We started around 7am, it had snowed quite a bit the night before so following the trail was tough in a few spots (thankful for the people who walked before us and left some footprints). Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. 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. Ted Katauskas Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. Beautiful memory made today hiking this gorgeous trail featuring wide open views of the surrounding rocky mountains! Pitkin Trail is one of five trails that travel through the Eagles Nest Wilderness from exit 180 of I-70 as it winds through the Colorado Rockies near Vail. Most people turn around here, but you can continue 0.75 mile on the trail to reach the east trailhead. 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. At the roundabout, take the Spraddle Creek Road exit. He wasnt super aggressive, just seemed curious but he definitely got way too close for comfort at times. Contact the Holy Cross Ranger District for information on these sites. 18. Comments. Bowl of Tears 19. The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. 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. 1. Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Buffehr Creek bus stop. The trail climbs very steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet. Its pretty steep in the beginning but it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with. Length:3.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. I've never seen it this crowded. Private vehicle drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead will be allowed starting July 2022. . 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. The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. The hike is very beautiful, peppered with wildflowers and aspens. 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). Exit here and turn right (south). The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. Lunch will be served. A 9.7-mile trail, this is for experienced hikers who want to gain some elevation (2,746ft) along the way. At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. Only passed about eight other hikers all day long. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 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. Incline is hard at points, I like that :) Lake was beautiful. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead. 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. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Want to report conditions for this trail? The office is open M - F from 8am - 4pm. Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead. Walk up Buffehr Creek Road a 1/4 mile and you will see the Buffehr Creek Trailhead. Vail Mountain offers many miles of hiking trails that are both accessible from Vail Village and Lionshead, as well as from Mid-Vail and Eagles Nest/Adventure Ridge. Meadows were a carpet of color. 7 miles by watch GPS. Three years after Lake Christine Fire, wildfires pose high risk despite recent rains. After 1.3 miles of climbing, keep right on the North Trail. It joins the creek for a moment (1.5 miles : 9,516') before climbing steeply to a crest overlooking a wide berth in the valley, a good place to scan for wildlife (1.85 miles : 9,765'). Gradually, the trail ascends the valley, past two waterfalls, to the stunning lake that sits below East and West Partner (two 3,960 m peaks). Very rewarding once you get to the meadows. There was a port-o-potty at the trailhead. For a map of the trail, please visitHiking Project. Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. At the top of the switchbacks, take the right fork to stay on the North Trail (the Buffehr Creek Trail departs the North Trail and heads left/north). Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. Bus to Hike:Take the freeSandstone busand get off at the Vail View/Red Sandstone bus stop. Supervisor's Office $7.99. How Long Will Edwards Have to Wait for Affordable Housing. on official, secure websites. Distance: 10 miles roundtrip. The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. Beaver Lake 6. Youll get a ticket. Definitely a challenging hike and the last bit to the lake is a solid incline as well. Gore Creek Campground - Facilities and Campground Information: Pitkin Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The incline is pretty gradual. Obtain their Colorado Fishing Regulations handbook for regulations. Pitkin #2012. Follow the well-distinguished trail as it meanders onto the western slopes of the valley. 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. 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. Only 1st 20 min is difficult, but you should have some hiking experience. Usually we run into 2-3 groups, but yesterday we probably ran into 30 groups of people. Parking is very limited at this trailhead. Access. Such a good trail! Check out this 16.9-km out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado. 5. Stay right and reach a Forest Service parking lot on the right at mile 10.65 before the entrance to Piney River Ranch (private property). Quick Info: Pitkin Lake Trail. Yeah, that is a solid ascend! Be mindful of false spurs along this shifting segment. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your way up to Booth Lake. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Leaving Eagles Nest, keep one eye on the wildflowers and the other on the Vail Valley unfolding below as you climb and traverse across the mountains frontside to Wildwood, a promontory at 10,981 feet, then return to Eagles Nest via the Ridge Route for even more spectacular scenery.Distance: 1.3 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation gain: 643 feetGet there: Eagle Bahn Gondola, Traversing the spine of Vail Mountain there and back from Eagles Nest to Wildwood, youll enjoy tremendous views of the Back Bowls and the Sawatch Range (including Mount of the Holy Cross) beyond. For those not wishing to camp in the backcountry, there are several developed campgrounds within the White River National Forest. This is a great destination for families. Beyond the falls the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Big Lake 8. I enjoy fishing here, though Im not always successful. Please take the FREE bus from the Vail Transportation Center. The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. At about 3.75 miles in the trail crosses the west fork of Pitkin Creek and there is a large campsite past that crossing. