Chicago Lakes Mount Evans Wilderness

Begin the trail at Echo Lake. Here is the lodge that is handy for bathroom, drinks and good pie i'm told. Park near the ranger fee station but you dont have to pay because its before the station. The trailhead begins just below the station opening in the woods.

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The trail begins in a forest as you hike around echo lake from a distance.  You can get glimpses of the lake along the trail.

Soon you are hiking along a ridge with some great views.

There are switchbacks that head down. Unfortunately you will be hiking back up at the end.

When you come to a swift river crossing you meet up with a road used to maintain the reservoir. Notice how to get back to the trail.

Head down the road for about a mile. we saw a truck drive in collecting mushrooms.

After you pass the cabins you will begin climbing.

You will pass a burn area from 1978. Take in the amazing views. For the next 1.5 miles , the trail climbs then evens out and climbs again and evens out

This was a waterfall that you had to climb down onto.It was obstacles in addition to the muddy areas we had to avoid. You would sink down upto your boots. Poles were helpful here.

At this point the trail gets more difficult as you manuver around boulders and rocks.

Here is the pond before the first lake. It is actually connected so you are really close.

Here is the glorious view of the first Lake. This is as far as we got. A lovely place to eat our lunch. We were tired and the clouds were getting darker.

This is a close up of the first lake mountain view. There is a waterfall.

Heading back you can see the trail is covered in rocks.

When we returned to the maintenance road, there was hail on the ground. At this point it began to rain steadily. This was a great time of year to do this hike. Just make sure there is no lightning in the forecast. We started early 8:30 but still hit rain. Total mileage was about 9 miles. Elevation gain 1,500. Start at 10,320 ft up to 11,420. I read its another half mile to the second lake. Next year we will get there.