Lower & Upper Chicago Lakes + Side Trail to Waterfall

Difficulty: about 11.5 miles with about 2200-2400 feet elevation gain. Starting elevation is 10,500 and ending elevation is just shy of 12,000. Note there is some rock scrambling required to get to the upper lake.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have lunch at the upper lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.
But on this out and back hike, the last 1-1.5 miles back to the trailhead is all up. So hikers will go at their own pace for this final stretch…and the group will likely split up. So I recommend having your own map or paying attention at the start so you know the route back in case you are hiking alone.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This challenging hike will take us up to two high mountain lakes (Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes) with amazing views of the Mt. Evans Wilderness area. We will also take the side trail to the waterfall on the way back from the upper lake. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. After reaching Lower Chicago Lake, the trail steepens considerably up the rock face separating the two lakes to Upper Chicago Lake. But the strenuous climb will reward us with a commanding view over Lower Chicago Lake. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail-2

DOGS: not allowed on this hike…as there are often moose near the trail.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Echo Lake trailhead. To get there, you can either click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Echo Lake Park”. If driving up from Idaho Springs, trailhead parking is on the right immediately before Echo Lake or you can park along the road across from Echo Lake. See photo I posted showing where to park.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellant, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.62717030477283&lat=39.62011396436071

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.