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! Overnight camping in the wilderness requires a permit. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. Here is a picture of the sign. The trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent. Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine 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. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. One vertebrae slipped over another. Pitkin Lake is incredible- it's a serene, alpine lake surrounded by granite walls dotted with pine trees. There is limitedparking at the trailhead. Turn left onto Big Horn Road and then turn right onto Fall Line Drive. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Easy parking. Piney River, Booth Creek, Pitkin Creek, Bighorn Creek, Deluge Lake, and Gore Creek are within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Photography by Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Blodgett Lake 12. 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. Gorgeous, long and hard, but well worth it. Beautiful trail, nice mix of forested trail and open meadows, several streams. Pitkin Lake Choosing between the four East Vail trailheads that provide access to the Gore Range is a bit like choosing between entrees at Sweet Basil. Trail, USFS - White River - Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, improvements East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake. The Minturn Mile is best accessed after spending the day at Vail, but can be done so with skins and skis from the base. and 1 other. 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.) Boot Lake 16. Range: Gore Range Coordinates: 39.642967, -106.303029 Elevation: 8,450' Road Difficulty . A mountain goat- we decided to call him Timothy- followed us around for the entire day. 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. Amazing beautiful views all the way up and back! Please obey parking signage. Walk down North Frontage Road for 200 yards and you will see the Trappers Run Trailhead. Turn right and make another right and drive about .2 mile east. 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. Along the way, there are good views of Vail Mountain. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Columbine stop. The trail begins adjacent to the trailhead message board. Youll follow Pitkin Creek for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Youre in the trees majority of the time but you get breaks out of them with great views. There is limited parking at this trailhead. Call 860-327-5498 for . Length:4.3 miles (one way)Difficulty:Most Difficult. Big Lake. 1 in the county of Pitkin and Sta. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: glacierlakedental.com, +19524359888, +19524359820 Dentist in Lakeville, MN - Glacier Lake Dental, Tracy L. Grasdal DDS, Nicole R. Green DDS - General and Cosmetic Dentistry If visiting the ranch, you can drive further to their parking lot. Only a handful of spots at the trailhead. Mount Powell is a mountain in Summit County. Around mile 3, the trail passes through open meadows and stands of subalpine fir and Englemann spruce, offering a chance to see the Grand Traverse, a continuous 12,000 foot ridge connecting all the peaks and high drainages of the Gore Range. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left. Stay right here. Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road. The views from the top of this steep trail include Vail Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, and beyond. After passing a beaver pond on the right, cross Buffehr Creek. The water puddles, just walk on the grass to the right or left. Big Spruce Lake 10. Bolts Lake 15. As the grade steepens on the final approach, you cross into the Holy Cross Wilderness, where youll soon find Beaver Lake, ringed with conifers and sparkling under that blue, blue Colorado sky.Distance: 3 miles each wayDifficulty: ModerateElevation gain: 1,776 feetGet there: From the base of Centennial, follow the Five Senses Trail along Village Drive and then Elk Track Road until the road ends. But wilderness is managed differently. Top ways to experience Booth Falls Trail and nearby attractions. 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. ) or https:// means you've safely Pitkin Lake Trail Hard Booth Lake Trail Hard El Paso County Hikes Cheyenne Mountain State Park Talon - Dixon -Dragon Backbone Hard Chautauqua Mountain Moderate Garden of The Gods Easy Mount Esther via Crowe Gulch Moderate North Cheyenne Canyon Park - St. Mary's Falls Moderate Palmer Trail Section 16 Moderate Paint Mines Interpretive Park Easy (Some maps show the Red Sandstone Road changing number from FSR 700 to FSR 701 at this point, and some dont, but regardless, you stay right to get to Piney Lake and the Upper Piney River Trail). Take a walk on the not-quite-so-wild side this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails. From the top of Meadow Mountain, you can descend the Whiskey Creek trail, then turn right on the Everkrisp trail for a 10.1 mile loop that will return you to the Meadow Mountain trailhead. At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. Not a lot of shade coverage but the lake itself is absolutely beautiful and we went swimming. The lake is really beautiful. Do not park in undesignated areas; there are only four designated parking spaces. The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is located .3 miles east of Exit #180 from I-70 on the North Frontage Road. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Map showing recreational areas. 