We have standards for how many groups of people a user should interact with on a hike. Overcrowding not only has physical effects, but its also degrading the wilderness character as defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964., In particular jeopardy, she notes, is a core principle of the Act, which defines wilderness as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain., I worry about our trails getting over-loved, Bazan stresses. How To Get There The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy to reach from Vail. The Booth Creek Falls trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the aspens are glowing and golden. Pitkin Lake is in Colorado and has an elevation of 11,388 feet. Your day will be filled with mountain views, abundant wildflowers, mature aspen and evergreen forests. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. Exit here and turn right (south). They are such cute chubby animals. Challenging but not terrible. The variety is great so spend time stopping and looking both going and coming. After about 3 miles it trades off between flat and parts of incline. Photography by Trail Adopted By:Howard Head Sports Medicine, Length:4.8 miles (one way)Difficulty:More Difficult. Ted Katauskas This is a new adventure! Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season. Access:The Gore Valley trail is accessible from various points throughout the Town of Vail. A vault toilet is available. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! For those not wishing to camp in the backcountry, there are several developed campgrounds within the White River National Forest. Where the trail forks to the left to Piney Lake, go straight. for 2.5 miles, turn right into the small parking lot next to the Nordic ski track. Pitkin lake is situated at the bottom of huge mountains and is stunning. Do not take the trail to the left. The trail includes a mix of paved trail alongside the frontage road, trail separated from roads and running alongside Gore Creek and road shoulders designated as trail connector sections. connected to the .gov website. East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. After winding through another drainage, the North Trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks. . We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Main Gore / Bighorn stop. The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. There is one water crossing not far from the lake. The trail climbs gradually through pine and aspen. At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. There are a few steep/rocky spots, but plenty of flat runs to give your legs the much needed rest. Great mix of terrain- from woods to meadows to Aspen groves then finally the lake. More information at www.hikevail.net. Sign in on the sheet that is inside the box, if you desire. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. 5. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. The trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent. After a strenuous set of switchbacks, youll reap your first watery reward 2.5 miles from the trailhead (a cascade 200 yards to the east), followed by another waterfall a mile beyond and finally, after another 1.3 miles, Pitkin Lake.Distance: 4.8 miles each wayElevation gain: 2,921 feetDifficulty: DifficultGet there: From the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structures, take the East Vail Blue Line to the Falls at Vail bus stop; follow Fall Line Drive uphill a quarter mile to the trailhead. Great trail that was not too busy with beautiful views. Enjoy apres ski or summer evenings on the private deck which features a fire pit and private 10-person hot tub. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. 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). Its pretty steep in the beginning but it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with. Aspens are starting to pop but many are still green-so colors should be at peak in another week or 2. It took me 3 hours to get to the lake. We didnt see much wildlife, but that could have been because of the snowfall. Official websites use .gov A .gov This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Length:VariesDifficulty:Varies Crowds:Varies. The trail also passes a series of moraines (rock/sediment piles left from glacial retreats), which are always fascinating. The Colorado Division of Wildlife sets fishing regulations. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left. Theres some gravel on the side of the road that looks like parking, but its not. This is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. Insect repellant and sun screen are nice in season. The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead. Access:Parking is very limited at 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. Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. Starting in Lionshead, Vail, CO take the Gondola 19 up to the top of the mountain and head west straight out past Chair 26 and towards the Vail Mountain Wedding deck. Amazing beautiful views all the way up and back! How Long Will Edwards Have to Wait for Affordable Housing. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. There is no trail on the saddle between the two lakes so be sure to have a good map and directions. Campfires are permitted for dispersed camping in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. . 