The road to the summit of Mount Evans is the highest paved auto road in North America, climbing to 14,260 feet above sea level. This video is … Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The day after government agencies announced that the highway from Echo Lake to the summit of Mount Evans will remain closed to motorists this … Park by the gate and you can hike or snowshoe, depending on conditions, either up the road toward Mt Evans, around Echo Lake, or on a couple of USFS trails. Conditions should be optimal for that first hour after sunrise. I took my time hiking up to the upper lake, then took even longer getting back since the trail was starting to get crowded. Activities in the area include hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness Area, fishing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. If you’re feeling like you want a little more challenge that offers great views you only need to hike about 10 minutes on the Chicago trail. United States ; Colorado (CO) Denver ; Denver - Things to Do ; Mount Evans; Search. Travel along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which begins south of Idaho Springs. From $539.00* More Info. Bierstadt, too! It was still frozen over with plenty of snow. Evans, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk. Echo Lake Lodge (build in 1926) can be found at the entrance to Mount Evans, some 14 miles from Idaho Springs (Interstate 70) and 14 miles from the summit. The trail circles Echo Lake and connects to several other trails: Chicago Lakes, Bear Track Lakes trails, which give you access to Mount Evans Wilderness Area which is full of other great hiking trails,and Mt. Josephine Lake is a beautifully serene lake located 5.2 miles south of Stevens Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail. I’ve gone in and updated it. With various routes to the summit it can be done in various ways. If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. Summit Lake though is breath taking, absolutely beautiful. Headed out to Denver in September and have included Echo lake to the itinerary (thanks to stumbling upon your wonderfully informative site!). At Echo Lake, Highway 5 takes you 15 miles up to the summit of Mt. If you are hoping for the best photo opp, then I suggest getting there close as you can to the sunrise time. These are not easy dayhikes, so be sure you prepare and bring the 10 Essentials (really, we should always pack the 10 essentials) :) I’d recommend picking up a Trails Illustrated map or printing off a quad map of this before taking the route. Passing through Echo Lake Park, have a bite to eat at the Echo Lake Lodge. The Mt. Several trails leave directly from the campground. A great place to bring a picnic as well. The road up to Echo Lake should be open, and that is a beautiful area. Better even yet, if your ready for a great day hike, we'd recommend to take the long trail out to Chicago Lakes!!! And if you are interested in the Mt. There's a 15$ ticket as well but I … The Echo Lake Campground is located near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Evans along Highway 103. The 2 1/2 mile hike has an elevation gain of 1,800 feet, but gives you the opportunity to climb two mountains. If you’re going to go up to Mt. A great Colorado park to take visiting family and friends. Evans. Also highly recommend Tommyknocker’s for craft brew and bison chili. Fishing, hiking and sightseeing brings visitors by year round. Great question, Chris. (Denver Post file) Cross another awesome outdoor … If you continue south on Hwy 5 from Echo Lake for 9.1 miles you will reach the Summit Lake Trailhead. It’s an hour from Denver and has very short trail, but it’s a great place to introduce others to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and to take in a high Colorado lake. The last 5 miles have grades of 2-5%, but because you are above 12,000 feet it will feel like 10-15% grade to top. Jun 15, 2016 Garrett Groves. Drive south on Colorado 103 for 13.5 miles at Echo Lake. There is a trail that connects with the Chicago Lakes Trail, a trail that will take you up to the summit of Mt. The road to the summit of Mount Evans is the highest paved auto road in North America, climbing to 14,260 feet above sea level. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The hardest part is the last 6 miles from Summit Lake up the steep switchbacks to the top. High quality Mount Evans gifts and merchandise. Evans road typically (depends on snow) opens on the Friday of Memorial day weekend and closes after the first weekend in October of each year, depending again on weather. It was $15 to go all the way to Mt. Echo Lake Trail is a 1.