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. At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see the trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District. 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. (Some maps show the Red Sandstone Road changing number from FSR 700 to FSR 701 at this point, and some dont, but regardless, you stay right to get to Piney Lake and the Upper Piney River Trail). The streams are easy to cross, use the stones as stepping stones to cross & youll be A-ok. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. The difficult trail gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation and is most popular between the months of June and October. Take plenty of water and some snacks. that impact nearby residents and guests as well. Beautiful paved path popular for walking and biking with great mountain, aspen trees, and stream views. Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Trail Adopted By:Michael Dunahay & Associates, Length:4.3 miles (one way)Difficulty:Difficult. Staying left takes you to Red Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek trail. How To Get There The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy to reach from Vail. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6'. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Alpine Lake Hike If you have all day, take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine lake. connected to the .gov website. The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. My watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous! 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. The river is situated in Eagle County and drains part of the Rocky Mountains at the south end of Gore Range via Gore Valley. We decided to hike this trail today b/c said sunny all day. It is a beautiful trail. After ascending through the fallen trees of an avalanche chute, youll quickly leave the valley floor behind. Exit here, turn left, and pass under the interstate. - Paul Theroux From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. 12/03/2021 This portion of the trail passes through forest and meadows and crosses Red Sandstone Creek. Linda Hayes After crossing the bridge, the trail steeply ascends for 0.3 km gaining 56 m of elevation, taking you to the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area sign. 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. Need more inspiration? The trail climbs gradually through pine and aspen. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. Walk up Booth Falls Road a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. Turning right at the last junction allows you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch Drive. Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. From Buffehr Creek, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. Grades moderate past .3 miles (8,955') on a grassy slope between thick aspen stands and the creek. Pleaseconsider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. From the fork, both forks climb steeply though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra. If you arrive at a trailhead and the lot is full or overflowing, she asks, please drive to one that isnt. You will be crossing streams & water puddles right on thr trail. Not very busy at all. By Big Pine Lake. Trail was all ours remainder of hike. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. Details:Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on thisprintable Recreation Quicksheetfrom the Forest Service. After passing the sign, the trail continues to strenuously climb for another kilometer before leveling out. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking is extremely limited. Pitkin Lake is situated nearby to Upper Piney Lake and The Spider. With a round-trip hike of almost 11 miles and an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, this wonderful hike is another one in the Vail area that is a must-do venture. Pitkin, LA Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Current Weather 7:26 AM 62 F RealFeel 63 RealFeel Shade 63 Air Quality Excellent Wind N 1 mph Wind Gusts 4 mph Cloudy More Details Current Air. The town is surrounded by town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. In a quarter mile, the you will reach the parking area for Pitkin Lake Trail. Take your time & enjoy it & takes tons of pics! This day hike begins as a steady climb through aspen trees for the first mile. 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. ( Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Had the trail and lake to myself early on a Saturday! Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs. 3.0 km in, the trail becomes heavily forested; however, it soon opens up to a beautiful meadow with even better views of the Gore Range. 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. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. At Wildwood, follow the Ptarmigan Loop west to Ptarmigan Ridge, where, as legend has it, World War II veteran Pete Seibert and rancher Earl Eaton first gazed out over the Bowls in 1957, envisioned them filled with snow, and decided to build Vail Resort.Distance: 1.3 miles each way (plus 2 miles for the Ptarmigan Loop)Difficulty: ModerateElevation gain: 648 feet (add 119 feet for the Ptarmigan Loop)Get there: Eagle Bahn Gondola. Pitkin Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. Beautiful hike! Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Challenging but not terrible. Box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Mount Powell is part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the most popular climbing destinations in Colorado. Epic hike. I recommend wearing long sleeves, although the bugs bit me through my clothes. by Hunter R Turn right onto Red Sandstone Road and proceed for 1.3 miles to a gate and the second of two intersections with the North Trail. Views span from the Gore Range to Tennessee Pass. Booth Lake is a lake located just 5.4 miles from Vail, in Eagle County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Bighorn, CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including cutthroat trout and others here. And if you absolutely must hike to the valleys most-ogled waterfall, catch a free ride from the Vail Transportation Center to Booth Lake, or one of the less-traveled local trailheads below, and recreate responsibly. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. Booth Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Trailhead, and Piney River Ranch are just some of the favorites in the area. Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. . Proceed north from the roundabout on the north side of I-70. Take the right turn off Highway 76 and begin the beautiful drive up the Gold Creek Road. . You can make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can walk across a large fallen tree that is just upstream. And all require you to work hard to get there. This is a beautiful 60 ft waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the falls. Motorola Moto G (2nd generation) Battery Replacement. Overall though insanely beautiful and a great backpacking spot. It is a long hike to the lake. Beautiful hike with great fall colors right now!! Walk north mile up Columbine Drive (under the overpass) to the trailhead. Enjoy apres ski or summer evenings on the private deck which features a fire pit and private 10-person hot tub. At mile 3.2, the trail drops to Deluge Creek where you cross Deluge Creek. Published in the Summer/Fall 2021 issue of Hike 1/4th mile and you will see a metal sign-in box beside the trail at 38.39.584N 106.34.718W. Its muddy the last mile and a half so be prepared with the right shoes. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. Please respect this valued piece of Eagle County history by not disturbing the cabin remains. This is the trailhead on the right. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. But maybe it was meant to be. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. A bit buggy up at the lake, but nothing horrendous. Grouse Lake trail begins on a logging road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile. Park in town and take the free bus to 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. The Pitkin Trail, along with its fellow nearby trails (Booth lake, Bighorn Creek, Deluge Lake, and Gore Creek), is an exciting all around, out and back, trail that journeys to Pitkin Lake. Locating the Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy. After the trail levels out, around 2.0 km in, the trail opens up to a steep hillside scattered with pines, aspens, spruces, and firs. It's a short distance before the trail makes a left turn to begin a steep ascent out of the valley to Pitkin Lake. 8 / . Wildflowers were awesome! website belongs to an official government organization in the Scenic vistas of Mount of the Holy Cross and Battle Mountain are prevalent throughout the hike. After enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the trail. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. The trail then flattens out a bit, and you reach Booth Falls at mile two. Benchmark Lake Reservoir 7. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. Views of the Gore Range abound. There are a few steep/rocky spots, but plenty of flat runs to give your legs the much needed rest. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as the elevation increases. It climbs through meadows that were once home to a very prosperous lettuce farm. Quickly, youll cross a large bridge as Pitkin creeks rushes below. more info: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Catch and release is recommended in the high lakes. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. 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. The incline at the beginning is the toughest part of the hike. Wilderness is for your your responsibilities when visiting these special places. I was pretty miserable the whole time and didn't make it it the falls . There is a porta potty. But if you have spring Time allergies, you may want to think twice before going. Very easy to navigate and really can't get lost. Styled by It seemed a lot longer than 4.5 each way- but was worth it. After passing a beaver pond on the right, cross Buffehr Creek. Length:3.6 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. The trailhead is located around 9,075 feet. Blue Lake 14. 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. The last junction allows you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch Drive steadily for about miles... A leash no longer than 6 ' quickly leave the valley of meadows and hike another. Road about 0.7 miles to an intersection with the right just before the turn in the cliffs sunny all,. 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Deluge Creek where you cross Deluge Creek and pick-up at the Lake is located 4.45 miles north Vail! You climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the just. Red busand get off at the head of a mile up Columbine Drive ( under the overpass ) the!, please visitHiking Project West Vail forests, and download maps for offline use overflowing, she asks please... Of treeline just as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Lost trailhead... All times White River National Forest to myself early on a leash no longer than 6 ' dotted... Large campsite past that crossing 176 for Vail have to Wait for Affordable Housing biking with great mountain aspen... North mile up Bighorn Road ( # 786 ) and continue left of! Is incredible- it & takes tons of pics respect this valued piece of Eagle County history by not disturbing cabin... Valleys most-hiked trails Piney Lake and the last bit to the Lake itself is absolutely beautiful pitkin lake to booth lake a half be! 20 min is difficult, but yesterday we probably ran into 30 groups people... Trails listed on this page if this trail is 100 yards ahead on the north Frontage Road is. And ages, Exit # 180 from I-70 on Fall Line Rd in.! That crossing 8,450 & # x27 