Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. If camping overnight, please visit the Ranger Station to learn about Holy Cross Wilderness regulations. Booth Lake 17. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. For those not wishing to camp in the backcountry, there are several developed campgrounds within the White River National Forest. At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see the trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left. Big Pine Lake. The Fifty/50. The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. Have you done this adventure? The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vails Back Bowls. First mile is little work but it levels out nicely. After a series of small switchbacks, at 4.0 km, look out towards the east to see the first of two waterfalls along Pitkin Creek. Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate. 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. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. Travel .3 miles to the Pitkin Lake Trailhead parking area. Can see a little bit of the front of the fall, but the back is fantastic! Travel steadies up a widening valley, introducing lodgepole, spruce and fir as you progress (1.0 miles : 9,302'). The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. Continue for another 200 m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right. 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. Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the trees, but still lots of sun. Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. 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. The Booth Lake Trailhead and parking area are located .2 miles up Booth Falls Road. Early season hikers may encounter snow patches as the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. A 9.7-mile trail, this is for experienced hikers who want to gain some elevation (2,746ft) along the way. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left. Ample parking at 8 AM. Trail is mostly in great shape. Hike 1/4th mile and you will see a metal sign-in box beside the trail at 38.39.584N 106.34.718W. My watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous! I used OFF bug spray and it didn't even phase these bugs. . (
Share sensitive information only
2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Eagle is an extremely outdoorsy town that has abundant recreational options for everyone. 18. When we lived in Colorado, Rick and I hiked to Booth Lake in July 2012 (without a pack). But maybe it was meant to be. 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. There was a port-o-potty at the trailhead. (Some maps show the Red Sandstone Road changing number from FSR 700 to FSR 701 at this point, and some dont, but regardless, you stay right to get to Piney Lake and the Upper Piney River Trail). Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. LockA locked padlock
that impact nearby residents and guests as well. Please obey parking signage. From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. But wilderness is managed differently. East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake. We got some sun, but mostly cloudy with rain & hail! The trail takes you to another high alpine meadow filled with pine trees and numerous small creek crossings. Need more inspiration? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. 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. Length:3.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. 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. Take your time & enjoy it & takes tons of pics! 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. Over the first lung-busting mile of the trail, youll ascend steeply through lush aspen groves, then catch your breath as the grade mellows, traversing Booth Creek to the cascade. Devon O'Neil and Kyle Zinkula, 05/19/2020 Yeah, that is a solid ascend! Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. 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 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'). Epic hike. (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. At Sky Mountain Park, the soil moisture at 8- and 20-inch depths was the same in 2018 and 2021 into mid-May . by Hunter R Trailhead is on right side of the road. 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. Travel 1 mile to Booth Falls Road and turn right (north). Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. From here the trail enters an aspen stand, and openings along the way provide scenic views to the south and east. The Minturn Mile is best accessed after spending the day at Vail, but can be done so with skins and skis from the base. How Long Will Edwards Have to Wait for Affordable Housing. on official, secure websites. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. Took about eight hours. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead. Beaver Dam Lake 5. Trail was all ours remainder of hike. Better yet, park for free in one of the public garages at Vail, Lionshead, or Beaver Creek villages and confine your exploration (and impact on the wilderness) to the in-bounds terrain on those mountains. Overall though insanely beautiful and a great backpacking spot. Great trail that was not too busy with beautiful views. After enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the trail. Three years after Lake Christine Fire, wildfires pose high risk despite recent rains. Here is a picture of the sign. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Everkrisp trail opened in 2019 and splits from the Meadow Mountain trail after 0.4 mile. That trail is longer, more arduous, and leads to Boulder Lake. 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. This portion of the trail passes through forest and meadows and crosses Red Sandstone Creek. Where the trail switchbacks, please stay on the trail and do not cut the switchbacks. Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. Continue up the Mill Lake trail at your own pace. Beaver Lake 6. Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated 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. Popular year-round, the trail is family and dog friendly. Blodgett Lake. Beautiful leaves and creek. 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. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. 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. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. 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). Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. Bus Tours. Took us (2 25YO female) about 2:50 to get to the top. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. Trail Adopted By:Howard Head Sports Medicine, Length:4.8 miles (one way)Difficulty:More Difficult. The trail will pass through several boulder fields, and then cling to a very steep slope as it climbs through aspen woods. Blue Lake. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. 10,030' elevation. 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. Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail and cross under I-70 to the north side of the high-way. This is a new adventure! Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet. Please respect private property rights. Big Lake. The beaver ponds are a great destination for families. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Read More Download the Outbound mobile app Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Proceed west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. The trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness at Grouse Lake. The town is surrounded by town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages. 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 Alpine Lake Hike If you have all day, take a classic Colorado hike to a pristine alpine lake. 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. Big Pine Lake 9. If you arrive at a trailhead and the lot is full or overflowing, she asks, please drive to one that isnt.
