The changing leaves in Colorado are beginning to peak, which means there is no better time than now to get outside and enjoy these vibrant hues! While you really cannot go wrong visiting any place in Colorado, there is one area in particular that you simply cannot miss, which is the unbeatable Chicago Lakes atop Mt. Evans:

Located near Idaho Springs within the Mount Evans Wilderness, the Chicago Lakes are considered to be some of the clearest and most beautiful in all of Colorado.
AllTrails/Jeanne Ferns
Accessible via foot, the Chicago Lakes sit along the aptly named Chicago Lakes Trail; a 9.1-mile out-and-back path that is considered difficult due to both the elevation and distance.
AllTrails/Jeanne Ferns
Despite its rating, Chicago Lakes remains one of the most popular hikes in the state, thanks to its gorgeous and untouched mountainside surroundings.
AllTrails/Emily B

Related Stories

Soak Up The Relaxing Atmosphere At The Best Colorado Spot For Hot Springs, The Little-Known Radium

Soak Up The Relaxing Atmosphere At The Best Colorado Spot For Hot Springs, The Little-Known Radium

 The Beautiful Lake Gulch Trail Is An Easy 1-Mile Hike In Colorado That's Great For Beginners And Kids

The Beautiful Lake Gulch Trail Is An Easy 1-Mile Hike In Colorado That's Great For Beginners And Kids

 Blue Lakes In Colorado Was Named One Of The Most Stunning Lesser-Known Places In The U.S.

Blue Lakes In Colorado Was Named One Of The Most Stunning Lesser-Known Places In The U.S.
While the trail is open year-round, the best time to see it is in the fall when the Chicago Lakes are surrounded by golden yellows that make it shine even more.
AllTrails/Shaun Spees
Please note: To access the Chicago Lakes Trail or any part of the Mt. Evans Wilderness, you must have a free self-issuing permit, which can be found at each trailhead or wilderness entry point.
AllTrails/Bryant Burnheimer
The Chicago Lakes Trail can be accessed via I-70 and Exit 240 (Highway 103). Go south on Highway 103 to the junction of Highways 103 and 5 (approximately 12 miles), where you will find the Echo Lake Lodge and parking.
AllTrails/Heather Colt
The trail begins behind the Echo Lake Lodge.

Have you had a chance to visit the Chicago Lakes Trail? Can you give any pointers to those who haven’t? We would love to hear them (and see your pictures!) in the comments. Do you need a shorter and sweeter fall hike? Check out This Colorado Ghost Town Is Surrounded By Some Of The Most Vibrant Fall Foliage.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses
Chicago Lakes, Colorado 80439, USA