Quick Info
Terrain: Arapaho National Forest, Mount Evans area. Best hike: Chicago Lakes. Season: June-October for high trails. Nearby 14ers: Mount Evans (driveable), Grays & Torreys (nearby). Altitude: Most trails start above 10,000 feet.
Idaho Springs provides access to excellent hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness and surrounding Arapaho National Forest. The Chicago Lakes Trail is the standout destination—a challenging but rewarding hike to stunning alpine lakes beneath Mount Evans' massive east face.
For easier options, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway offers short walks at extreme altitude, and lower trails near town provide warm-up options. Most trails here start high, so altitude affects everyone.
Chicago Lakes Trail
Distance: 9 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 2,400 feet. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
The Chicago Lakes Trail is Idaho Springs' premier hike. Starting from Echo Lake (10,600 feet), the trail climbs through forest and alpine tundra to two stunning lakes beneath Mount Evans' imposing east wall.
Lower Chicago Lake: A 4.5-mile destination with dramatic views. Most hikers stop here.
Upper Chicago Lake: Additional half-mile and 400 feet to the upper lake, tucked into an even more dramatic cirque.
Conditions: Snow lingers into July. Ice axes may be helpful early season. Afternoon storms are common—start early.
Mount Evans Area Hikes
Summit Lake to Mount Evans Summit
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip. Gain: 1,400 feet. Difficulty: Moderate (but extreme altitude).
Hike from Summit Lake (12,830 feet) to the 14,265-foot summit. The altitude makes this challenging despite moderate distance. Watch for mountain goats.
Summit Lake Loop
Distance: 1.5 miles. Gain: Minimal. Difficulty: Easy.
Gentle walk around Summit Lake in the alpine tundra. Views of Mount Evans and surrounding peaks. Wildflowers in July-August.
Resthouse Trail
Distance: Variable. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Trail system near Echo Lake with forest walks. Good warm-up or altitude adjustment before bigger hikes.
Other Area Hikes
St. Mary's Glacier
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip. Gain: 400 feet. Difficulty: Easy.
Short hike to a permanent snowfield (technically a glacier). Popular for summer snow play. Crowded on weekends. Trailhead near Alice.
Chief Mountain
Distance: 3.8 miles round trip. Gain: 1,700 feet. Difficulty: Moderate.
Rocky Mountain summit with 360-degree views. Starts near Squaw Pass. Less crowded than St. Mary's.
Nearby 14ers
Mount Evans: Driveable, but you can hike from various starting points for more challenge.
Grays & Torreys: Classic 14er combo via I-70 at Bakerville (east of Idaho Springs). One of the most popular 14er hikes in Colorado.
Mount Bierstadt: Via Guanella Pass from Georgetown. Accessible 14er close to Idaho Springs.
Tips
Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly guaranteed above treeline in summer. Be descending by noon.
Altitude is real. Most trailheads are above 10,000 feet. Acclimate before attempting big hikes.
Chicago Lakes trailhead fills early. Arrive before 7 AM on summer weekends for parking.
Recreation pass required. Most forest parking areas require an Arapaho National Forest recreation pass.
Finish with hot springs. Indian Hot Springs is perfect post-hike recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best hike from Idaho Springs?
Chicago Lakes for scenery and challenge. St. Mary's Glacier for a quick/easy option with novelty factor.
When do trails open?
Lower trails by late May. Chicago Lakes and high trails often have snow into July. Check conditions.
Are trails crowded?
St. Mary's Glacier is very crowded weekends. Chicago Lakes is popular but larger. Mount Evans trails get tourist traffic.
Good hikes for beginners?
Summit Lake Loop if driving Mount Evans. St. Mary's Glacier is short but steep. Altitude makes everything harder here.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs allowed on most trails, leashed in wilderness areas. Check specific regulations.