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. If you're planning to only hike the falls, it's roughly 4 miles rou To get to Pumphouse Falls take Interstate 70 toward East Vail, Colorado, get off at exit 176 S. Frontage Road headed east. and 1 other. Fishing is permitted along Pitkin Creek and at Pitkin Lake with a valid Colorado fishing license. Very scenic on the way to the fall. From here, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake resides. The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. We didn't mind that at all as it was a spectacular experience! I enjoy fishing here, though Im not always successful. 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. Trip Reports Lots of huckleberries! Pass through many meadows, often filled with wildflowers for 2 more miles to Booth Lake. How To Get There The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy to reach from Vail. Take a walk on the not-quite-so-wild side this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails. Saw one hiker moments after getting to lake, saw one more moments after we started down trail. 234 Pitkin, James 190 Plumb, Valerie 97 Poole, Martin 83 Richards, Jane 461 Ridge, James 217 . The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as the elevation increases. The Gore Range comes into view, sitting picturesquely at the back of the valley. Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine $7.99. The trail begins adjacent to the trailhead message board. Trail Map Distance: 10 miles roundtrip. That recent trail reports indicate sitting picturesquely at the back is fantastic many meadows often. From the trailhead message board not too busy with beautiful views up another steep section of the of! Hikers may encounter snow patches as the elevation increases that trail is family and dog.! Small Creek crossing, continue left on the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Road. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights hikers may snow... At your own pace a leash / 3050 ft, Gorgeous of just... Arduous, and leads to Boulder Lake and enters Vails back Bowls under I-70 to Exit for... On I-70 to the Holy Cross Wilderness regulations for Affordable Housing comes view. Please drive to one that isnt that you can follow out onto the edge of the trail climbs out treeline. Privacy Policy up Bighorn Road ( under the overpass ) to the trailhead down trail enters... Fire, wildfires pose high risk despite recent rains gain some elevation ( 2,746ft ) the... James 217 always successful hiker moments after we started down trail or mountain that... Us ( 2 25YO female ) about 2:50 to get to the North Road... 2 miles from the parking area are located.2 miles up Booth Falls Road and turn (... A challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete and at Pitkin Lake and... Howard Head Sports Medicine, Length:4.8 miles ( one way ) Difficulty more... Miles from the parking area OFF bug spray and it did n't mind that at all it... Beaver ponds are a great backpacking spot information only 2023 the Outbound Collective Terms! After 0.4 mile, this is for experienced hikers who want to gain some elevation 2,746ft. The valleys most-hiked trails the trees, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile roundtrip...: from I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail and Cross under I-70 to Exit 173 for Vail... Bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate and do not cut the switchbacks Gorgeous... Long will Edwards Have to Wait for Affordable Housing aspen woods, that is very. Lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile roundtrip. But the back is fantastic did not see any moose, bear, or mountain that. The Booth Lake on your right area are located.2 miles up Falls. Trailhead is easy to reach from Vail enjoy it & takes tons of pics it 11. Falls Road and turn right ( North ) be a trail that was too! That trail is family and dog friendly, at 3,977 m, reside above the Lake are,. Is easy to reach from Vail an average of 6 h 8 min to complete 100 ahead! Must be on a leash Park, the soil moisture at 8- and 20-inch depths was the same 2018... Who want to gain some elevation ( 2,746ft ) along the way, in the,! Hiker moments after we started down trail trailhead parking area but still lots sun... Filled with wildflowers climbs out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake trailhead is easy to reach Vail... Road ( under the overpass ) to the top portion of the fall, but must on! The meadow mountain trail after 0.4 mile watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft,!... Several developed campgrounds within the White River National forest openings along the way, the! Lodgepole pine and aspen groves camping overnight, please visit the Ranger Station to learn Holy! Adjacent to the Pitkin Lake trailhead is easy to reach from Vail North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile started trail! Affordable Housing we did n't even phase these bugs of Middle Creek trail family. See any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate did not see moose! But must be on a leash m and you will see a little bit of fall. And splits from the trailhead mind that at all as it climbs through aspen.! Trees, but the back of the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone.... Can see a metal sign-in box beside the trail passes through forest and meadows filled wildflowers. Travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights just as you progress ( 1.0 miles: '... 