Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate. Epic hike. SagaCity Media | 921 SW Washington St, Suite 750 | Portland, Oregon 97205, By 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. Park your vehicle in a manner that permits traffic to pass up the two wheel trail that continues upward. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. Hike uphill through aspens and thimbleberry to an intersection with the Village to Village trail. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. Pitkin Historical and Community Association. Turning right at the last junction allows you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch Drive. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Pitkin Lake is situated nearby to Upper Piney Lake and The Spider. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Very easy to navigate and really can't get lost. Incline is hard at points, I like that :) Lake was beautiful. Stop by or call the Vail Welcome Center for more information. Sites are first come, first served. Started at about 0840, 51 degrees and sunny. Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. When we lived in Colorado, Rick and I hiked to Booth Lake in July 2012 (without a pack). The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. My watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous! Grades 9-12 public. Incredible lake. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. 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. 36 Lake, Stephen 15 Lane, Libby 52 Mason, Beverley 3 Mullally, Sarah 44 Nelson, Hugh 26 . Meadows were a carpet of color. I'm guessing it's the fall foliage. . The Booth Creek Falls trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the aspens are glowing and golden. After passing a beaver pond on the right, cross Buffehr Creek. Walk down North Frontage Road for 200 yards and you will see the Trappers Run Trailhead. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Travel 1 mile to Booth Falls Road and turn right (north). 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. Walk up Potato Patch Road to USFS Red Sandstone Road for 1 1/4 miles and you will see the North Trail/Son of Middle Creek Trailhead. It wasn't slippery at all. It ascends through meadows, aspen, and conifer forests, offering views in all directions until it meets the Whiskey Creek trail at mile 2. In a quarter mile, the you will reach the parking area for Pitkin Lake Trail. Pitkin Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Vail, 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. We didn't mind that at all as it was a spectacular experience! Be mindful of false spurs along this shifting segment. Continue for another 200 m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right. Plenty of parking available. The only other option is to park in town and take a shuttle which is free but much less convenient in this situation because it stops at multiple places en route to the trailhead. The water puddles, just walk on the grass to the right or left. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Aspens are starting to pop but many are still green-so colors should be at peak in another week or 2. Be forewarned. The incline at the beginning is the toughest part of the hike. The freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, runs every 30 minutes from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. ( Big Spruce Lake 10. Grades moderate past .3 miles (8,955') on a grassy slope between thick aspen stands and the creek. Jane Gendron, Cindy Hirschfeld, and Ted Katauskas, 12/15/2021 Dogs are permitted, butmust be kept on a leashin order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Distance: 10 miles roundtrip. Only made it half way. After about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks reveal the first of two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek about 200 yards to the east. 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. It is a long hike to the lake. 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. 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. Its also a great hike for socializing, as much of it traces a wide (former wagon) trail where you dont have to walk single-file. Continue onwards to Booth Lake for a real butt-busting challenge with killer scenery. Pitkin Lake For a day filled with hiking, choose the Pitkin Lake Trail. Lots of elevation gain in the beginning but it does even out for periods. But wilderness is managed differently. Pitkin #2012. 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.) Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead. Boot Lake 16. Wonderful hike! East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake. The trail then flattens out a bit, and you reach Booth Falls at mile two. There is one water crossing not far from the lake. 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). 1 in the county of Pitkin and Sta. MANCHESTER Concordia Lutheran Church, will host a Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 40 Pitkin St., with a baked goods table. The trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent. . There is a $16 fee, and 10 day occupancy limit. . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Begin the descent to Red Sandstone via a series of switchbacks where the stand of aspen begins to thin. Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. Difficult but not impossible, long but 100% worth it! 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. Gore Valley Trail: Bighorn to Eagle River, Mill Creek Road and Main Vail- Vail Village Loop, Vail to Minturn via Berrypicker Trail and Cougar Ridge, Eagle's Nest via Gitalong, Cub's Way, and Post Road. Walk up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane for 1 mile and you will see the Davos Trailhead. This is a new adventure! Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Beaver Lake. Did see 1 bear in the distance and 2 moose on the trail, so I recommend keeping your pup on leash. 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 . Access:No parking at the Booth Lake Trailhead for the 2022 season. The trail also passes a series of moraines (rock/sediment piles left from glacial retreats), which are always fascinating. Lunch will be served. Campsite parking spurs are 30-40' long, but no electric hook-ups, running water or dump stations are available. ", "Nice trail. Overcast skies on way down, 72 degrees at end. 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). Black Lake 11. 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). 18. The incline is pretty gradual. Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. Wearing proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience. The Pitkin Lake trailhead parking area only holds about 15 cars, and there's no overflow parking because it's in the middle of a neighborhood. 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. Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure. 10,030' elevation. 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. The trail passes beaver ponds and the remains of old mining camps as well as Bighorn Falls. Please respect this valued piece of Eagle County history by not disturbing the cabin remains. 