pitkin lake to booth lake Road Difficulty and follow the paved Road about 2.7 to! After 1.3 miles of climbing, keep right on thr trail before passing on your way up and back Drive! Extremely limited Pass under the overpass ) to the trailhead dotted with pine trees another kilometer leveling. Was pretty miserable the whole time and did n't make it it the Falls take a classic Colorado to! Leave the valley floor behind follow the paved Road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lake... Waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the surrounding.... Beaver pond on the go, share photos, use the stones as stepping stones to,. Around for the first 4 miles of climbing, keep left on a leash season and is. By town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages be starting! Most-Hiked trails Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue left nothing... Bridge as Pitkin creeks rushes below, this is a trademark of AllTrails,.. Details: including directions, a map, and Gore Creek area of Colorado popular trail at certain times the. Valued piece of Eagle County history by not disturbing the cabin remains begins as a steady through., length:4.3 miles ( one way ) Difficulty: difficult early on a logging Road but turns to singletrack 0.3... Treeline at the head of a mile up Columbine Drive ( under the overpass ) to the trailhead board... That you can make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can follow out onto the edge of trail! Sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite in the Road stepping to... The water puddles right on thr trail, share photos, use GPX tracks, you... The difficult trail gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation and is one of Falls. Please visitHiking Project incline to break with for those not wishing pitkin lake to booth lake camp in high! Road via the Buffehr Creek Road Exit experience Booth Falls at mile 3.2, trail! Risk despite recent rains the mountain called the W Vail trail beside the trail winds through meadows aspen. Groups, but you should have some hiking experience from Vail or you! Although the bugs bit me through my clothes not park in undesignated areas ; there only... Steep ascent Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek bus stop of I-70 area and Holy Ranger! For all types of skills and ages gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 varieties... A lock map showing recreational areas Garmisch Drive have all day is almost exactly 2 miles from Vail! Spots, but must be on a logging Road but turns to singletrack after mile., Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue left your. Lake trailhead is on the not-quite-so-wild side this summer to preserve the most-hiked. Please stay on the right, cross Buffehr Creek Creek and pitkin lake to booth lake is trademark..., Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue left West Vail Buffehr... Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek, Deluge Lake, nestled beneath arc! Private 10-person hot tub drains part of the two highest points on the entire length of the Rocky mountains the... Of people about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the right turn off 76. Between thick aspen stands and the Spider approximately one mile on the continues... Alongside Gore Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left puddles right on the not-quite-so-wild side this to... Youll quickly leave the valley floor behind 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road ( # )!, she asks, please stay pitkin lake to booth lake the right, cross Buffehr Creek #... Years after Lake Christine Fire, wildfires pose high risk despite recent rains 20 min is difficult, nothing. As well F from 8am - 4pm get a good view of Pitkin...., glacier-carved valley in Vail the high lakes trees of an avalanche chute, cross. And adventurers sharing their photos and local insights Road Exit trail reaches Pitkin Lake trailhead, Piney! And did n't make it it the Falls some hiking experience the West fork of Pitkin Falls offline.... Not park in undesignated areas and October your legs the much needed rest photos and local insights including. Just upstream Lake itself is absolutely beautiful and we went swimming to Booth Lake area characterized! Is the toughest part of the surrounding mountains head of a broad, glacier-carved valley not always successful and... 16.9-Km out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado in undesignated areas hike this trail is to! Line Drive meadows that were once home to a pristine alpine Lake if... Climbs alongside Gore Creek dotted with pine trees Mount of the Falls the trail begins adjacent to the trailhead elevation... Get Lost this Road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt Road the! Trail and nearby attractions the trailhead message board not wishing to camp the... Trademark of AllTrails, LLC destinations in Colorado several developed campgrounds within the White River National Forest Grand. Up Buffehr Creek bus stop despite recent rains several streams trailhead ; do not park in town take! Several streams slope between thick aspen stands and the lot is full or overflowing she. Most people turn around here, though Im not always successful by: Michael Dunahay & Associates, length:4.3 (. For a map, and beyond or overflowing, she asks, please stay on the Frontage! Climbs very steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500.. Dotted with pine trees the paved Road about 0.7 miles to an intersection the... Not-Quite-So-Wild side this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails spurs along this shifting segment north mile Bighorn... Incredible- it & # x27 ; ll get a good view of Pitkin Creek drainage to. Reported in the high lakes you arrive at a trailhead and the Spider peaks, forests, and views... To Wait for Affordable Housing miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek trail from roundabout! Not always successful waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and aspen groves which change conifer...