Turn right onto the north frontage road and continue to the trailhead on the left side of the road before the Pitkin Creek Townhomes. Turning right at the last junction allows you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch Drive. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. We backpacked it and the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way back was super chill. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. The lake is really beautiful. 36 Lake, Stephen 15 Lane, Libby 52 Mason, Beverley 3 Mullally, Sarah 44 Nelson, Hugh 26 . 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. Length:0.7 miles (one way)Difficulty:Easy. Walk north mile up Columbine Drive (under the overpass) to the trailhead. The Booth Creek Falls trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the aspens are glowing and golden. Amazing in the fall. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. Youll get a ticket. Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. The trail passes three chairlifts and continues climbing to Two Elk Pass before descending to the Vail Pass Recreation Path above East Vail. Continue onwards to Booth Lake for a real butt-busting challenge with killer scenery. Parking availability at the trailhead is limited. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). from. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn left (west) on the north frontage road. begging to be jumped into if not for the chill. Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. Turning right will take you to the remainder of the North Trail. Current weather for Pitkin Lake area Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Stop by or call the Vail Welcome Center for more information. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. 5. Easy parking. Very easy to navigate and really can't get lost. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season. 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. Bring lots of water!! 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. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. . After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! Range: Gore Range Coordinates: 39.642967, -106.303029 Elevation: 8,450' Road Difficulty . It is a beautiful trail. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. Wearing proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience. This trail is so pretty. Epic hike. 234 Pitkin, James 190 Plumb, Valerie 97 Poole, Martin 83 Richards, Jane 461 Ridge, James 217 . Blodgett Lake. There are spots for about 8 cars at the trailhead. The trail continues climbing after the bridge to its junction with the North Trail at 2 miles, then gradually meanders through a lodgepole pine forest for another 1.5 miles to its terminus at Lost Lake Road. United States. An official website of the 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. - Paul Theroux Amazing! The alpine lake at the end of the trail is stunning! My wife and I ( both in our 50s) loved the hike. 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. The first 1/2 mile of the trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. by Hunter R 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'). Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Campsite parking spurs are 30-40' long, but no electric hook-ups, running water or dump stations are available. Here is a picture of the sign. Had the trail and lake to myself early on a Saturday! This is a charming place to walk around, shop, look at the stunning architecture, or enjoy a delicious meal. Alpine Lake Hike If you have all day, take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine lake. 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. Look for and find the trail head marker that stands alone and is clearly visible. Top half is more difficult with rocky trails. 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. 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. We got some sun, but mostly cloudy with rain & hail! Difficult but not impossible, long but 100% worth it! Big Pine Lake 9. At 5.6 km, while passing through a meadow flush with creeks, a cascading waterfall will be on your left. Eagle County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. Will not show on comments list. Pitkin lake is situated at the bottom of huge mountains and is stunning. Stay right here. The GPS reading is 38-40-442N and 106.35.303W . Such a good trail! 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Walk up Booth Falls Road a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. The trail begins from the south end of the parking lot near the white house. Super quiet today, wish I would have brought my fishing gear because the Brown trout are spawning and were darting around the water like crazy. The trail then flattens out a bit, and you reach Booth Falls at mile two. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Falls at Vail bus stop. Displaying 1 to 75 of 103 records. The Everkrisp trail opened in 2019 and splits from the Meadow Mountain trail after 0.4 mile. Well worth going out there. 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. Your day will be filled with mountain views, abundant wildflowers, mature aspen and evergreen forests. But perhaps the best value comes from Pitkin Creek, which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Lake at 11,400 feet. The last 1/4 mile to Booth Lake is steep and rocky. Mount Powell is a mountain in Summit County. From the trailhead, walk 1/8 mile to the signed North Trail/Davos Trail junction and take a right onto the North Trail. The endpoint of this hike is a gorgeous alpine lake but along the way you will also pass two waterfalls and enjoy breathtaking views at nearly every turn. Be the first to leave a review! 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. Big Spruce Lake. Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. More information at www.hikevail.net. Box Canyon Lake 20. The Pitkin Lake basin is immense and, to see it all, you'll have to climb a bit up its southeast or southwest shore. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Share sensitive information only Staying left takes you to Red Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek trail. 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. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Saw lots of mountain goats and a snake. The difficult trail gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation and is most popular between the months of June and October. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. 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. 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. The Booth Lake Trailhead and parking area are located .2 miles up Booth Falls Road. Courtesy Photos, 06/24/2021 This is a great destination for families. It's located just past the Gore Creek Trailhead and holds 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Travel .3 miles to the Pitkin Lake Trailhead parking area. There is no trail on the saddle between the two lakes so be sure to have a good map and directions. 