855 Horse Ranch Dr, Snowmass Village, CO 81615. Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. Print Trail Pitkin lake is situated at the bottom of huge mountains and is stunning. 7 miles by watch GPS. Its pretty steep in the beginning but it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with. Only passed about eight other hikers all day long. Scenic vistas of Mount of the Holy Cross and Battle Mountain are prevalent throughout the hike. Challenging but not terrible. Take plenty of water and some snacks. Very rewarding once you get to the meadows. Not many people on a Monday. Other gardens include the Children's Garden and Schoolhouse Garden. 8 / . 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. Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. Take your time & enjoy it & takes tons of pics! Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. We dont want to tell people they cant use the wilderness; its really beneficial. Not a lot of shade coverage but the lake itself is absolutely beautiful and we went swimming. Turn left at the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane. 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. At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. Managed by CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE ASPEN SNOWMASS, LLC Jennifer Fulton. Walk up Booth Falls Road a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. Quick Info: Pitkin Lake Trail. For those not wishing to camp in the backcountry, there are several developed campgrounds within the White River National Forest. The GPS reading is 38-40-442N and 106.35.303W . 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. . Have you done this adventure? Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Trail Adopted By:Manor Vail Lodge (East) and Slifer Smith & Frampton (West). Share sensitive information only But wilderness is managed differently. 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'). Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. 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. The beaver ponds are a great destination for families. Bowl of Tears 19. Pitkin Lake near Vail requires a 9.5-mile hike along a trail that climbs 3,000 feet in elevation. Trail Adopted By:RA Nelson, Town of Vail Employees, Length:3.0 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure. 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. At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. There is limitedparking at the trailhead. Obtain their Colorado Fishing Regulations handbook for regulations. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. Saw one hiker moments after getting to lake, saw one more moments after we started down trail. Trail Adopted By:Michael Dunahay & Associates, Length:4.3 miles (one way)Difficulty:Difficult. Beyond the falls the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Merge right and travel south 2.7 miles and turn left onto Cemetery Road. Really liked this trail, different from many others. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This is the trailhead on the right. Phone repair; Tablet repair; Computer repair; Smart Watch Repair; Franchise; Official info (631)676-7111 . Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Contact Information Wilderness is for your your responsibilities when visiting these special places. Here is a picture of the sign. Pitkin Lake Trail Beaver Lake 6. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=41395&actid=50, printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions. Pitkin Lake is incredible- it's a serene, alpine lake surrounded by granite walls dotted with pine trees. Most people turn around here, but you can continue 0.75 mile on the trail to reach the east trailhead. Alpine Lake Hike If you have all day, take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine lake. An old homestead marks this site. Exit here, turn left, and pass under the interstate. The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. Insect repellant and sun screen are nice in season. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. 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. Only a handful of spots at the trailhead. After ascending through the fallen trees of an avalanche chute, youll quickly leave the valley floor behind. At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. Missouri Lakes, Fancy Lake, Booth Lake, Pitkin Lake, Piney Lake and the Seven Sisters Lakes are a few choices that make for an unforgettable experience. Took about eight hours. Look for and find the trail head marker that stands alone and is clearly visible. Views span from the Gore Range to Tennessee Pass. Agreed, Booth Lake and that area are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely a challenging hike and the last bit to the lake is a solid incline as well. Proceed west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. The weather was good until I got to the lake and the temp dropped a lot in 10 min and it started snowing but not much. 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. Along the way, there are good views of Vail Mountain. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. 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. Son of Middle Creek trail ascends the hillside on the north side of I-70, offering views of Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail. Be the first to share your experience. From Buffehr Creek, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. 4 Beds. 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. A vault toilet is available. At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see a trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left. Youll follow Pitkin Creek for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage. Amazing in the fall. Beautiful paved path popular for walking and biking with great mountain, aspen trees, and stream views. Cross the meadow and begin a strenuous climb up the far side through a dense spruce-fir forest. Follow Us. 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. Contact the Holy Cross Ranger District (970.827.5715) for the latest on weather, trail conditions and trail-specific usage guidelines when planning your trip. Follow the road for about 0.4 miles and take a left at the trail sign to continue on the North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek section). 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. From here the trail enters an aspen stand, and openings along the way provide scenic views to the south and east. Length:3.6 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Pitkin Lake(11,362') is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. 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. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a longer backpacking trip, the Eagles Nest Wilderness has something to offer. Take a walk on the not-quite-so-wild side this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails. Walk up Buffehr Creek Road a 1/4 mile and you will see the Buffehr Creek Trailhead. Please obey parking signage. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 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