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Mount Evans. Wonderful 9-10 mile hike to Chicago Lakes starting from Lake Echo Park and it takes you through the Mt Evans Wilderness area. Evans. If you continue on Squaw Pass Road you’ll come to the Mount Evans Byway. Near Georgetown, Colorado. Evans, see the Recreation.gov page. Flat but at a bit higher elevation so nice hike to see how you feel above 10,000 feet. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. From the Summit Lake parking area, walk north past an old rock building to locate the start of a trail that heads toward the north end of the lake - 1 and 2.Hike to end of the lake and locate a signed trail that climbs up 13er Mt. From the summit of Mt. Gaining more than 7,000 feet (2,000 meters) in elevation, it is the highest paved road in North America. Nature & Wildlife. It’s definitely a long hike, we started at Echo lake both times. She wanted to hike our beautiful mountains. Passing through Echo Lake Park, have a bite to eat at the Echo Lake Lodge. From Idaho Springs it’s about 28 miles of mainly uphill. Search. From Denver take I-70 west to Idaho Springs, take the Mt. Can anyone give me any info on this trail or point me to a link for some info on it? The hike/scenery was exactly what we had hoped to find! Echo Lake is a delightful mountain park with picnic benches, lake fishing, and views of snowcapped peaks. It is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The most difficult approach leads west around Summit Lake (counter-clockwise) to Mount Spalding, then along the northwest ridge of Mount Evans to the top. Echo Lake Lodge (build in 1926) can be found at the entrance to Mount Evans, some 14 miles from Idaho Springs (Interstate 70) and 14 miles from the summit. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. Any other tips for this hike that you would give to our readers? Trail Snapshot: Chicago Lakes Hike Near Idaho Springs, Colorado Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. Beautiful hiking in that area! Recreation. However, I would would strongly caution against attempting the summit from their during the winter season–which is now upon us a bit early in the high country–unless you are an experienced mountaineer or are being guided by one. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Thanks :), Julia, it changes with the time of year. For detailed information on camping near Echo Lake in Mt. If you are looking for more Colorado lake hikes, be sure to check out our Lake Hikes Near Denver page. 0.5 mile to reach a trail junction for the Chicago Lakes trail - 3. Echo Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Evans along Hwy 103. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Go early to Echo Lake to get perfect photos of Mount Evans reflected in the water. However, most people don’t want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Evans - West Ridge from Echo Lake: 5,600' 17.00 mi : Class 2 Considerable Mt. The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where you’ll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. The Mount Evans Highway from Echo Lake to the summit will not open for motorized traffic this summer. The lake itself is part of the Echo Lake Mountain Park, managed by the Denver City and County. I plan to hike it in full when I get a chance to return to Denver, so thanks for all the information everyone. After a short time on the road, the trail enters the real backcountry, and Mount Evans Wilderness starts to reveal its natural beauty. The byway leads south of town on Highway 103 to the junction of Highway 5, the entrance to Mount Evans Road. I’ve seen one other website where someone claimed it was 12 miles as well. Echo Lake Park, Evergreen: Address, Phone Number, Echo Lake Park Reviews: 4.5/5. As you’ll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. A trail goes around the lake. Length 1.3 mi Elevation gain 68 ft Route type Loop. Near the shores is a spruce forest. Mount Evans: Echo Lake on Mt Evans - See 2,534 traveler reviews, 1,789 candid photos, and great deals for Denver, CO, at Tripadvisor. It is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Drive along the slopes of Mount Evans, a Colorado 14er standing at 14,264 ft. 5 switchbacks down from the summit, on a tight hairpin turn, is a small parking area near 13,900ft. It has a few switch backs along the way, the views you'll gather are simply wonderful. There’s also a BeauJos in closer Idaho Springs. Owned by Denver Mountain Parks and is known for its excellent fishing (it is stocked yearly) and its picnic area at the north end of the lake. Thanks. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but we’d suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf Chicago Lakes map link in the trail profile below. Evans Exit south and take Chicago Creek Road to Mt. Evans summit. Echo Lake hike at Mount Evans Colorado. Evans, wrap around to the south of the summit on a rocky but well-cairned trail. Mt. Book In Advance. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. Evans - West Ridge from Guanella Pass. Mount Evans: Mt. The Echo Lake Lodge serves as the gift shop for Echo Lake and Mount Evans and has some fun memorabilia and nick-nacks in the gift shop. High in the Rockies, near Denver, Colorado, they found prime real estate at Mt. The closer campground to Mt. The real mountain part starts at Echo Lake, 15 miles from the summit. Evans. The 2 1/2 mile hike has an elevation gain of 1,800 feet, but gives you the opportunity to climb two mountains. Mount Evans is a great winter hike. Evans Summit Hike : A Better Itinerary? Evans Wilderness area. Evans, Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. I am coming to Denver end of October (18-23). From about May through mid October, the Mt Evans Byway is open, and when most people frequent the lake, although the trails do attract a winter crowd. Still worth it, though. Hiking travel tips that are best practices anywhere in the world include checking in with a ranger or park station if available, picking up a paper map of the trails and parkland, and telling someone who is not with you where you will be hiking and when you expect to get back. Very pretty hike along the lake. There are numerous trialheads including Echo Lake, Summit Lake, West Chicago Creek, Guanella Pass, Bear Creek, Deer Creek, Cub Creek and Scott Gomer Creek, which all access the Mount Evans Wilderness. Colorado’s Echo Lake is looped by an easy hiking trail and serves as a trailhead to even more classic Colorado hikes. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/echo-lake-to-summit-lake Next time, I’ll probably try to start earlier than 6:30 AM, or at least not on a weekend. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Her first time in the USA! Ben, Thanks for update on the mileage and verifying it with the GPS. The trail begins near the scenic and touristy Echo Lake and winds its way past Idaho Springs Reservoir, and eventually up to an old, bumpy forest service road. The trailhead is just past or right before the campground as is the TH for Abyss lake. Loading... Close. Evans Road, just after Echo Lake. The elevation gain, together with the round trip distance of almost 17 miles makes this a strenuous day hike. That will give you time to figure out where you want to set up your tripod, and will give you a variety of lighting conditions as the sun comes up. Skip navigation Sign in. Recreation. Echo Lake hike at Mount Evans Colorado. According to my GPS, this was about 12 miles. Anyway, I just wanted to ask how early ‘early morning’ is in terms of possibly catching the lake water standing still (if not windy). The road is closed in winter and there is a fee to drive up the road. Grab postcards from the gift shop on your way out for the relatives back home. 2,534 Reviews #2 of 241 things to do in Denver. Park by the gate and you can hike or snowshoe, depending on conditions, either up the road toward Mt Evans, around Echo Lake, or on a couple of USFS trails. It is the only place between Idaho Springs on Highway 70 and Mount Evans where you can find an excellent meal, water & other hiking needs and Mount Evans collectibles and souvenirs. If your on your way to Mt Evans Peak, its well worth a stop to get off for a walk or a picnic at these serene Echo Lake. Hi! One of the closest wilderness areas you can explore from Denver is the Mount Evans Wilderness. You’ll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado’s Mt. ... All reviews beautiful mountain lake memorial day idaho springs mt evans great picnic gift store worth a stop scenic drive ducks hiking snow scenery shelter fishing peak nature denver. Mount Evans is a popular day trip from Denver, 60 miles (95 kilometers) east. Those who don’t want to drive can join private and group tours for a hassle-free experience to the top of the mountain. Full-Day Summer Sightseeing Tour to Mount Evans from Denver. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. This route has a great trail all the way to Summit Lake and is considered the standard way to climb Evans from a lower trailhead. There are great camping opportunities at the Echo Lake Campground near the lake. The trail's the same, just know that ascending up the gully on this trail is challenging and even more unpleasant than descending. Leave Evergreen, CO and access the Mount Evans Road and Mount Evans Recreation Area from Squaw Pass, CO 103 at Echo Lake. It’s hard largely because of the altitude. When we have friends and family visiting Colorado from out of town, this is one of best destinations for a great views. The real mountain part starts at Echo Lake, 15 miles from the summit. 