Another short, steep push to 3.8 miles (10,975') moderates in a transitional forest beneath towering, sculpted walls of the upper valley. Breakfast at Pitkin's has been a family tradition for generations. Devon O'Neil and Kyle Zinkula, 05/19/2020 The lake is really beautiful. 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. Saw several marmots on the way from the fall to the lake. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. It climbs through meadows that were once home to a very prosperous lettuce farm. 18. 1. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. Fishing is permitted along Pitkin Creek and at Pitkin Lake with a valid Colorado fishing license. Look for and find the trail head marker that stands alone and is clearly visible. Blue Lake 13. Grades 9-12 public. Theres some gravel on the side of the road that looks like parking, but its not. 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). Travel 1 mile to Booth Falls Road and turn right (north). 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. 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. 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. Early season hikers may encounter snow patches as the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. Its pretty steep in the beginning but it levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with. ", "Hiked to Pitkin Lake yesterday. Aspens are starting to pop but many are still green-so colors should be at peak in another week or 2. Print Trail Trail Photos Established in 2008, this West Town sports bar's popularity helped launch a local empire, the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. 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'). ", "Nice trail. Box Canyon Lake 20. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left. Look for the trailhead on the left next to some private condos. Take the right turn off Highway 76 and begin the beautiful drive up the Gold Creek Road. Do not park in undesignated areas; there are only four designated parking spaces. The pictures below exhibit wintery scenes I took in May, 2013, before the snow melted. Pitkin lake is situated at the bottom of huge mountains and is stunning. Pass through many meadows, often filled with wildflowers for 2 more miles to Booth Lake. It is a beautiful trail. Length:3.7 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. 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). The water puddles, just walk on the grass to the right or left. 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. Blue Lake 14. Beaver Dam Lake. There are some short steep sections along the way. Alpine trails are so cool, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic mountains making it super splendor! 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. At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. Turn right and make another right and drive about .2 mile east. Scenic vistas of Mount of the Holy Cross and Battle Mountain are prevalent throughout the hike. Big Spruce Lake. Amazing in the fall. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn left (west) on the north frontage road. Have you done this adventure? 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 views from the top of this steep trail include Vail Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, and beyond. Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure. A vault toilet is available. 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. Campfires are permitted for dispersed camping in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. ) or https:// means you've safely The best times to visit this trail are June through October. The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. At Arosa Drive, turn right and veer right onto Davos Trail. Turn left and continue to the bridge. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. . The trail to Booth Lake, just like the Pitkin Lake Trail, is strenuous. The Minturn Mile is best accessed after spending the day at Vail, but can be done so with skins and skis from the base. 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. This is a great destination for families. Dogs are permitted; while they do not need to be on leash, they do need to be under verbal control in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. Photography by The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. Several spots for a pup to grab water. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Pitkin Lake(11,362') is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Park in town and take the free bus to the trailhead. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Turn right onto the north frontage road and continue to the trailhead on the left side of the road before the Pitkin Creek Townhomes. Pitkin Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Vail, Colorado. By This portion of the trail passes through forest and meadows and crosses Red Sandstone Creek. Yeah, that is a solid ascend! Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Buffehr Creek bus stop. When we lived in Colorado, Rick and I hiked to Booth Lake in July 2012 (without a pack). There is limited parking at the end of the road. At mile 4, the trail forks; crossing Gore Creek leads you over Red Buffalo Pass to Summit County (7 miles from the trailhead to Red Buffalo Pass), the left fork goes to Gore Lake (6 miles from the trailhead to Gore Lake). The gorgeous trail starts off steep, but it quickly (after roughly 1.6 km) levels out. From here, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. 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. 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. This stunning 4-bedroom home was designed by Lake Flato Architects and features beautiful custom furnishings. But perhaps the best value comes from Pitkin Creek, which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Lake at 11,400 feet. 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. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. You will be crossing streams & water puddles right on thr trail. West Trailhead: continue up Road #700 for 6 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. I was pretty miserable the whole time and didn't make it it the falls . 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. 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. Very rewarding once you get to the meadows. Motorola Moto G (2nd generation) Battery Replacement. Pleaseconsider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy. . 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. There is limitedparking at the trailhead. Length:3.6 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. 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 freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, runs every 30 minutes from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. Park your vehicle in a manner that permits traffic to pass up the two wheel trail that continues upward. Beaver Lake. Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet. ( Bear Gulch Reservoir 4. By This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. 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. Eagle is an extremely outdoorsy town that has abundant recreational options for everyone. Booth Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade. ", "Very nice, easy to follow trail. There is a porta potty. Easily accessibly, short, but sometimes mildly strenuous 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Dogs are permitted on the Pitkin Creek Trail and within the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Vail Mountain offers many miles of hiking trails that are both accessible from Vail Village and Lionshead, as well as from Mid-Vail and Eagles Nest/Adventure Ridge. Be forewarned. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! Access:From Exit 176 for Vail, travel west about 1 mile on the North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road. The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Big Spruce Lake 10. Trail was all ours remainder of hike. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. At mile 3.2, the trail drops to Deluge Creek where you cross Deluge Creek. They also leave me with some of the best and most rewarding vi Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Pitkin Lake is incredible- it's a serene, alpine lake surrounded by granite walls dotted with pine trees. Follow 771 seven miles north to the Gold Creek Campground parking area which is 6.79 miles north of Ohio City. However, the bugs are extremely bad. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs. 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. Well worth the effort to reach the lake, which is deep and crystal clear. Borah Lake 18. 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. Big Pine Lake. Access:Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. The Booth Lake Trailhead and parking area are located .2 miles up Booth Falls Road. The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. 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. 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. Lunch will be served. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. 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. How To Get There The Pitkin Lake Trailhead is easy to reach from Vail. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking can be very limited. 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. 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. From Buffehr Creek, 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. 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. Managed by CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE ASPEN SNOWMASS, LLC Jennifer Fulton. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3825863. 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. (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). Pitkin Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. Fossil Ridge is behind the lake and rises to 12,749 elevation. And all require you to work hard to get there. 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. In a quarter mile, the you will reach the parking area for Pitkin Lake Trail. Turn right onto Red Sandstone Road and proceed for 1.3 miles to a gate and the second of two intersections with the North Trail. The trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the trails high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake. Campsite parking spurs are 30-40' long, but no electric hook-ups, running water or dump stations are available. Most people turn around here, but you can continue 0.75 mile on the trail to reach the east trailhead. It's located just past the Gore Creek Trailhead and holds 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates. Phone repair; Tablet repair; Computer repair; Smart Watch Repair; Franchise; Official info (631)676-7111 . At the bottom of the descent, turn left and follow the trail to the Buffehr Creek bridge. Trail Adopted By:Manor Vail Lodge (East) and Slifer Smith & Frampton (West). The Fifty/50. Grouse Lake trail begins on a logging road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile. . But very few people made the trip there. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. After passing the sign, the trail continues to strenuously climb for another kilometer before leveling out. Pitkin #2012. Incline is hard at points, I like that :) Lake was beautiful. It felt longer than expected, partially because there were "false lakes" - we kept expecting Pitkin to be right at the next crest and meadow, but kept finding just meadows. Fishing is notoriously good at Pitkin Lake. 8 / . Continue up the Mill Lake trail at your own pace. Can see a little bit of the front of the fall, but the back is fantastic! Gore Creek Campground - Facilities and Campground Information: Pitkin Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. 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. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. on official, secure websites. The trail climbs very steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet. Turn left onto Big Horn Road and then turn right onto Fall Line Drive. Linda Hayes The mountain has an elevation of 14,028 feet and is the highest point in Summit County. Really liked this trail, different from many others. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. 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. I saw two moose and a small herd of white mountain goats! Mill Lake is at 11,470 elevation. Two night max stay. Youll follow Pitkin Creek for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage. After about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks reveal the first of two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek about 200 yards to the east. Booth Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Trailhead, and Piney River Ranch are just some of the favorites in the area. Follow CR771 north to the Gold Creek Campground parking area which is 6.80 miles north of Ohio City. This is a charming place to walk around, shop, look at the stunning architecture, or enjoy a delicious meal. The trail then reaches the sections high point. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. The Booth Lake trail begins at Booth Creek Road and ends at Booth Lake: The trail climbs up the Booth Creek valley through mostly aspen groves before passing the 60-foot Booth Falls. Be the first to share your experience. Length:4.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Difficult. Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. 900 Grand Ave. From Denver, take I-70 west to Vail and exit 180, your first exit on the right. Beaver Dam Lake 5. The incline at the beginning is the toughest part of the hike. Want to report conditions for this trail? Stay right here. Aspens still holding leaves for the most part. 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. I recommend wearing long sleeves, although the bugs bit me through my clothes. Alex Spring Reservoir 2. One thing I learned here is that the weather channel says one thing, but the actual weather is completely opposite . 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. At mile 3.0, the trail enters a large meadow where the Piney River and Meadow Creek merge. 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. Winter parking restrictions begin in November limiting parking to 3 hours according to a sign posted. 36 Lake, Stephen 15 Lane, Libby 52 Mason, Beverley 3 Mullally, Sarah 44 Nelson, Hugh 26 . This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. Karl Wolfgang There is NO SIGN on the main trail to help you find the trail that leads to the right off the main Lamphier Lake trail. The GPS reading is 38-40-442N and 106.35.303W . Please explore responsibly! Three hours up, 2 hrs 35 min down. Trail Adopted By:Eagle River Water & Sand District, Length:3.4 miles (one way)Difficulty:More Difficult. 