary on this day, but as the snow builds up (we hope) that will change.
Hike description.
From the parking area at the northwest end of Echo Lake, follow the trail south along the west edge of the lake for one quarter mile. Turn right at the sign for Chicago Lakes and follow old blazes as the trail veers right at a second, unmarked junction before crossing a small ridge and turning south, beginning a gradual descent on the west side of this ridge. At mile 0.8 the trail starts to descend more steeply via switchbacks, reaching the small log bridge over Chicago Creek at mile 1.3. Almost immediately after crossing the creek, the trail joins a road. Turn left and continue past a sign indicating that the trail will follow the road for the next mile.
At mile 1.7 you will reach the start of the Idaho Springs reservoir. Continue along the road to the end of the reservoir at mile 2.1, where you will pass two log cabins. Here the trail takes off to the right and immediately enters the Mount Evans Wilderness. Apparently the self-registration box is stocked with permits only during the summer months.
Follow the trail as it climbs west, gaining approximately 50 feet of elevation before leveling out and contouring above the creek. The trail cuts through an extensive old burn area. Spots where downed trees have been cleared from the trail allow the trail to be identified in this area. Look for views of the rugged face of Rogers Peak in this area. At mile 3.3 the trail turns left briefly where it crosses a minor creek and enters the trees, then resumes its southwesterly progress. At mile 4 the trail leaves the trees and allows views of the lower lake, a good spot to turn around on a day of inclement weather.
The details
Getting to the trailhead:
Drive on Interstate 70 to
Exit 240 in Idaho Springs.
Drive south on Colorado
103 for 12.9 miles to Echo
Lake. Park at the northwest
end of Echo Lake by
the picnic area (the access
road into the picnic area is
closed in winter).
Hike statistics: The trail
gains 1,300 feet and loses
330 feet (to be regained on
the way back) in 4 miles
one way.
Difficulty: A moderate
trail hike, needing snowshoes
as we move into winter.
Unless tracked previously,
the trail may be difficult
to follow when under
snow and could require
good map and compass
skills.
USGS quad: Idaho Springs,
CO; Mount Evans, CO
Grape Creek Trail not a hike option
We apologize for the confusion, but based on inaccurate and incomplete information provided by the Bureau of Land Management, we offered the Grape Creek Trail near Temple Canyon City Park as a hiking option in the Dec. 7 TrailMix. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not available to the public as a hike. Please do not attempt to access this trail. Dave Cooper and Kyle Wagner
