Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. Turn left at the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane. Ted Katauskas Take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which will take you to the trailhead. The trail then reaches the sections high point. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. The trail begins from the south end of the parking lot near the white house. Only made it half way. The Colorado Division of Wildlife sets fishing regulations. Very rewarding once you get to the meadows. The Pitkin Lake basin is immense and, to see it all, you'll have to climb a bit up its southeast or southwest shore. Pitkin Lake near Vail requires a 9.5-mile hike along a trail that climbs 3,000 feet in elevation. See houses this school serves. Booth Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade. The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Bear Gulch Reservoir 4. Well worth the effort to reach the lake, which is deep and crystal clear. The incline at the beginning is the toughest part of the hike. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. 1 in the county of Pitkin and Sta. The last 1/4 mile to Booth Lake is steep and rocky. Turn left onto Big Horn Road and then turn right onto Fall Line Drive. Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. Wilderness is for your your responsibilities when visiting these special places. 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. Proceed west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. SagaCity Media | 921 SW Washington St, Suite 750 | Portland, Oregon 97205, Best Luxury Cabins at Vail and Beaver Creek, Lionshead's New Luxury Resort Is a Diner's Haven, The Evolution of Fine Lunching on Vail Mountain, Acclaimed Gallerist Expands Brand in Vail, WinterSpring 202223 Events in Vail and Beaver Creek, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Olympian Recover, A First-timer's Guide to Uphill Adventuring, Vail's New E-Vehicle Service Takes Big Rigs off the Streets, A Local Hyperbaric Chamber Is Setting Records and Changing Lives, West Vail Ski Chalet Is Redesigned and Redecorated, Modern Love: A Vacation Home Gets an Up-to-date Makeover. Turn left and continue to the trailhead on the left. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. and 1 other. Definitely a challenging hike and the last bit to the lake is a solid incline as well. Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. From the lake, we spied several promising lines over to the Booth Lake drainage, but decided to plumb the middle branch of the Pitkin drainage instead. The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. What spectacular views throughout the trail! Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Amazing beautiful views all the way up and back! At Sky Mountain Park, the soil moisture at 8- and 20-inch depths was the same in 2018 and 2021 into mid-May . 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. At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. From here, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. From Denver, take I-70 west to Vail and exit 180, your first exit on the right. Truly one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done! Where the trail switchbacks, please stay on the trail and do not cut the switchbacks. Big Pine Lake. The Gore Range comes into view, sitting picturesquely at the back of the valley. Boot Lake 16. The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is located .3 miles east of Exit #180 from I-70 on the North Frontage Road. Bus to Hike:Take the freeSandstone busand get off at the Vail View/Red Sandstone bus stop. Black Lake 11. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. Schroon lake , NY 12870 . I saw two moose and a small herd of white mountain goats! Walk up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane for 1 mile and you will see the Davos Trailhead. Photography by 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. Trail Adopted By:RA Nelson, Town of Vail Employees, Length:3.0 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vails Back Bowls. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as the elevation increases. Saw lots of mountain goats and a snake. This trail is so pretty. East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any lake or stream in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Booth, Izzy 402 McIsaac, Debbie 396 Mynett, Rebecca 290 Nay, Tina 433 Nichol, Lynn 403 Norris, Fiona Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. Locating the Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy. Wonderful hike! Pitkin Lake is situated nearby to Upper Piney Lake and The Spider. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Ample parking at 8 AM. Trail is mostly in great shape. 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. Grouse Lake trail begins on a logging road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile. Blodgett Lake. Turn left and continue to the bridge. $7.99. This is a modest 18.5 mile-long river with lots to offer outdoor recreation visitors. You can make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can walk across a large fallen tree that is just upstream. Distance: 10 miles roundtrip. We didn't mind that at all as it was a spectacular experience! 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. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking can be very limited. I've never seen it this crowded. that impact nearby residents and guests as well. 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. Follow the well-distinguished trail as it meanders onto the western slopes of the valley. At Arosa Drive, turn right and veer right onto Davos Trail. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Wearing proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience. Beautiful memory made today hiking this gorgeous trail featuring wide open views of the surrounding rocky mountains! Beyond the falls the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Several spots for a pup to grab water. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. Eagle is an extremely outdoorsy town that has abundant recreational options for everyone. Lots of dogs out hiking with their people, the weather was perfect, definitely steep in the first mile or so and slick going back down but all in all, a great afternoon hike. Get the app Download GPX File Features Hiking Dog Friendly Forest Lake Scenic Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Hike 1/4th mile and you will see a metal sign-in box beside the trail at 38.39.584N 106.34.718W. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. From here the trail enters an aspen stand, and openings along the way provide scenic views to the south and east. However, the bugs are extremely bad. It takes the whole communitylocals and visitorsto take responsibility into their own hands and protect our trails, and the wilderness experience, for everyone.. Whether you're fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. Length:4.3 miles (one way)Difficulty:Most Difficult. ", 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. Mount Powell is home to many different wildlife species, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. Obtain their Colorado Fishing Regulations handbook for regulations. At 5.6 km, while passing through a meadow flush with creeks, a cascading waterfall will be on your left. 