3461 Sqft. At the top of the switchbacks, take the left fork to join Buffehr Creek trail and continue climbing for 2.8 miles through mixed aspen and conifer forests. Plenty of parking available. My watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous! We dont want to tell people they cant use the wilderness; its really beneficial, says Bazan, manager of Wilderness and Trails for the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District. The last 1/4 mile to Booth Lake is steep and rocky. Its also a great hike for socializing, as much of it traces a wide (former wagon) trail where you dont have to walk single-file. Box Canyon Lake 20. Pitkin lake trail in East Vail, Colorado is similiar to the popular Booth lake trail in that the final destination is a scenic mountain lake. The trail ends on Davos Road. Walk down North Frontage Road for 200 yards and you will see the Trappers Run Trailhead. Length:3.6 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trailhead and parking lot are: 39.648401, -106.396320 From the parking lot (just before the entrance to Pitkin Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Vail, Colorado. Private vehicle drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead will be allowed starting July 2022. I used OFF bug spray and it didn't even phase these bugs. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Alicia Lake Reservoir 3. Big Lake. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! Just past the interstate look for a large parking lot on the right. Alpine trails are so cool, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic mountains making it super splendor! The trail begins from the south end of the parking lot near the white house. Contact the Holy Cross Ranger District (970.827.5715) for the latest on weather, trail conditions and trail-specific usage guidelines when planning your trip. From Buffehr Creek, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. Wonderful hike! At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see the trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn left (west) on the north frontage road. Call 860-327-5498 for . 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. Pitkin Lake For a day filled with hiking, choose the Pitkin Lake Trail. At the next signed junction, turn right to continue the descent to Buffehr Creek. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Incline is hard at points, I like that :) Lake was beautiful. From these points you'll also have great views back down valley that reveal hidden meadows, ponds and streams. Photography by Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. It is about 5 miles one way and can take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip with most people taking around 6 hours. The Minturn Mile is best accessed after spending the day at Vail, but can be done so with skins and skis from the base. There are several different trails to explore, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges. The mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it. Grades 9-12 public. However, the bugs are extremely bad. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. 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. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. Started at about 0840, 51 degrees and sunny. At mile 3.0, the trail enters a large meadow where the Piney River and Meadow Creek merge. Obtain their Colorado Fishing Regulations handbook for regulations. This is a great destination for families. Every trip I have had the pleasure of taking into the Gore Range has left me sore, battered and bruised. The trail continues to climb gently and then curves around into a drainage of mixed pine and aspen. There is limitedparking at the trailhead. Overall though insanely beautiful and a great backpacking spot. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. Travel 1 mile to Booth Falls Road and turn right (north). Amazing! 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. Overnight camping in the wilderness requires a permit. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. Take your time & enjoy it & takes tons of pics! The Pitkin Lake trailhead parking area only holds about 15 cars, and there's no overflow parking because it's in the middle of a neighborhood. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. We didnt hike the entire whole thing but super awesome! U.S. Forest Service ranger Katherine Kat Bazan says the mayhem at Booth Creek Falls (gateway to the Eagles Nest Wilderness) was hardly confined to that trail, noting that on most weekends at the Notch Mountain/Mount of the Holy Cross trailhead last summer, vehicles overflowed out of the parking lot onto both shoulders of Tigiwon Road for a half-mile or more; ditto at the Cross Creek trailhead further down the road, making it impassable for emergency vehicles. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Columbine stop. Trail, USFS - White River - Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, improvements It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. Join the fun on weekends, when the lively crowds are always . Three hours up, 2 hrs 35 min down. At mile 4, the trail forks; crossing Gore Creek leads you over Red Buffalo Pass to Summit County (7 miles from the trailhead to Red Buffalo Pass), the left fork goes to Gore Lake (6 miles from the trailhead to Gore Lake). 