Saturday, August 2, 2014

Chicago Lake Trail

Chicago Lake Trail
12334-12932 Squaw Pass Rd,                                 Trail Length : 11 Miles/ Round Trip
Idaho Springs,                                                          Elevation Gain : 1,116 Ft
CO 80452, USA                                                      Degree Of difficulty : Difficult

GPS Direction :                                                       Start & End Elevation : 10,617 - 11,733 Ft
N39 39.548 W105 36.369                                      Time : 7 Hrs
            
               We started 6 am from home and reached echo lake at 7.45 am. On the way we bought our breakfast from McDonalds. I felt nausea after having it. It was a very cool morning with temperature around 30s and we bought our fleece, gloves and woolen cap with us. I had to use the rest room before heading to the trail. We saw few people lying in their sleeping bags in that cold in echo lake picnic area. The echo lake was beautifully covered with fog/clouds. My hubby was capturing pictures. We followed the echo lake trail for about 100 meters.We saw Chicago lake trail sign board at the right. And we took are way on the trail.  


This was very different experience. We had get down with a nice drop for about a mile until it hits chicago creek. We walked heading to the Idaho Spring Reservoir and had a short rest. It was a good fishing area. On the way we saw a old private cabin home in nice location. And we also saw few cars parked on the side way. There was a off-road which took till the Reservoir. But had no idea,where that off-road started from. Following the trail, we found a trail map and a drop box asking our names and contact information.We dropped the slip and started climbing onto chicago lake trail, We continued on the trial with many ups and downs. 


Most of the places was wet. Plenty of wild flowers on the way was simply beautiful. We saw many back packers and as well as campers on the way. Then again had a break to fuel our-self. We also saw few people returning back after their night camp. We were able to see the lower chicago lake trail from far away.


          It was amazing from the top,we did not get down to the lake as it was far away from the trail. We rushed up to the Upper lake which took into the bushes and climbs, up-on the rocks. We had to cross huge rocks while nearing. I felt like my ankles were numb. Just wanted to see how beautiful the lake is. A such a nice look, a heaven on earth. We turned around to see the lower lake, we couldn't imagine our eyes itself. It looked like a wallpaper we have seen in the computers and Tv. The lower lake was heart shaped. 


          Then we went near the lake and sat on the rocks and removed my shoes. I just removed my hoodie and spreaded to lay down. I just felt like sleeping for sometime. But did not. Then had a small snack. Me and my hubby put our legs in the water. It was freezing chill.Just wiped my face in the water. Suddenly we saw two para-gliders jumping from top of the mountain. They just reached down within few minutes. Usual my hubby enjoyed taking snaps. Then we went to have view of the lower lake from top. We took almost an hour at the top. And decided to walk back. I dream upped it would be nice if there was a zip line to get down in minutes. Lets see in future if someone builds up a Zipline adventure for lazy hikers like me. I usually get tired while returning. I always enjoy a loop kind trails.


               I was totally exhausted half way back, my hubby was encouraging me telling that we have almost reached, about to reach. Any how managed to get, till the reservoir. My legs were begging me not to take a step. I was dragging my legs to walk. It was a painful moment, tears ran down my eyes. Just thought of my goal what i was struggling for. I motivated myself to push. I was asking my hubby to carry me. He too felt exhaused. Again we headed to the chicago creek. We had to climb a mountain to reach our car. This was the most hardest part, but climbed taking stops. Once we reached the upper part where i found no more ups hereafter, i took a deep breathe. Finally reached the echo lake. It was 3 pm. This was our long hike and the most beautiful hike ever for us.

Thank You,
Dhamaya

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