Idaho Springs Reservoir
A quiet mountain reservoir on the way to Chicago Lakes, beneath the north face of Mount Blue Sky.
About Idaho Springs Reservoir
Idaho Springs Reservoir is a City of Idaho Springs reservoir in the upper Chicago Creek drainage, below the high country of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans). Most photographers and hikers reach it on foot via the Chicago Lakes Trail from the Echo Lake Trailhead on CO 103, about two miles in.
The trail drops from Echo Lake into the Chicago Creek valley, crosses the creek, then follows a mostly flat dirt road to the reservoir. Just past the water, the trail enters Arapaho National Forest and then the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness on its way to the Chicago Lakes.
The reservoir is a good destination in its own right if you want a shorter outing: still water, forested slopes and the rocky ridges of the Blue Sky massif rising at the head of the valley.
A small reservoir just outside the historic mining town of Idaho Springs in Clear Creek Canyon, easy to reach right off I-70 without a long detour. Ice formations along the shoreline in deep winter are the real draw here — close-up, backlit ice texture makes for a strong macro-adjacent shot that doesn't require any hiking at all to reach.
History
The reservoir is owned by the City of Idaho Springs and sits in the Chicago Creek watershed, which drains north to Clear Creek at Idaho Springs. The surrounding valley was shaped by glaciers coming off the Mount Blue Sky massif; Echo Lake, just uphill, formed when glacial moraines dammed drainage in the Chicago Creek valley about 10,000 years ago.
The road to the dam is gated, and vehicle access is limited to Idaho Springs residents by permit, which keeps the setting quiet for those who walk in.
Photographing Idaho Springs Reservoir
Best light: Calm mornings give the best chance at reflections of the ridges at the head of the valley. Late September adds gold aspen and willow color on the lower slopes, and the walk in is mostly in the trees, so you can time an early arrival.
Shots to look for
- Reflections of the Blue Sky massif ridges at the head of the valley across still water, 16-35mm
- Chicago Creek cascades near the creek crossing, slow shutter with an ND
- Fall aspens framing the reservoir shoreline from the road, telephoto to compress layers
- Continue on to the Chicago Lakes for alpine lake and cliff compositions
Photo tips
- The first mile from Echo Lake is downhill, which means a climb on the way back; budget energy and time
- Land along the road to the reservoir is private; stay on the trail
- Fishing at the reservoir is catch and release with lures only, per the city
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; plan to be heading out by midday
Know before you go
- Driving the gated access road requires a City of Idaho Springs resident permit; everyone else walks in from Echo Lake
- Past the reservoir you enter the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness; follow wilderness rules and register at the sign if staying overnight
- The Echo Lake Trailhead is below the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway fee station; the summit road itself requires a reservation when open
Prints from Idaho Springs Reservoir
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Idaho Springs Reservoir from Echo Lake?
About two miles one way on the Chicago Lakes Trail, with a descent from Echo Lake into the Chicago Creek valley that you climb back out of on the return.
Can you drive to Idaho Springs Reservoir?
Only Idaho Springs residents with a city permit can drive the gated access road. Everyone else hikes in from Echo Lake.
Can you fish at Idaho Springs Reservoir?
The city allows catch-and-release fishing with lures only. Check current rules with the city before you go.
Combine it with
Echo Lake · Chicago Lakes · Mt Evans · Idaho Springs
More Colorado spots
Lakeside, CO (Lakeside Amusement Park) · Echo Lake · Trail Ridge Road, RMNP
Sources & further reading: idahospringsco.com · handstandsaroundtheworld.blog · fs.usda.gov. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.