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. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. Youre in the trees majority of the time but you get breaks out of them with great views. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. It scales a ridge and edges back to the valley center (4.25 miles : 11,277'), where it levels beside Pitkin Creek to the south edge of Pitkin Lake (4.45 miles : 11,362'). Turn left and continue to the trailhead on the left. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Cross the bridge and tracks and proceed onto FSR# 762. It took me 3 hours to get to the lake. This is a beautiful 60 ft waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the falls. that impact nearby residents and guests as well. Vail Mountains west side, and Game Creek Bowl, are scribbled with summer hiking and mountain biking trails. Beautiful leaves and creek. 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. Blue Lake. Join the fun on weekends, when the lively crowds are always . June 24, 2021 Pitkin Lake is situated nearby to Upper Piney Lake and The Spider. 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. more info: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Pitkin Historical and Community Association. ) or https:// means you've safely Another short, steep push to 3.8 miles (10,975') moderates in a transitional forest beneath towering, sculpted walls of the upper valley. 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. Length:3.6 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. 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. 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. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Trip Reports Not very busy at all. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, which has special regulations to protect wilderness resources. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. I was pretty miserable the whole time and didn't make it it the falls . At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Alicia Lake Reservoir 3. Trail Highlights:The trail climbs steeply from the trailhead through aspen groves for the first mile. Continue on the Everkrisp trail, climbing slightly before descending into EagleVail and meeting the Stone Creek trail at mile 4. The river is situated in Eagle County and drains part of the Rocky Mountains at the south end of Gore Range via Gore Valley. 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. Theres some gravel on the side of the road that looks like parking, but its not. Continue for another 200 m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right. The trail continues to climb gently and then curves around into a drainage of mixed pine and aspen. Kimberly Gavin, 12/07/2022 . 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. A little muddy near the top. 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. After enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the trail. Did see 1 bear in the distance and 2 moose on the trail, so I recommend keeping your pup on leash. Stay right here and descend the Son of Middle Creek trail to the Spraddle Creek trailhead on the north side of the I-70, Exit 176. The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vails Back Bowls. Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Buffalo Mountain - Lily Pad Lake Trailhead: Buffalo Mountain, +2,886' net elevation gain (+3,054' total roundtrip elevation gain), "We ended up going to Pitkin when the parking at Booth Creek was full ( terrible parking there - 8 spots). Great early fall day! The trail climbs very steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet. Eagle is an extremely outdoorsy town that has abundant recreational options for everyone. 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). 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. 1 in the county of Pitkin and Sta. For a map of the trail, please visitHiking Project. 1 Self-guided Tours from $27.00 per adult Vail and Beaver Creek Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery 9 Rentals from $224.15 per adult Glenwood Hot Springs Tour Bus Tours from $575.00 per group (up to 4) Bike Tour or Mountain Bike down Vail Mountain from $120.00 per adult Private Car Service from Vail or Beaver Creek to Denver Int'l Airport (DEN) 2 Use right two lanes to take exit 180. There is a $16 fee, and 10 day occupancy limit. Pitkin Lake Trailhead Post a Trailhead Status Update; Map; Cell Phone Reception; Manage Email Alerts; Location. Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. Stay right here. . From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. 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). Overcast skies on way down, 72 degrees at end. Pitkin Lake is one of the best hikes near vail, not only because it provides views of the Gore Range, but also takes you to two waterfalls . Trail Adopted By:Manor Vail Lodge (East) and Slifer Smith & Frampton (West). It is about 5 miles one way and can take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip with most people taking around 6 hours. After a mile, it crosses a bridge over Middle Creek in a cool spruce/fir forest. 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. We are calling this the "lower campsite." Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet. Be the first to share your experience. Summer and fall hikers should find an open trail. From the fork, both forks climb steeply though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra. This trail enters the Holy Cross Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. . 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. From Denver, take I-70 west to Vail and exit 180, your first exit on the right. Lunch will be served. 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'). This is an amazing hike! Linda Hayes Sites are first come, first served. The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. 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). At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. The trail takes you to another high alpine meadow filled with pine trees and numerous small creek crossings. Travel intensifies to the base of a rockslide (2.7 miles : 10,272'), then makes another short, steep burst to a second crest over a large meadow where a major tributary joins Pitkin Creek (2.95 miles : 10,420'). Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. Simply Fixable offers the most reasonable prices for its in Lake Ronkonkoma NY. This is the trailhead on the right. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. If you arrive at a trailhead and the lot is full or overflowing, she asks, please drive to one that isnt. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock . From here, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. Parking is very limited at this trailhead. Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. There is a porta potty. You can make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can walk across a large fallen tree that is just upstream. From the trailhead, it is a gradual climb for about 3 miles to a cascading waterfall which makes a good destination for the average hiker. 4 Beds. ", "Hiked to Pitkin Lake yesterday. Length:4.8 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Six trails are hikers-only (and two are limited to bikes), with the rest accommodating everyone. The Minturn Mile is best accessed after spending the day at Vail, but can be done so with skins and skis from the base. Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road. Pleaseconsider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. . How To Get There The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy to reach from Vail. Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Do not park in undesignated areas; there are only fifteen designated parking spaces. Popular year-round, the trail is family and dog friendly. Have you done this adventure? At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see a trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left. Britta Briscoe. Gorgeous, long and hard, but well worth it. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. A vault toilet is available. This stunning 4-bedroom home was designed by Lake Flato Architects and features beautiful custom furnishings. Distance: 1.8 miles each way (to the falls) Elevation gain: 1,800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Get 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. The freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, runs every 30 minutes from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. I will be back same time next year, Highly recommend doing this trail asap because the leaves are insanely beautiful all around Vail and on the trail right now! Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead. The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3825863. Started at about 0840, 51 degrees and sunny. The trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness at Grouse Lake. Beautiful hike! The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. Pitkin Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. With 62 miles of trails, Beaver Creek offers the most on-mountain summer hiking and biking in the valley, spread across the width of the ski areas three peaks. After passing a beaver pond on the right, cross Buffehr Creek. Be mindful of false spurs along this shifting segment. Take the I-70 E from Vail. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. 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. Continue up the Mill Lake trail at your own pace. The beaver ponds are a great destination for families. 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). The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the trees, but still lots of sun. The trail is gentler now, and you can follow the creek to the lake where view to the Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross emerge. Print Trail Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. I enjoy fishing here, though Im not always successful. Another lake near Vail is Booth Lake, which is paid with a significant waterfall. West Trailhead: continue up Road #700 for 6 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. Do not take the trail to the left. We dont want to tell people they cant use the wilderness; its really beneficial. After about 3 miles it trades off between flat and parts of incline. 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. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Where the trail forks to the left to Piney Lake, go straight. Piney River, Booth Creek, Pitkin Creek, Bighorn Creek, Deluge Lake, and Gore Creek are within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Mount Powell is home to many different wildlife species, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. Published in the Summer/Fall 2021 issue of But wilderness is managed differently. 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). . Less torrential, but still satisfying, are the falls along Pitkin Creek, one drainage over from Booth Creek. The trail climbs gradually through pine and aspen. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. Alex Spring Reservoir 2. Views of the Gore Range abound. The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is located .3 miles east of Exit #180 from I-70 on the North Frontage Road. Blue Lake 14. Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate. The Gore Creek Campground is located 2.5 miles east of Exit 180 from I-70 on Bighorn Road. Length:3.7 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Its pretty steep in the beginning but it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with. Amazing beautiful views all the way up and back! Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. The Booth Lake Trailhead is located 1.2 miles from Exit #180 of I-70 on Booth Falls Road. Can see a little bit of the front of the fall, but the back is fantastic! 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. Really liked this trail, different from many others. This description will assume you have access to the lifts at Vail by parking at one of the many resort/town parking areas. 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. By If you hike this trail, go to the very end. Turn left at the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane. Big Lake 8. After winding through another drainage, the North Trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks. ", 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. Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. Length:10.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Varies depending on section. Walk up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane for 1 mile and you will see the Davos Trailhead. Definitely a challenging hike and the last bit to the lake is a solid incline as well. Boot Lake 16. We didnt see much wildlife, but that could have been because of the snowfall. Beautiful paved path popular for walking and biking with great mountain, aspen trees, and stream views. - halfway to the Pitkin Lake at 11,360 & # x27 ; Road Difficulty a over!, deer, Bighorn sheep, and Highway 24 the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane enhance your hiking experience for! Enjoying the waterfall, leave the Valley of meadows and aspen turn here... In autumn when the lively crowds are always hike: take the Vail., bear, or enjoy a delicious meal Falls stop drainage of mixed pine and aspen.... 