At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. Enjoy the view and get ready for several more bench sections that have alternating steep climbs and then beautiful meadows that will be filled with wildflowers in July and August. Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. Ted Katauskas But wilderness is managed differently. Can see a little bit of the front of the fall, but the back is fantastic! Follow CR771 north to the Gold Creek Campground parking area which is 6.80 miles north of Ohio City. . Travel intensifies to the base of a rockslide (2.7 miles : 10,272'), then makes another short, steep burst to a second crest over a large meadow where a major tributary joins Pitkin Creek (2.95 miles : 10,420'). * There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. Use right two lanes to take exit 180. The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. Beautiful paved path popular for walking and biking with great mountain, aspen trees, and stream views. Alex Spring Reservoir 2. Cross the bridge and tracks and proceed onto FSR# 762. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). 1. Went Friday at noon and saw 4 other groups total in all 10miles. Pitkin Lake near Vail requires a 9.5-mile hike along a trail that climbs 3,000 feet in elevation. Be the first to share your experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, Vail has some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Vail Valley. Amazing! Meadows were a carpet of color. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. The GPS reading is 38-40-442N and 106.35.303W . Campsite parking spurs are 30-40' long, but no electric hook-ups, running water or dump stations are available. Quickly, youll cross a large bridge as Pitkin creeks rushes below. Definitely a challenging hike and the last bit to the lake is a solid incline as well. The trail drops down the west side, bottoms out (2.0 miles : 9,715'), and climbs ruggedly out of the meadow with great views back down valley, and NE toward Pitkin Falls (2.5 miles : 10,087). From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. It's a short distance before the trail makes a left turn to begin a steep ascent out of the valley to Pitkin Lake. Hike uphill through aspens and thimbleberry to an intersection with the Village to Village trail. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. It felt longer than expected, partially because there were "false lakes" - we kept expecting Pitkin to be right at the next crest and meadow, but kept finding just meadows. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. Several spots for a pup to grab water. Begin the descent to Red Sandstone via a series of switchbacks where the stand of aspen begins to thin. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Booth Lake 17. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) and you will see the Deluge Lake Trailhead first, then Gore Creek Trailhead farther down the road. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. The trail enters into Vail Golf Course area and continues up Vail Pass to the east and continues to the west, connecting to the Eagle Valley Regional Trail, a 10-mile trail to Edwards. Blodgett Lake. We didnt see much wildlife, but that could have been because of the snowfall. We didnt hike the entire whole thing but super awesome! from. Bring lots of water!! There are at least six false summits before you actually hit the lake, but worth every step! Difficult but not impossible, long but 100% worth it! Quick Info: Pitkin Lake Trail. East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake. Discover this 10.5-mile out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left. Need more inspiration? The trail moderates on the edge of a thinning forest (3.35 miles : 10,765'), relaxing for a spell through small clearings and spruce stands. There is a $16 fee, and 10 day occupancy limit. Classic menu options like sausage biscuits and gravy, made in-house corned beef hash, eggs benedict and griddle items - including our famous blueberry pancakes - are complemented by a variety of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and lighter fare. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a longer backpacking trip, the Eagles Nest Wilderness has something to offer. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. Early season hikers may encounter snow patches as the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. Range: Gore Range Coordinates: 39.642967, -106.303029 Elevation: 8,450' Road Difficulty . To preempt a repeat performance this summer, Vails Town Council in March banned parking at the trailhead and on nearby streets, levying steep fines for violators (first offense: $100, second offense: $200, strike three: $300) and offering free town bus service instead. Britta Briscoe. The variety is great so spend time stopping and looking both going and coming. ", "Nice trail. At mile 1, the Wash Holland trail veers right. Length:4.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:More Difficult. Anticipating more of the same this summer, Bazan would like to relay an urgent plea to the public: give nature a break. The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. Saw one hiker moments after getting to lake, saw one more moments after we started down trail. On this former 4x4 road on the north side of the I-70 in West Vail, youll encounter trail runners, groups, inexperienced hikers, and dog-walkers bustling up a hillside above Dowd Junction, passing through aspen groves and rolling meadows, to a radio tower atop a promontory affording contemplation of Meadow Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, and Notch Mountain to the south.Distance: 3 miles each wayDifficulty: ModerateElevation gain: 764 feetGet there: From the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structures, take the free West Vail Red Line to the Chamonix bus stop; hike a mile up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane to the Davos Trailhead. The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is located .3 miles east of Exit #180 from I-70 on the North Frontage Road. Views of the Gore Range abound. Displaying 1 to 75 of 103 