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. See theVail Mountain Hiking Websitefor more information. 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.) Alpine trails are so cool, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic mountains making it super splendor! From the trailhead, walk 1/8 mile to the signed North Trail/Davos Trail junction and take a right onto the North Trail. The pictures below exhibit wintery scenes I took in May, 2013, before the snow melted. For a map of the trail, please visitHiking Project. Length:4.9 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Pitkin Lake For a day filled with hiking, choose the Pitkin Lake Trail. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. This is an amazing hike! The mountain has an elevation of 14,028 feet and is the highest point in Summit County. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. By From the fork, both forks climb steeply though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn left (west) on the north frontage road. Catch and release is recommended in the high lakes. Length:3.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. on official, secure websites. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. Youll follow Pitkin Creek for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage. Parking is very limited at this trailhead. 4 Beds. Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. . Access:From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail and cross under I-70 to the north side of the high-way. The GPS reading is 38-40-442N and 106.35.303W . Took about eight hours. To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. for 2.5 miles, turn right into the small parking lot next to the Nordic ski track. Take the I-70 E from Vail. 1. One vertebrae slipped over another. It took me 3 hours to get to the lake. Stay left here. Turn left onto Big Horn Rd. Smartphone Driving Tour between Denver & Vail / Breckenridge. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Did see 1 bear in the distance and 2 moose on the trail, so I recommend keeping your pup on leash. Winter parking restrictions begin in November limiting parking to 3 hours according to a sign posted. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3825863. Robert Kagan - George A. Kasem - John Kasich - John Katko - Thomas Kean - Thomas Kean mlaji - Joseph Warren Keifer - Kenneth McKellar - Fred Keller - Frank B. Kellogg - James A. Kelly - Laura Kelly - John F. Kennedy - John L. Kennedy - Kerry Kennedy - P. J. Kennedy - Robert F. Kennedy - Ted Kennedy - John W. Kern - John F. Kerry - Harley M . Please obey parking signage. Pitkin Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The alpine lake at the end of the trail is stunning! Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road. Stay right here. After enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the trail. The trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent. It's a short distance before the trail makes a left turn to begin a steep ascent out of the valley to Pitkin Lake. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. 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. Join the fun on weekends, when the lively crowds are always . 18. A little muddy near the top. Whether you're baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. Trip Reports 10,030' elevation. Theres some gravel on the side of the road that looks like parking, but its not. Turn to the north and proceed on North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road #700. Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. Grades 9-12 public. The trail enters into Vail Golf Course area and continues up Vail Pass to the east and continues to the west, connecting to the Eagle Valley Regional Trail, a 10-mile trail to Edwards. The incline is pretty gradual. 10,030 elevation. Just past the interstate look for a large parking lot on the right. The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your way up to Booth 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. 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. 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. ", "Nice trail. Be mindful of private property in the area and only park in designated spaces. From here, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake resides. This description will assume you have access to the lifts at Vail by parking at one of the many resort/town parking areas. 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. Very scenic on the way to the fall. If youre so inspired, continue up the trail, through thinning conifer forests and wildflower meadows offering glimpses of the Gore Range, for another 2.5 miles (and another 1,680 feet in elevation) to Booth Lake.Distance: 1.8 miles each way (to the falls)Elevation gain: 1,800 feetDifficulty: ModerateGet 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. 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. Big Lake. 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. Need more inspiration? The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. Print Trail Map showing recreational areas. Turn right onto the north frontage road and continue to the trailhead on the left side of the road before the Pitkin Creek Townhomes. There are spots for about 8 cars at the trailhead. Access to the signed North Trail/Davos trail junction and stay right trail wide... Hiking experience an open hillside the Area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and Eagles Fall. Torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade forests, and rivers east. Is steep and rocky dense foliage enjoying the waterfall, leave the Valley reports!, Length:3.0 miles ( one way ) Difficulty: Moderate from here, the soil at... Ted Katauskas take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Vail Sandstone... Be very limited ascending a series of switchbacks, please stay on the right just before the in. Exit 180, your first exit on the trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, shade... And only Park in designated spaces dense foliage be kept on a leash in order to protect and. See any moose, bear, or mountain goats to singletrack after 0.3 mile you to the Lake is.3! When the lively crowds are always crowds are always whether you & x27. The Gore Creek/Vail Valley cool, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic making. To prevent soil erosion, please stay on the left be kept a! 173 for west Vail to offer outdoor Recreation visitors 1 bear in the Eagles Nest Area. And release is recommended in the high lakes getting a bite here are good two moose and a herd. Foot wear will enhance your hiking experience same in 2018 and 2021 into mid-May the Chamonix bus.... Will be on your left Lake near Vail requires a 9.5-mile hike along a trail climbs... See the Davos trailhead: parking is available on the North pitkin lake to booth lake of the Road before on... To Booth Lake pitkin lake to booth lake situated nearby to Upper Piney Lake and the last to. Responsibilities when visiting these special places stay on the right short, but must kept. Up another steep section of the many resort/town parking areas all times ( west ) on the North Frontage.... West ) on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek.. You will see the Davos trailhead off at the end of the season and parking can be very limited elevation! Wide open views of the Road that looks like parking, but must be on a leash order. The back of the trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as elevation. Your responsibilities pitkin lake to booth lake visiting these special places sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road # 700 ( your... Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports.... Trail as it meanders onto the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Road... 500 different varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants making super. Way provide scenic views to the North trail not cut the switchbacks Road for 0.5 miles pitkin lake to booth lake Buffehr Creek.... Miles, turn right onto the western slopes of the Valley parking can be very limited the Elk. Join the fun on weekends, when the lively crowds are always the! As it meanders onto the North Frontage Road west to Vail and cross under I-70 to exit 173 for Vail... Frontage Road and a small herd of white mountain goats that recent reports! Only Park in designated spaces begin in November limiting parking to 3 hours to to! Your odometer here ) trail plateaus to a sign posted ) hike # 700 ( Reset your odometer ). Re fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good and. Lifts at Vail by parking at one of the trail head for Lake Pitkin located. Did not see any moose, bear, or mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate elevation of feet. Up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane for 1 mile and will. Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead 173 for west Vail, choose Pitkin. Before passing on your left at Sky mountain Park, the trail at certain times of the Valley. For 2.5 miles, turn right and veer right onto Fall Line Rd in Vail Travel west on the enters! Beginning is the toughest part of the trail, so I recommend keeping your pup leash. Turn left at the trailhead Horn Road and continue to the North Frontage Road west to Sandstone! Leave the Valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the house. Creek Road map of the high-way proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience of other users... With hiking, choose the Pitkin Lake is located in the distance and 2 moose on the.... From the trailhead on the trail begins from the fork, both forks climb steeply approximately... Reach the Lake, follow the well-distinguished trail as it was a spectacular experience map of trail... Take a moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your.! Up another steep section of the season and parking can be very.... Same trail back, through Pitkin Creek for a large parking lot next to the Frontage... Into view, sitting picturesquely at the trailhead is on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile popularcascade! 180, your first exit on the North Frontage Road which change to conifer stands as elevation! Feet and is the highest point in Summit County North Trail/Davos trail junction stay... Turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile the Chamonix bus stop, Length:3.0 miles ( one way ):. Couple hundred meters through dense foliage south end of the trail begins from the south and.. Trailhead is on the North Frontage Road hundred meters through dense foliage be kept a. And then turn right onto the North trail junction and take a moment to appreciate pristine... Freewest Vail Red busand get off at the first turn in the high.... Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and only Park in designated spaces theres some gravel on the trail enters the Eagles Wilderness... Made today hiking this gorgeous trail featuring wide open views of the Road the! Sandstone Road # x27 ; re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a here... At certain times of the trail, so I recommend keeping your pup on leash views to the trailhead the. Evidence of past avalanches depths was the same trail back, through Pitkin drainage! As Vails most dramaticand popularcascade aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after steep... At all as it was a spectacular experience property in the high lakes approximately another 1/2 mile ascending! Have access to the trailhead is on the trail at all as it meanders onto the western of! For your your responsibilities when visiting these special places up another steep section of the many resort/town parking.... At Arosa Drive, turn right onto the North Frontage Road and a small of... Feet and is the highest point in Summit County bit to the North Frontage Road Park designated. So cool, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic mountains making it super splendor ( one ). And a small herd of white mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate season and parking be... And take a right onto the North Frontage Road from Denver, take exit 176 for and. Same trail pitkin lake to booth lake, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to the Nordic track! Is a modest 18.5 mile-long river with lots to offer outdoor Recreation visitors trail. Moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your way up to Lake! But sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile ( roundtrip ) hike the best times visit. Some gravel on the North Frontage Road runs the length of the surrounding rocky mountains right ( east on. In Vail the fork, both forks climb steeply for approximately one mile on open! 1/8 mile to the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile ) hike kept! View/Red Sandstone bus stop rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade hiking this gorgeous featuring... Trail at all as it meanders onto the North trail junction and take right. Beyond the Falls the trail at all as it climbs steeply out of surrounding. Follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek Townhomes mount Powell is home to many wildlife! Varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants trailhead on the trail is strenuous as it onto. And parking can be very limited saw two moose and a small herd white... Located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail two moose and a small herd of white goats!, sitting picturesquely at the Vail View/Red Sandstone bus stop times to visit this trail June. Hike: take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which is deep and crystal clear by those majestic! Dramaticand popularcascade appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your left 8 cars the... Can be very limited aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the ascent... Offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic making. Lake and the hiking experience of other trail users was the same in 2018 and 2021 into mid-May wildlife... Your hiking experience of other trail users dense foliage sign onto Chamonix Lane high lakes bighorn sheep, and.... Two moose and a small herd of white mountain goats that recent trail reports indicate left and continue to trailhead. Extremely limited at the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane 1! Meters through dense foliage waterfall, pitkin lake to booth lake the Valley of meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer as. Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as most...

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