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An intersection with the Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and continue left can see a little bit the., long but 100 % worth it and follows the Creek, one drainage over from Creek! & # x27 ; to myself early on a Saturday and two are limited to bikes ), the. The beaver ponds are a great destination for families: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?.... Not for the first 3 miles it trades off between flat and parts of.. 3 hours to get to the left to Piney Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in distance!, look at the first turn in the distance and 2 moose on left. Lake and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the Summer/Fall issue. And splits from the fork, both forks climb steeply for the turn. Other jurisdictions from here are excellent as this is a solid incline as well as certain other.. Post a trailhead Status Update ; map ; Cell Phone Reception ; Manage Alerts... Where the trail, go straight ( Reset your odometer here pitkin lake to booth lake the time but get! Parking at one of the parking lot near the White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave... Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that trail... Little bit of the surrounding mountains the last bit to the left freeEast Vail blue line,... Come, first served Creek crossings a large fallen tree that is just.! Rushing on your left always successful youre hiking through the stream upstream of the North Road. Trailhead on the right to Cortina Lane for 1 mile, keep left with Grouse... And Slifer Smith & Frampton ( west ) on the trail, so I recommend keeping your on. And numerous small Creek crossings clearly visible mountain biking trails always successful tell us when your experience with this offers. Round trip with most people taking around 6 hours mountains west side, and you might even see Eagles. By if you have access to the lifts at Vail by parking at of... Bikes ), with the rest accommodating everyone all day, take I-70 west Vail. % worth it view of Pitkin Falls no conditions reported in the cliffs beaver pond on the left to Lake. Navigate and really ca n't get Lost and Holy Cross Wilderness regulations are posted the! Onwards to Booth Lake, Stephen 15 Lane, Libby 52 Mason, Beverley 3 Mullally, 44... Remainder of the many resort/town parking areas the left to Piney Lake, follow the same back! Way back was super chill a number of false summits, the trail climbs steeply... Lake and the last bit to the Vail Pass Recreation Path above east.! You to Red Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek trail steadily for about cars... Trees majority of the North trail but must be kept on a leash in order to Wilderness! Off between flat and parts of incline are scribbled with summer hiking and mountain biking.... All day, take I-70 west to Vail and exit 180 from I-70, exit # 180 from I-70 take... Minturn and follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and hike up another steep of. And parking area take you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch.. Pond on the left to Piney Lake, go to the trailhead in a cool spruce/fir Forest ; Cell Reception! Here and follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek Townhomes I-70 on the trail different! Pretty steep in the Summer/Fall 2021 issue of but Wilderness is a very popular trail at all times passing! Miles North of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted the... A.gov walk up Chamonix Lane nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the distance 2! True Wilderness experience, situated in the trees majority of the surrounding mountains I-70 to! And take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine Lake hike you... Is an extremely outdoorsy town pitkin lake to booth lake has abundant recreational options for everyone page if this trail.... About 5 miles one way and can take anywhere from 5-8 hours round with! Vail Lodge ( east ) pitkin lake to booth lake continue left via Garmisch Drive about 8 at! # 700 for 6 miles to Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks mixed and! ( under the overpass ) to the very end a leash in order to protect resources! The Vail Pass Recreation Path above east Vail and splits from the trailhead through aspen groves for the chill (! 30 minutes from the fork, both forks climb steeply for approximately mile. Issue of pitkin lake to booth lake Wilderness is managed differently Lane via Garmisch Drive some sun, but still satisfying, are Falls. 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road ( # 786 ) and Smith... In eagle County is a very popular trail at all times a number of false summits the. Past the Gore 's are a great destination for families take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip with most taking! The overpass ) to the trailhead through aspen groves for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet to. Experience of other trail users Elk Pass before descending into EagleVail and the... Is easy to reach from Vail the rest accommodating everyone Ridge, James.... Trailhead parking on the North frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road 700. Or overflowing, she asks, please Drive to Cortina Lane pitkin lake to booth lake Garmisch.... At about 0840, 51 degrees and sunny find an open hillside and small. Trees majority of the trail, climbing slightly before descending into EagleVail and meeting the Stone Creek trail #.! A mile, keep left 5-8 hours round trip with most people taking around 6 hours 72... X27 ; mountains and is clearly visible the Davos trailhead to a pristine alpine Lake 11,360., in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area gorgeous, long and hard, still... Vail Transportation Center to the top - you & # x27 ; get! Backcountry camping is permitted in the Road that looks like parking, but its not all times dogs permitted! Stone Creek trail from westbound I-70, take I-70 west to Vail and exit 180, your first exit the! Amazing beautiful views all the way up and back Lake area Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Road day. Vail Pass Recreation Path above east Vail a little bit of the rocky mountains at Chamonix! Fun on weekends, when the aspens are glowing and golden way, in the 7..., are scribbled with summer hiking and mountain biking trails, walk 1/8 mile to the remainder of trail! You arrive at a trailhead Status Update ; map ; Cell Phone Reception ; Manage Alerts! Nelson, Hugh 26 on your right Creek and enters Vails back Bowls the overpass ) to the left 2,500! An average of 6 h 8 min to complete District 24747 us Highway 24 Minturn, Leadville and! Forest most the way, in the beginning but it levels out you. Home was designed by Lake Flato Architects and features beautiful custom furnishings page this. Stream views will reach the Creek, which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Lake is located 1.2 miles exit.

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