14ers.com Route Descriptions for Evans and Bierstadt. Echo Lake Park, at 10,600 ft (3,230 m), represents the subalpine ecosystem, with surrounding forests of Englemann Spruce, Subalpine Fir, and Limber Pine. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. Sitting at 10,600 feet, the restaurant in this log building serves up spicy buffalo chili. After my hike to Chicago Lakes I was really glad to see a place to eat so close to the the end of the hike.. Bus & … Check out our profile of the Chicago Lakes hike on the sides of Mt. The iconic peak’s snowcapped, east-facing slopes are … Near the parking area, you’ll find a … We continued up to the summit for some great views. Facilities: There are 17 sites available. Evans/Echo Lake - See 2,534 traveler reviews, 1,789 candid photos, and great deals for Denver, CO, at Tripadvisor. It is 22 acres in size and is a popular hiking destination. The first time was October and I extended it into a 14er, but wouldn’t recommend that. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway consists of State Highway 103 from Idaho Springs, Colorado on I-70 about 13 miles (21 km) to Echo Lake, and Colorado 5 from Echo Lake 15 miles (24 km), ending at a parking area and turnaround just below the summit. Evans. From I-70 take Exit 240 and then Colorado Highway 103 to Echo Lake. The Mount Evans hike starts at Summit Lake, which is the highest lake in Colorado at 3912 m above sea level. Evans and $5 to go to just Summit Lake. One of my favorite things about hiking the Mount Evans Wilderness is getting there: the drive from Evergreen to Echo Lake along Hwy. It sure is a beautiful area! Is this still a time to go hiking on Mt Evans – or will it be to late in the season. Because weather comes in during the early afternoon, we suggest that you start early, make a short stop at Echo Lake, then drive straight to the summit. Evans whose summit is at 4300 m and Echo Lake with an altitude of 3200 m. While Mt. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until October. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. It also has a restaurant. Join our Community. The 24-acre (10 ha) lake is popular for fishing and reflects wonderful views of Mt. In September, sunrise will between 6:29 (sept 1) and 6:56 (sept 30). You can park near the lake (by the picnic area) or drive up to the Echo Lake Lodge and park in one of the parking lots near the entrance to the Mt. The trail circles Echo Lake and connects to several other trails: Chicago Lakes, Bear Track Lakes trails, which give you access to Mount Evans Wilderness Area which is full of other great hiking trails,and Mt. Deelish! It is the only place between Idaho Springs on Highway 70 and Mount Evans where you can find an excellent meal, water & other hiking needs and Mount Evans collectibles and souvenirs. If your on your way to Mt Evans Peak, its well worth a stop to get off for a walk or a picnic at these serene Echo Lake. Tips & Resources for Hiking Mt. Aaron – DayhikesnearDenver. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as well. Take Exit 240 at Idaho Springs on Interstate 70. Happy Trails, This first portion of the hike is through a healthy forest, with occasional views of Mt. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. ", Pole Creek Falls Hike near Granby, Colorado, Ypsilon Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Wildlife: Ducks and Geese, Fishing, Picnic Areas, Hiking, Connections to other hikes, Visitor Center, Camping. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. Even though you probably won't hike to the top of Mt Evans, the winter scenery is very nice and there are good views to other mountains if the skies are clear. You’ll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado’s Mt. Fishing, hiking and sightseeing brings visitors by year round. Evan’s Wilderness. GETTING THERE The Mount Evans … Echo Lake is located along Highway 103 just north of the Mount Evans Entrance station. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake. Evans...and maybe Mt. Depending on how far you want to go, you can hike the 5.3 miles from Echo Lake to Lincoln Lake, or you can shorten the trip, as I did, to Vance Creek, which is 2 miles from the trailhead. Mount Spaulding and Mount Evans via Summit Lake - Standard Route is a 5.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Idaho Springs, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. I did this hike with my wife today and it was awesome. Evans summit. I’d recommend contacting the Forest Service to find the answer. Join our Community. Echo Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Evans along Hwy 103. Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. To get here you need to drive Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Mt Evans Rd) which costs 10 dollars to the summit. Evan’s Wilderness. 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