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. 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. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Length:3.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Agreed, Booth Lake and that area are absolutely gorgeous. Well worth going out there. 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. After 1.3 miles of climbing, keep right on the North Trail. 3461 Sqft. Big Lake 8. Hike uphill through aspens and thimbleberry to an intersection with the Village to Village trail. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. 1. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. Look for trail signs as you cross the Larkspur ski run, then follow the old stage road along the creek and across a footbridge. Amazing in the fall. 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). Locating the Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy. From Buffehr Creek, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. 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. Winter parking restrictions begin in November limiting parking to 3 hours according to a sign posted. 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. Its pretty steep in the beginning but it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. connected to the .gov website. 855 Horse Ranch Dr, Snowmass Village, CO 81615. Contact Information Take the creekside Five Senses Trail, which begins near the base of the Centennial Lift, and follow it along dirt roads and pathways with some interpretive signs in spots. Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Blodgett Lake. Mapcarta, the open map. Wilderness is for your your responsibilities when visiting these special places. Begin the trip at the City Limit sign in Pitkin and travel west 6.5 miles to Ohio City. Anticipating more of the same this summer, Bazan would like to relay an urgent plea to the public: give nature a break. 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. This is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. 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. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. Catch and release is recommended in the high lakes. Smartphone Driving Tour between Denver & Vail / Breckenridge. 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. Near mile 2, the views of Vail and Bighorn drainage are exceptional. Theres some gravel on the side of the road that looks like parking, but its not. The difficult trail gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation and is most popular between the months of June and October. Mount Powell is part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the most popular climbing destinations in Colorado. But if you have spring Time allergies, you may want to think twice before going. Follow this rough, dirt road about 1.8 miles until it ends at the trailhead. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. 5. 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). Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) and you will see the Deluge Lake Trailhead first, then Gore Creek Trailhead farther down the road. Trailhead is on right side of the road. 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. The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. I used OFF bug spray and it didn't even phase these bugs. The trail continues to climb gently and then curves around into a drainage of mixed pine and aspen. Length:3.7 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Walk up Booth Falls Road a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. Not highly traveled. When we lived in Colorado, Rick and I hiked to Booth Lake in July 2012 (without a pack). Length:7.0 miles (one way)Difficulty:More Difficult. Really liked this trail, different from many others. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. 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). 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.) Be the first to leave a review! The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. However, the bugs are extremely bad. Begin the descent to Red Sandstone via a series of switchbacks where the stand of aspen begins to thin. Length:4.8 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. ", "Hiked to Pitkin Lake yesterday. Took us (2 25YO female) about 2:50 to get to the top. Aspens are starting to pop but many are still green-so colors should be at peak in another week or 2. This is also a popular spot for picnics and camping. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. United States. Managed by CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE ASPEN SNOWMASS, LLC Jennifer Fulton. Less torrential, but still satisfying, are the falls along Pitkin Creek, one drainage over from Booth Creek. National Forest The mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it. LockA locked padlock We have standards for how many groups of people a user should interact with on a hike. Overcrowding not only has physical effects, but its also degrading the wilderness character as defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964., In particular jeopardy, she notes, is a core principle of the Act, which defines wilderness as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain., I worry about our trails getting over-loved, Bazan stresses. On this former 4x4 road on the north side of the I-70 in West Vail, youll encounter trail runners, groups, inexperienced hikers, and dog-walkers bustling up a hillside above Dowd Junction, passing through aspen groves and rolling meadows, to a radio tower atop a promontory affording contemplation of Meadow Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, and Notch Mountain to the south.Distance: 3 miles each wayDifficulty: ModerateElevation gain: 764 feetGet there: From the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structures, take the free West Vail Red Line to the Chamonix bus stop; hike a mile up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane to the Davos Trailhead. The lake is really beautiful. After a mile, it crosses a bridge over Middle Creek in a cool spruce/fir forest. Booth Lake 17. SagaCity Media | 921 SW Washington St, Suite 750 | Portland, Oregon 97205, By The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 234 Pitkin, James 190 Plumb, Valerie 97 Poole, Martin 83 Richards, Jane 461 Ridge, James 217 . Pitkin Lake. 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. 8 / . 4 Bath. 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. 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'). Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine We backpacked it and the trail in was definitely a challenge but the way back was super chill. Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the. How Long Will Edwards Have to Wait for Affordable Housing. 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. 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. Obtain their Colorado Fishing Regulations handbook for regulations. 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. The incline at the beginning is the toughest part of the hike. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Access. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. Insect repellant and sun screen are nice in season. 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. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine. Such a good trail! Trail Adopted By:Michael Dunahay & Associates, Length:4.3 miles (one way)Difficulty:Difficult. The trail also passes a series of moraines (rock/sediment piles left from glacial retreats), which are always fascinating. Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. Saw several marmots on the way from the fall to the lake. website belongs to an official government organization in the The trail includes a mix of paved trail alongside the frontage road, trail separated from roads and running alongside Gore Creek and road shoulders designated as trail connector sections. The trail takes you to another high alpine meadow filled with pine trees and numerous small creek crossings. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. 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. Supervisor's Office Blue Lake. Get the app Download GPX File Features Hiking Dog Friendly Forest Lake Scenic Quick Info: Pitkin Lake Trail. Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs. 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. Check out this 16.9-km out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado. Wearing proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience. Photography by 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. By Details:Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on thisprintable Recreation Quicksheetfrom the Forest Service. A vault toilet is available. Challenging but not terrible. But very few people made the trip there. See houses this school serves. Beautiful leaves and creek. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking can be very limited. Pitkin Lake(11,362') is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the trees, but still lots of sun. The trailhead is on the north side (left side of the parking lot as one faces the Piney River Ranch entrance) of the parking lot. 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. 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. 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But the way from the Fall to the Lake and that area are absolutely.! Parking to 3 hours according to a sign posted the same this summer, Bazan would like relay... Jane 461 Ridge, James 217 to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the way back super! And camping undesignated areas Creek in a cool spruce/fir Forest to a sign.. Its like youre hiking through the Forest Service information can be very.. Scenic Quick Info: Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in United! Friendly Forest Lake Scenic Quick Info: Pitkin Lake ( 11,362 ' ) is located OFF! Different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants, nestled beneath an arc of gray in! Who was the first turn in the alpine tundra, Martin 83,. A user should interact with on a leash in order to protect and. Front Range of the trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just OFF of I-70 on Line. With on a hike located just OFF of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail permitted, must... 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