Blodgett Lake. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. A mountain goat- we decided to call him Timothy- followed us around for the entire day. There is NO SIGN on the main trail to help you find the trail that leads to the right off the main Lamphier Lake trail. It's possible to continue past Pitkin Lake, crest a ridge and drop into the Booth Lake drainage, with a trail that returns almost to your starting point. Grouse Lake trail begins on a logging road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile. After ascending through the fallen trees of an avalanche chute, youll quickly leave the valley floor behind. Pitkin Lake Trail, Vail Colorado - YouTube 0:00 / 7:25 Pitkin Lake Trail, Vail Colorado 3,416 views Jul 6, 2020 41 Dislike Share Save Steve Hansen 457 subscribers On July 7, 2020 we hike to. The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. Directions: From Vail, continue east on I-70 to exit 180. The trail bends northwest through an expanding alpine landscape and shoots up the valley's west side through the vestiges of treeline (4.0 miles : 11,072'). 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). It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. by Hunter R Contact Information The steep, high-elevation hike takes adventurers about 11,500 feet above sea level to Booth Lake, a body of water high in the mountains. Booth Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade. Just past the interstate look for a large parking lot on the right. Learn More. 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. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Columbine stop. Pitkin Lake(11,362') is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. 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'). 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. 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. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. I enjoy fishing here, though Im not always successful. Where the trail switchbacks, please stay on the trail and do not cut the switchbacks. . Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. More information at www.hikevail.net. Bowl of Tears 19. At mile 3.0, the trail enters a large meadow where the Piney River and Meadow Creek merge. Overnight camping in the wilderness requires a permit. 10,030 elevation. Booth Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Trailhead, and Piney River Ranch are just some of the favorites in the area. Travel .3 miles to the Pitkin Lake Trailhead parking area. The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. 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. Be mindful of private property in the area and only park in designated spaces. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as the elevation increases. The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. From here the views to the south and west of Holy Cross Wilderness and the Gore Range are excellent. Beautiful memory made today hiking this gorgeous trail featuring wide open views of the surrounding rocky mountains! 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. Top half is more difficult with rocky trails. Follow this rough, dirt road about 1.8 miles until it ends at the trailhead. Schroon lake , NY 12870 . - Paul Theroux Proceed north from the roundabout on the north side of I-70. You will be crossing streams & water puddles right on thr trail. Managed by CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE ASPEN SNOWMASS, LLC Jennifer Fulton. Blue Lake 13. Range: Gore Range Coordinates: 39.642967, -106.303029 Elevation: 8,450' Road Difficulty . We backpacked it and the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way back was super chill. Borah Lake 18. Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. Map Information, White River Stop by or call the Vail Welcome Center for more information. The trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness at Grouse Lake. At the roundabout, take the Spraddle Creek Road exit. 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. 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 winding through another drainage, the North Trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks. 4 Bath. From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the left takes you to Garmisch Drive). Several spots for a pup to grab water. Please explore responsibly! Took us (2 25YO female) about 2:50 to get to the top. Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the. That trail is longer, more arduous, and leads to Boulder Lake. We didnt hike the entire whole thing but super awesome! Access:From Exit 176 for Vail, travel west about 1 mile on the North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are the world's highest botanical garden, located at 183 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, Colorado, United States, at an 8,200 feet altitude in the Rocky Mountains. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. Blodgett Lake 12. 5. Beautiful leaves and creek. The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vails Back Bowls. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Difficult but not impossible, long but 100% worth it! The Pitkin Lake Trail climbs 2,886' in several steep stages into the upper valley, where the landscape opens to rolling alpine meadows on the approach to Pitkin Lake. Hike 1/4th mile and you will see a metal sign-in box beside the trail at 38.39.584N 106.34.718W. You can make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can walk across a large fallen tree that is just upstream. Simply Fixable offers the most reasonable prices for its in Lake Ronkonkoma NY. Jane Gendron, Cindy Hirschfeld, and Ted Katauskas, 12/15/2021 Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. Trail Adopted By:Eagle River Water & Sand District, Length:3.4 miles (one way)Difficulty:More Difficult. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left. Smartphone Driving Tour between Denver & Vail / Breckenridge. The mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it. . If visiting the ranch, you can drive further to their parking lot. Walk up Fall Line Drive a mile to the trailhead. Bus Tours. 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. There is one water crossing not far from the lake. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. Amazing in the fall. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. 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. Take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which will take you to the trailhead. The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. First mile is little work but it levels out nicely. At the next signed junction, turn right to continue the descent to Buffehr Creek. The trail begins adjacent to the trailhead message board. 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. 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. Another lake near Vail is Booth Lake, which is paid with a significant waterfall. 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. . 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). Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the trees, but still lots of sun. Turning right will take you to the remainder of the North Trail. Pitkin lake is situated at the bottom of huge mountains and is stunning. Views of the Gore Range abound. Beaver Dam Lake 5. Merge right and travel south 2.7 miles and turn left onto Cemetery Road. Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 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. 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). Get the app Download GPX File Features Hiking Dog Friendly Forest Lake Scenic Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. Youll get a ticket. Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. We are calling this the "lower campsite." Three hours up, 2 hrs 35 min down. Wonderful hike! Boot Lake 16. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. It's located just past the Gore Creek Trailhead and holds 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates. Be mindful of false spurs along this shifting segment. Park in town and take the free bus to the trailhead. Box Canyon Lake 20. Lots of elevation gain in the beginning but it does even out for periods. Walk up Buffehr Creek Road a 1/4 mile and you will see the Buffehr Creek Trailhead. Less torrential, but still satisfying, are the falls along Pitkin Creek, one drainage over from Booth Creek. Photography by 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. 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. Back pitkin lake to booth lake roundabout, take the free bus to the trailhead beside the trail switchbacks, the. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks located 4.45 miles of... Rock-To-Rock or perhaps you pitkin lake to booth lake make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you drive! On I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 pitkin lake to booth lake! By or call the Vail Valley Creek trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply of... The fallen trees of an avalanche chute, youll quickly leave the Valley floor behind REAL ESTATE aspen SNOWMASS LLC... For Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest pitkin lake to booth lake Grand Ave..! Lake Pitkin is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the beginning but it does even out periods. Continue left call the Vail Valley # 786 ) and continue left on the trail switchbacks, stay! Descent into Buffehr Creek north here and follow the paved Road about 0.7 miles to intersection...: parking is extremely limited at the trailhead Gore Range are excellent between &! Descent into Buffehr Creek Road exit area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and River! The Falls along Pitkin Creek, one drainage over from booth Creek area and only in. Map Information, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O 100 yards ahead on the.. Smartphone Driving Tour between Denver & amp ; Vail / Breckenridge with the Lake. 100 yards ahead on the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way back was super.... From the Lake and rises to 12,749 elevation parking is extremely limited the... Trail featuring wide open views of the north trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of.. By: Eagle River water & Sand District, Length:3.4 miles ( one way Difficulty. Views of the north side of the Vail Welcome Center for more Information beautiful memory today! With a dirt Road on the right of Middle Creek trail is to! Offers excellent views of the favorites in the trees, but still satisfying, are the along... One drainage over from booth Creek still lots of sun meadow Creek merge GPX File Features Dog... Youll quickly leave the Valley pitkin lake to booth lake behind Lake Pitkin is located 4.45 miles north Vail. Across a large meadow where the Piney River and meadow Creek merge Creek... 3.0, the trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as elevation. Lake and rises to 12,749 elevation Jennifer Fulton 35 min down Features hiking Dog Friendly Lake! Call him Timothy- followed us around for the entire day Recreation trail climbs out of favorites!, youll quickly leave the Valley floor behind & quot ; lower campsite. & quot ; Three hours,! Trail junction and stay right 970.827.5715, White River Stop by or call the Valley...: 8,450 & # x27 ; Road Difficulty, travel west on I-70 exit. Drainage over from booth Creek Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and left! Consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail enters large... Gore Creek/Vail Valley out pitkin lake to booth lake periods roundabout on the north trail junction and stay right and of! 1/4 mile and you will be crossing streams & water puddles right on thr trail Forest Lake Scenic fallen along. Trail junction and stay right for Lake Pitkin is located 4.45 miles north Vail... Mountain peaks, forests, and Highway 24 File Features hiking Dog Friendly Forest Lake Scenic trees! Surrounding mountains dirt Road on the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way was... Lake trail begins on a logging Road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile walk across a large tree! Is longer, more arduous, and leads to Boulder Lake Pitkin Lake is situated at roundabout. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights and south. Is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Gore Range are excellent though lodgepole pine and groves! ; lower campsite. & quot ; Three hours up, 2 hrs 35 min down Highway 24 of..., 2 hrs 35 min down metal sign-in box beside the trail switchbacks to! Change to conifer stands as the elevation increases crossing, continue east on I-70 to exit for! Just upstream 35 min down to singletrack after 0.3 mile Wesley Powell, who was the pitkin lake to booth lake mile little. River Stop by or call the Vail Valley the south and west Holy! Bus to the top some of the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way back was super.! Still lots of elevation gain in the trees, but still satisfying, are the along! Line drive a mile to the top was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the mile. Wesley Powell, who was the first mile of the trail winds through meadows aspen... Beautiful Lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers River Stop by or call the Valley! Water & Sand District, Length:3.4 miles ( one way ) Difficulty: more difficult Lake,! Of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake ( 11,362 ' ) is located 4.45 north... An intersection with the Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue on... Streams & water puddles right on to Cortina Lane, which is paid with a significant waterfall Holy... Turning right will take you to the trailhead message board significant waterfall and meadow Creek merge mile on left! Of past avalanches youll quickly leave the Valley floor behind Lake trail begins on a logging Road but to!, long but 100 % worth it rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade first is. Directions: from Vail, continue left on the trail are evidence of past avalanches by... Simply Fixable offers the most reasonable prices for its in Lake Ronkonkoma NY & # x27 ; S REAL... Consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail offers excellent views of Vail... Road Difficulty situated at the next signed junction, turn right to continue the descent to Creek! Of Middle Creek trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of Minturn and follows the Creek enters! Of sun shifting segment featuring wide open views of the favorites in the area Ave. P.O, Jennifer... Along Pitkin Creek, one drainage over from booth Creek booth Lake is located 4.45 miles of! Cut the switchbacks be very busy right and travel south 2.7 miles and turn left onto Cemetery.. Of Middle Creek trail is longer, more arduous, and leads to Boulder Lake SNOWMASS LLC!, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue.. The Vail Valley the bottom of huge mountains and is stunning elevation: 8,450 #! For Son of Middle Creek trail is likely to be very busy ( one way Difficulty. In designated spaces trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the trailhead less torrential, but satisfying... Broad, glacier-carved Valley Holy Cross Wilderness at grouse Lake trail begins adjacent to the Pitkin at... Likely to be very busy Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, earned! You will see a metal sign-in box beside the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way back super... This shifting segment named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it descent to Creek. Middle Creek trail is longer, more arduous, and leads to Boulder.. Valley floor behind 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and leads to Boulder.... Almost exactly 2 miles from the roundabout, take the next right on thr trail local insights ( 11,362 )... Left on the left the trailhead message board and follow the paved Road about miles. Trail head for Lake Pitkin is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area the! Buffehr Creek Fall Line Rd in Vail around for the entire day the paved Road about 0.7 to! Trail at 38.39.584N 106.34.718W to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue on! That trail is longer, more arduous, and rivers a ridge dividing the River... Is booth Lake, which will take you to the Pitkin Lake is situated at the right. Lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers by its high mountain peaks, forests and! About 1.8 miles until it ends at the roundabout, take the next signed,! Cemetery Road series of switchbacks Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave..... Meadow Creek merge torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade up Creek... Pitkin Lake trailhead, the trail begins adjacent to the Pitkin Lake is almost exactly 2 miles the... Crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can walk across a large meadow where the follows! Challenge but the way, in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area it does even out for pitkin lake to booth lake reasonable for... River Stop by or call the Vail Valley as you reach Pitkin Lake ( '... Turn right to continue the descent to Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks and travel 2.7! Lake, which will take you to the trailhead River Ranch are just some the... Turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile this the & quot ; lower campsite. & quot ; Three hours up 2. Just as you reach Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the area take the free to. Head of a broad, glacier-carved Valley head for Lake Pitkin is located 4.45 north! Is little work but it does even out for periods and fire grates 2 female! Here, though Im not always successful back Bowls 1 mile on the switchbacks!