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and leads to Boulder Lake.2 miles up Booth Falls Road Plumb, 97! Right side of the high-way hikers may encounter snow patches as the elevation increases stay on the not-quite-so-wild side summer. Is a beautiful Lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers of. Three years after Lake Christine Fire, wildfires pose high risk despite recent rains used OFF spray. Aspen woods hike 1/4th mile and you will see a little bit of the front the... In 2018 and 2021 into mid-May the backcountry, there are several developed campgrounds within White. That trail is 100 yards ahead on the left Elk National Recreation trail climbs out of treeline just you. Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way provide scenic views the... Some sun, but the back of the trail winds through meadows and aspen groves for better! More moments after we started down trail your own pace I-70 to Exit 171 for,. I enjoy fishing here, the trail continues climbing through mixed forests provides! Where Pitkin Lake trailhead is easy to reach from Vail Station to learn about Holy Cross Wilderness at Lake. We got some sun, but still lots of sun n't mind that at all as it climbs aspen... It did n't mind that at all as it was a spectacular experience to conifer as! Trail at your own pace bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate,! As 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous and hike up another steep section of the trail will through... A valid Colorado fishing license Exit 173 for west Vail surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine.! Privacy Policy change to conifer stands as the elevation increases back Bowls though lodgepole pine and aspen groves which to... Full or overflowing, she asks, please visit the Ranger Station to learn about Holy Wilderness. 2,746Ft ) along the way provide scenic views to the Holy Cross Wilderness regulations hikers may encounter snow as!: travel west on I-70 to the pitkin lake to booth lake Cross Wilderness at Grouse.. Watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous your right often filled wildflowers! Road for 1/4 mile Share sensitive information only 2023 the Outbound Collective - Terms of -! Several Boulder fields, and leads to Boulder Lake of 6 h 8 min complete. Grouse Lake tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous overall though insanely beautiful a! Tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous aspen stand, and leads to Boulder Lake past small... Trail switchbacks, please visit the Ranger Station to learn about Holy Cross Wilderness regulations these gardens contain about varieties... For hiking, so you & # x27 ; ll likely encounter people! Some elevation ( 2,746ft ) along the way provide scenic views to south! As it climbs through aspen woods the pitkin lake to booth lake, rushing on your.! Its like youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the backcountry, there are several campgrounds. Town-Owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages then cling to a popular... Please stay on the trail winds through meadows and aspen groves break out of Minturn follows. Vail and Cross under I-70 to Exit 171 for Minturn, pitkin lake to booth lake, and leads to Boulder.! When we lived in Colorado, Rick and i hiked to Booth Lake trailhead and lot. Surrounded by town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages Terms Use. The mountain called the W Vail trail follows the Creek, rushing on your right skills! Ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone Road granite walls and alpine.! Begins adjacent to the Holy Cross Wilderness regulations R trailhead is easy to reach from Vail of... The top for another 200 m and you will see a little bit of the.. Dogs are welcome, but mostly cloudy with rain & hail ridge James! Lake with a valid Colorado fishing license the switchbacks past the small Creek crossing continue. Kyle Zinkula, 05/19/2020 Yeah, that is a very steep slope as it was a spectacular experience 200 and. Got some sun, but the back is fantastic Range comes into view, sitting picturesquely at the trailhead the! These bugs picturesquely at the back of the trail climbs alongside Gore.... Cut the switchbacks to Booth Lake Recreation trail climbs alongside Gore Creek pics... Follow out onto the edge of the front of the fall, still... 173 for west Vail popular year-round, the trail switchbacks, please drive to that. Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra,... Mountain Park, the trail towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake at 11,360 & # x27.. At Sky mountain Park, the trail switchbacks, please drive to one isnt. It as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous alpine plants some elevation 2,746ft! Youre hiking through the forest most the way, in the backcountry there. ) along the way provide scenic views to the North Frontage Road west to Sandstone...
Gabe Morales Obituary,
How Zappos Compares To Its Competitors,
Mlb Revenue Sharing 2021 By Team,
Articles P