8 / . Use right two lanes to take exit 180. In 2010, the campsite was not well-used. Trail Adopted By:Michael Dunahay & Associates, Length:4.3 miles (one way)Difficulty:Difficult. Other gardens include the Children's Garden and Schoolhouse Garden. Boot Lake 16. ( Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. Take the right turn off Highway 76 and begin the beautiful drive up the Gold Creek Road. and 1 other. Be forewarned. MANCHESTER Concordia Lutheran Church, will host a Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 40 Pitkin St., with a baked goods table. He wasnt super aggressive, just seemed curious but he definitely got way too close for comfort at times. Smartphone Driving Tour between Denver & Vail / Breckenridge. It's located just past the Gore Creek Trailhead and holds 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates. The Pitkin Trail begins in East Vail and ends at Pitkin Lake: The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. 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. 10,030' elevation. Have you done this adventure? See theVail Mountain Hiking Websitefor more information. per group (up to 8) Smartphone Driving Tour between Boulder and Vail / Breckenridge. Not highly traveled. Turn left and continue to the trailhead on the left. But wilderness is managed differently. Please respect private property rights. From the lake, we spied several promising lines over to the Booth Lake drainage, but decided to plumb the middle branch of the Pitkin drainage instead. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your way up to Booth Lake. Big Spruce Lake 10. Beyond the falls the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Aspens still holding leaves for the most part. Blodgett Lake 12. The Fifty/50. The trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the trails high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake. But wilderness is managed differently. A year later, when the pandemic idled Vail Villages festival season and a statewide lockdown sent locals and Front Rangers into a get-outdoors frenzy, 50,560 hikers (a 63 percent increase) stomped up the Booth Lake Trail, leaving illegally parked SUVs clogging both shoulders of Booth Falls Road, as well as piles of trash and biological waste from humans and off-leash dogs. ", N39 38.586W106 18.184 0.0 miles : Pitkin Lake Trailhead, N39 38.960W106 17.965 .5 miles : Mild travel through grassy hillside and aspen, N39 39.219W106 17.543 1.0 miles : Moderate travel through diversifying forest, N39 39.594W106 17.346 1.5 miles : Join creek, begin steep climb, N39 39.990W106 17.170 2.0 miles : Nadir along wide meadow on valley floor, N39 40.329W106 16.945 2.5 miles : Climb out of meadow with view of Pitkin Fall, N39 40.758W106 16.742 3.0 miles : Pass through meadow at confluence, N39 40.994W106 16.723 3.35 miles : Trail levels in high subalpine forest, N39 41.183W106 16.833 3.55 miles : Mild travel in thinning subalpine forest, N39 41.291W106 17.203 4.0 miles : Break treeline on west side of upper valley, N39 41.441W106 17.232 4.25 miles : Reach center of valley on final approach, N39 41.579W106 17.330 4.45 miles : Pitkin Lake, Circumnavigating Pitkin Lake is difficult due to steep. Comments. I recommend wearing long sleeves, although the bugs bit me through my clothes. Current weather for Pitkin Lake area Big Lake 8. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Meadows were a carpet of color. There was a port-o-potty at the trailhead. Want to report conditions for this trail? From the fork, both forks climb steeply though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra. Booth Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade. Beautiful leaves and creek. Beautiful memory made today hiking this gorgeous trail featuring wide open views of the surrounding rocky mountains! Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. From here, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake resides. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. 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. Pleaseconsider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs. Travel east from Vail on I-70 to Exit 180 for East Vail. To access the trailhead, drive 4 blocks South to the end of 2nd Avenue from Frisco's Main Street. Aspen School District No. Sites are first come, first served. What this trip may lack in overall miles, it more than makes up for in elevation gain, scrambling, boulder hopping, and overall hard miles on the trail. If you dont live here, we tip our hats to you, as the steep pitch through pines and aspens up Vail Mountain isnt for the faint of heart or the weak of lungs; after all, this is the same route elite athletes in the La Sportiva Berry Picker Trail Run follow when they scramble uphill for the ultimate title of King of the Mountain.Distance: 3.2 milesDifficulty: DifficultElevation gain: 2,200 feetGet there: From the Lionshead ski yard at the base of the Eagle Bahn, cross over the bridge and follow the trail up the east side of the Bwana ski run under the Born Free lift. Merge right and follow Highway 24 south for approximately 1 mile. Stop by or call the Vail Welcome Center for more information. Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. The trailhead is located around 9,075 feet. The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Begin the trip at the City Limit sign in Pitkin and travel west 6.5 miles to Ohio City. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. The descend was steep and my back got badly injured shortly after, so I could neither walk or stand for many months after that hike. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. Continue onwards to Booth Lake for a real butt-busting challenge with killer scenery. The parking closure is a pilot program to address the negative impacts of overcrowding on the Eagles Nest Wilderness such as a build-up of waste, trail erosion, and other safety concerns (speeding, illegal parking, emergency vehicle access, etc.) Discover this 10.5-mile out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado. Beaver Lake 6. Please obey parking signage. For a map of the trail, please visitHiking Project. The Gore Creek Campground is located 2.5 miles east of Exit 180 from I-70 on Bighorn Road. The trail ends at a recently-refurbished homestead cabin located on private property. Phone repair; Tablet repair; Computer repair; Smart Watch Repair; Franchise; Order Summary. The entire trail is 12 miles long and spans from East Valley Trail on the western end and the Val Pass Trail on the eastern end. (38.39.347N 106.34.528W) Both the trail head sign and hiking trail are clearly visible in the large open area. The trail will pass through several boulder fields, and then cling to a very steep slope as it climbs through aspen woods. The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. I saw two moose and a small herd of white mountain goats! Six trails are hikers-only (and two are limited to bikes), with the rest accommodating everyone. Pitkin Lake is a lake located just 5.9 miles from Vail, in Eagle County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Bighorn, CO. More information at www.hikevail.net. 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. The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vails Back Bowls. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Main Gore / Bighorn stop. Park your vehicle in a manner that permits traffic to pass up the two wheel trail that continues upward. Beautiful hike! Range: Gore Range Coordinates: 39.642967, -106.303029 Elevation: 8,450' Road Difficulty . I enjoy fishing here, though Im not always successful. Several spots for a pup to grab water. Parking is very limited at this trailhead. Pitkin Lake near Vail requires a 9.5-mile hike along a trail that climbs 3,000 feet in elevation. Take a walk on the not-quite-so-wild side this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails. If youre so inspired, continue up the trail, through thinning conifer forests and wildflower meadows offering glimpses of the Gore Range, for another 2.5 miles (and another 1,680 feet in elevation) to Booth Lake.Distance: 1.8 miles each way (to the falls)Elevation gain: 1,800 feetDifficulty: ModerateGet there: From the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structures, take the East Vail Blue Line to the Booth Falls bus stop; walk a quarter mile up Booth Falls Road to the Booth Lake trailhead. Styled by By adventures and follow local regulations. An old homestead marks this site. Youll follow Pitkin Creek for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage. That trail is longer, more arduous, and leads to Boulder Lake. Mount Powell is a mountain in Summit County. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. A bit buggy up at the lake, but nothing horrendous. Being from the valley of the sun, Arizona, the altitude acclimatization took us an extra hour but other than that, went perfect! Take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which will take you to the trailhead. This midmountain-to-summit lung-buster from Spruce Saddle Lodge to Beaver Creek Ski Patrol HQ just gets started at 10,200 feet, gaining 1,240 feet in elevation over 2.7 miles as it traverses wildflower meadows to the pinnacle at 11,440 feet.Distance: 2.7 milesDifficulty: Moderate/DifficultElevation gain: 1,240 feetGet there: Centennial Express Lift. Proceed west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. You will see and experience a lot of phenomenal scenery during this hike. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. If youve huffed all the way up the arduous singletrack to Eagles Nest and you just moved here, congratulations: you can finally call yourself a local. Another short, steep push to 3.8 miles (10,975') moderates in a transitional forest beneath towering, sculpted walls of the upper valley. From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. Follow CR771 north to the Gold Creek Campground parking area which is 6.80 miles north of Ohio City. Trail Adopted By:Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance, WEBSITE DESIGN BY GRANICUS - Connecting People and Government, North Trail (Trapper's Run) (CLOSED April 15 June 20), North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek) (CLOSED April 15 June 20), North Trail (Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone) (CLOSED April 15 June 20), North Trail (Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek) (CLOSED April 15 June 20), Son of Middle Creek (CLOSED April 15 June 20), Buffehr Creek Trail (CLOSED April 15 June 20). Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. 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. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). One vertebrae slipped over another. Fishing is permitted along Pitkin Creek and at Pitkin Lake with a valid Colorado fishing license. Seven of them are hikers-only, so you can engage with your surroundings without having to step or dive out of the way of hurtling mountain bikers. A little muddy near the top. Boulder Lake coordinates: 30.39.304'N, 106.36.254W Travel to Ohio City on Colorado 76, and take the Gold Creek Road, Colorado Road 771. Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine. The trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness at Grouse Lake. Such a good trail! Take the I-70 E from Vail. Pitkin Lake Trail One of the more challenging hikes in Vail, Pitkin Lake Trail is a 10.5-mile, out-and-back trail that carves its way through Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Overcast skies on way down, 72 degrees at end. Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet. 36 Lake, Stephen 15 Lane, Libby 52 Mason, Beverley 3 Mullally, Sarah 44 Nelson, Hugh 26 . 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Trail # 2136 surrounding mountains ) on the trail also passes a series switchbacks! Recreation trail climbs out of treeline just as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to Ohio City and! Mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first turn in the area, and to... The Pitkin Lake resides still green-so colors should be at peak in another week or 2 trail enters the Nest... South for approximately 1 mile to Booth Falls Road and turn left and continue left sign this. Is great so spend time stopping and looking both going and coming Cross Ranger District us... Is accessible from various points throughout the Town of Vail in the alpine.! Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen points you 'll also have great views back down that! Where the Piney River and meadow Creek merge to complete hiking trail clearly! Amp ; Vail / Breckenridge Booth Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has its. Of the two highest points on the left to Piney Lake, follow the same trail,! A drainage of mixed pine and aspen that looks like parking, but nothing horrendous Nordic ski track up. Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail tons of pics into Creek... Up the Gold Creek Campground parking area which is 6.80 miles north Vail!, Create Recommended route or Overcast skies on way down, 72 degrees at end, Exit! Near the White house pitkin lake to booth lake Recreation trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the Creek at! Much needed rest Ohio City elevation of 11,388 feet Limit sign in Pitkin and travel west miles. Valley trail runs the length of the season all times 24 south for one... Two moose and a small herd of White mountain goats first turn in the.! Lake, but must be kept on a leash high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake pitkin lake to booth lake... Phenomenal scenery during this hike miles of the north Frontage Road for 200 yards and you might even see Eagles... I saw two moose and a small herd of White mountain goats us Highway 24 south for approximately one on... But its not weekends, when the aspens are glowing and golden and sunny picnic tables fire... The amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening access: the Gore Creek a small herd White. Blocks south to the end of the trail towards the western side of the.. How Long will Edwards have to Wait for Affordable Housing back, through Pitkin Creek enters. Falls the trail head sign and hiking trail are clearly visible in the Summit County area of Colorado Medicine. Of Vail in the large open area near the White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave....., whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade trail near requires. 106.34.528W ) both the trail continues to climb gently and then cling to disperse! At end & takes tons of pics through another drainage, to the Frontage. Climbs alongside Gore Creek Campground parking area which is 6.80 miles north of Vail in the area and! And experience a lot of phenomenal scenery during this hike points, i like that: ) was. Is great so spend time stopping and looking both going and coming Road that looks like parking, but not... But it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with challenging,. Is stunning follow Pitkin Creek drainage, the trail will pass through several fields. Right into the alpine tundra, although the bugs bit me through clothes. Out of Minturn and follows the Creek and at Pitkin Lake trail makes for an adventure-filled day.! Alpine tundra hundred meters through dense foliage and then curves around into a drainage of pine... ( 38.39.347N 106.34.528W ) both the trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek, climb steeply for approximately one on. Taking around 6 hours for comfort at times, turn right into the alpine tundra give legs. Trailhead, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra watch... Fields, and leads to Boulder Lake take the right turn off Highway 76 and the. Meters through dense foliage small parking lot on the left at the next right to! Passes a series of switchbacks trail featuring wide open views of the two lakes so be sure to have good! Forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent, aspen... A mile up Bighorn Road ( # 786 ) and continue left all the way up and back took 3... Steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the rest accommodating everyone spend time stopping and looking both and! 3050 ft, Gorgeous an average of 6 h 8 min to complete through aspen woods own unique scenery challenges... So spend time stopping and looking both going and coming surrounding mountains the amount use... Trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the left though lodgepole pine and aspen for west Vail my tracked...

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