About Chicago Lakes Trail
Chicago Lakes Trail is a easy hiking trail near Idaho Springs in Clear Creek County, Colorado.. The surface is ground. Managed by US Forest Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyGround
Chicago Lakes Trail
Idaho Springs, Colorado · Clear Creek County · US Forest Service · FR 52
Chicago Lakes Trail is a easy hiking trail near Idaho Springs in Clear Creek County, Colorado.. The surface is ground. Managed by US Forest Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
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39.65618, -105.59978
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Chicago Lakes Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Snow Showers
75°/54°
💧 9%🌬 20mph
↑ 5:55 AM ↓ 8:22 PM
Sun
Rain
74°/56°
💧 6%🌬 18mph
↑ 5:56 AM ↓ 8:21 PM
Mon
Drizzle
66°/53°
💧 40%🌬 13mph
↑ 5:57 AM ↓ 8:20 PM
Tue
Drizzle
75°/51°
💧 53%🌬 9mph
↑ 5:58 AM ↓ 8:19 PM
Wed
Violent Rain
75°/51°
💧 40%🌬 10mph
↑ 5:59 AM ↓ 8:18 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirtLight color, breathable.
- Lightweight shorts or pantsQuick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- Brimmed sun hatBetter than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- Trail runnersBreathable mesh uppers.
- Rain jacket / shell53% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 8)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Dry bags for electronicsPhone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Colorado
Trail conditions in Colorado change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
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