records. The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Only a handful of spots at the trailhead. Youre in the trees majority of the time but you get breaks out of them with great views. Continue for another 200 m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right. Had the trail and lake to myself early on a Saturday! Take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which will take you to the trailhead. Trail Adopted By:Vail Public Safety, Vail Recreation District, East West Partners, Town of Vail Employees, Marriott Streamside, Length:3.73 miles (one way)Difficulty:Easy. The trail will pass through several boulder fields, and then cling to a very steep slope as it climbs through aspen woods. In 2019, the Booth Lake Trail, a 4-mile there-and-back path to Booth Creek Falls thats one the valleys most popular hikes, logged 30,637 users. After about 3 miles it trades off between flat and parts of incline. Walk up Buffehr Creek Road a 1/4 mile and you will see the Buffehr Creek Trailhead. Name. Truly one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done! Obtain their Colorado Fishing Regulations handbook for regulations. Benchmark Lake Reservoir 7. Boot Lake 16. Borah Lake 18. There was a port-o-potty at the trailhead. Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. Stay right here. Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. Wearing proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience. The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. Wonderful hike! Be forewarned. This is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. Beaver Lake. Exit here and turn right (south). For a map of the trail, please visitHiking Project. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. Follow the road for about 0.4 miles and take a left at the trail sign to continue on the North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek section). Summer and fall hikers should find an open trail. One thing I learned here is that the weather channel says one thing, but the actual weather is completely opposite . At mile 6.7 you will pass the Lost Lake Trail parking lot on the right and then reach an intersection where the Muddy Pass/Moniger Road goes left. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! connected to the .gov website. There is limited parking at the end of the road. Turn left and continue to the trailhead on the left. Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the trees, but still lots of sun. Stay right here. Yeah, that is a solid ascend! Dogs are permitted; while they do not need to be on leash, they do need to be under verbal control in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. An official website of the
Another short, steep push to 3.8 miles (10,975') moderates in a transitional forest beneath towering, sculpted walls of the upper valley. The grade levels out somewhat as the trail passes through mature aspen groves and spruce-fir forests and a series of moraines from an ancient glacial retreat. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. At about 3.75 miles in the trail crosses the west fork of Pitkin Creek and there is a large campsite past that crossing. Pitkin Creek Trail Town of Vail Hiking Information for Pitkin Creek Trail Length : 4.8 miles (one way) Difficulty : More Difficult The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. The mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. Overall though insanely beautiful and a great backpacking spot. Whether you're fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. This is an amazing hike! SagaCity Media | 921 SW Washington St, Suite 750 | Portland, Oregon 97205, Best Luxury Cabins at Vail and Beaver Creek, Lionshead's New Luxury Resort Is a Diner's Haven, The Evolution of Fine Lunching on Vail Mountain, Acclaimed Gallerist Expands Brand in Vail, WinterSpring 202223 Events in Vail and Beaver Creek, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Olympian Recover, A First-timer's Guide to Uphill Adventuring, Vail's New E-Vehicle Service Takes Big Rigs off the Streets, A Local Hyperbaric Chamber Is Setting Records and Changing Lives, West Vail Ski Chalet Is Redesigned and Redecorated, Modern Love: A Vacation Home Gets an Up-to-date Makeover. Contact Information Map showing recreational areas. The majority of hikers turn around at the waterfall, and your hike will be much quieter above this point. At the next signed junction, turn right to continue the descent to Buffehr Creek. Catch and release is recommended in the high lakes. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any lake or stream in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. 3461 Sqft. The Booth Creek Falls trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the aspens are glowing and golden. Trail Map It seemed a lot longer than 4.5 each way- but was worth it. Info: Pitkin Creek Trailhead has 17 parking spaces. At the roundabout, take the Spraddle Creek Road exit. Winter parking restrictions begin in November limiting parking to 3 hours according to a sign posted. Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate. 8 / . Insider Hints for Pitkin Lake Trail But if you have spring Time allergies, you may want to think twice before going. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. See houses this school serves. Current weather for Pitkin Lake area Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the. Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. Big Lake. The Booth Lake trail begins at Booth Creek Road and ends at Booth Lake: The trail climbs up the Booth Creek valley through mostly aspen groves before passing the 60-foot Booth Falls. The Pitkin Lake Trail climbs 2,886' in several steep stagesinto the upper valley, where the landscape opens to rolling alpine meadows on the approach to Pitkin Lake: The trail crosses Pitkin Creek and begins a strenuous climb on a narrow, aspen-lined path. From these points you'll also have great views back down valley that reveal hidden meadows, ponds and streams. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The trail takes you to another high alpine meadow filled with pine trees and numerous small creek crossings. 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