Top 6 Lakes in Mount Evans Wilderness

Many lakes in the Mount Evans Wilderness are accessible via hiking trails. For instance, the challenging hike to Upper & Lower Chicago Lakes starts from Echo Lake. Another popular option is the long day-hike to Abyss Lake from the Abyss Trailhead on Guanella Pass Road. You can find more hiking options, including the Rosalie Trail to Helms Lake, on the Hiking in Mount Evans Wilderness guide.

The lakes in Mount Evans Wilderness are set amidst rugged, high-alpine environments, showcasing classic glacial landforms like steep headwalls forming cirques and U-shaped valleys. You'll encounter diverse ecosystems, from treeline areas around lakes like Helms Lake to alpine tundra at higher elevations. The region is also known for ancient Bristlecone pines and unique arctic tundra features.

Yes, for a more secluded wilderness experience, consider the hike to Abyss Lake. It's a long day-hike of about 18 miles round trip, situated at 12,550 feet. The Upper Chicago Lake also requires a steeper ascent where the trail can be faint at times, offering a more challenging experience than its lower counterpart. The Beartrack Lakes and Roosevelt Lakes also offer strenuous hiking deeper within the wilderness.

Given the high-alpine environment, the best time to visit the lakes in Mount Evans Wilderness is typically during the summer and early fall months. During this period, trails are generally clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable for hiking and outdoor activities. Some areas, like the Beartrack Lakes trailhead, have restricted public access from after Labor Day until mid-June due to their location within a wildlife area.

While many trails are challenging, Echo Lake offers a delightful mountain park experience just outside the wilderness boundary, with picnic areas and scenic views, making it suitable for families. The Lower Chicago Lake is also generally easier to access than the Upper Lake, situated around the treeline. Lincoln Lake, at 11,624 feet, also provides a beautiful backdrop and is considered an intermediate hike.

The Mount Evans Wilderness is home to diverse wildlife. Visitors often have the chance to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats, especially in the higher alpine areas. The unique arctic tundra ecosystems around lakes like Summit Lake also host specialized species adapted to these high-altitude environments.

Yes, backcountry camping is possible in designated areas within the wilderness. For example, there are camping sites near Helms Lake, where Leave No Trace (LNT) principles govern the sites. The Beartrack Lakes area also offers good backcountry camping opportunities. Always check for specific regulations and permit requirements for overnight stays in the wilderness.

Yes, some lakes in the Mount Evans Wilderness are known for fishing opportunities. The Chicago Lakes, for instance, are popular among anglers. Always ensure you have the necessary Colorado fishing license and are aware of any specific regulations for the body of water you plan to fish.

Beyond hiking and backpacking, the Mount Evans Wilderness offers various outdoor activities. You can find challenging running trails, including the Abyss Lake Trail, detailed in the Running Trails in Mount Evans Wilderness guide. Road cycling routes, such as the scenic Echo Lake to Mount Blue Sky (Evans) Summit, are available in the Road Cycling Routes in Mount Evans Wilderness guide. There's also a popular bouldering area just west of Lincoln Lake.

Access to certain areas or lakes may require permits. For example, the Idaho Springs Reservoir, while accessible by foot, typically requires a permit only offered to Idaho Springs residents for road access. For general wilderness access and overnight camping, it's always advisable to check with the local Forest Service office for current regulations and any required permits.

Many lakes provide stunning vistas. Abyss Lake is notable for its impressive views, particularly across the lake toward the Sawtooth Ridge connecting Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Lincoln Lake offers a fantastic backdrop of the Mount Evans Wilderness with various 13,000-foot peaks. The Upper & Lower Chicago Lakes also provide great views of the surrounding peaks.

Hell's Hole Alpine Pool is a small lake located in a glacial basin, accessible via the Hell's Hole Trail. This trail travels up the basin, offering amazing views of the cirque's walls from the upper meadows. It's often less crowded than other trails of similar distance from Denver, providing a more tranquil experience.