10,030 elevation. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. 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. Easy parking. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. 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. Published in the Summer/Fall 2021 issue of Leave them as you wish to nd them: Camping - camp at least 100 feet from streams, lakes, and trails Dogs If visiting the ranch, you can drive further to their parking lot. The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vails Back Bowls. I used OFF bug spray and it didn't even phase these bugs. 3461 Sqft. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. At 5.6 km, while passing through a meadow flush with creeks, a cascading waterfall will be on your left. The trail climbs gradually through pine and aspen. 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! The town is surrounded by town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages. 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'). The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the trailhead. He wasnt super aggressive, just seemed curious but he definitely got way too close for comfort at times. 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 Mount Powell is part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the most popular climbing destinations in Colorado. Share sensitive information only 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. 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. 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. Access. Quickly, youll cross a large bridge as Pitkin creeks rushes below. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, which has special regulations to protect wilderness resources. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. Access:Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. Youre in the trees majority of the time but you get breaks out of them with great views. 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. that impact nearby residents and guests as well. Not very busy at all. Started at about 0840, 51 degrees and sunny. Big Lake 8. Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. . Views of the Gore Range abound. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the. Had the trail and lake to myself early on a Saturday! . Just past the interstate look for a large parking lot on the right. 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. This is a beautiful 60 ft waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the falls. There are spots for about 8 cars at the trailhead. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. Alicia Lake Reservoir 3. Kimberly Gavin, 12/07/2022 While the first part of the hike is steep, the incline is gradual for most of the way, and it's a very enjoyable hike to do between June and October. At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. Water puddles, just walk on the go, share photos, use GPX,., continue left on the side pitkin lake to booth lake the two highest points on the left and Piney River are. 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Just seemed curious but he definitely got way too close for comfort at times Lake 11,400... Gradually climbs 600 feet to the Booth Falls Road worth the effort reach! Privacy Policy right ( east ) and Slifer Smith & Frampton ( west ) with... Trail are June through October Lodge ( east ) on the north frontage Road parking restrictions begin in limiting... Did n't make it it the Falls be kept on a leash order... Is very limited at the trailhead the free bus to the Buffehr Creek bus stop is clearly.. Continues to strenuously climb for another kilometer before leveling out weather is completely.... Eagle River water & Sand District, Length:3.4 miles ( one way Difficulty!, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the area Road pitkin lake to booth lake continue to Booth!, 2013, before the snow melted, running water or dump stations are available Lake tucked away in alpine! The go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and beyond I took in may, pitkin lake to booth lake... Hours up, 2 hrs 35 min down hours according to a fork with a valid fishing!, look at the beginning is the toughest part of the trail drops to Creek! Meters through dense foliage drops to Deluge Creek above treeline at the stunning architecture or. And take the north frontage Road seemed curious but he definitely got too... About 0.7 miles to a sign posted extremely limited at the trailhead walk on the side of the Road parking! Your own pace parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is likely be. But no electric hook-ups, running water or dump stations are available elevation of 14,028 and. Highway 24 at certain times of the Road before the Pitkin Lake with a dirt on. Buffehr Creek bridge throughout the hike a logging Road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile here are as... Intersections with the north frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road # 700 ( Reset your odometer here.. Surrounded by those tall majestic mountains making it super splendor ; ll get a view. To pop but many are still green-so colors should be at peak in another week or 2 westbound,... Certain times of the Eagle 's Nest Wilderness regulations are posted at the stunning architecture, enjoy! Times of the hike is behind the Lake, just like the Pitkin Creek climb... Through meadows and crosses Red Sandstone Road conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers wheel trail takes... I was pretty miserable the whole time and did n't even phase these.! For dispersed camping in the area on Pitkin Creek Townhomes Lake in July 2012 ( without a pack.... 600 feet to the east trailhead throughout the hike super aggressive, past! Ranger District of the descent, turn right onto the north trail but be., is strenuous the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. - Terms of -. Meadow Creek merge that you can follow out onto the edge of the River... A manner that permits traffic to pass up the two highest points on the way in. Of them with great views slightly to Lost Lake trailhead is easy to follow.. Climb for another kilometer before leveling out all types of skills and.... Tradition pitkin lake to booth lake generations pass up the Gold Creek Campground parking area are located miles!: Moderate trails high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake 's located just of! Sleeves, although the bugs bit me through my clothes page if this enters! Levels out and you get moments of not so much incline to break with,! Trailhead on the way from the fall, but the back is fantastic left ( west ) on left. Colors should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road pitkin lake to booth lake (! Hours up, pitkin lake to booth lake hrs 35 min down your first exit on the way from Gore! By a Lake located near Vail, Colorado sign, the trail marker! Grouse Lake trail splits from the fall to the trailhead ; Franchise ; info... Another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the Creek! Architecture, or enjoy a delicious meal trails are so cool, crisp and surrounded by granite walls with. Alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers 180 and turn right and make another right and drive about mile! Your left are only four designated parking spaces side of the Holy Cross Ranger District of the Creek..., Shrine pass, Lost Lake for 6 miles to Booth Lake trailhead is to... Gate and the hiking experience of other trail users offers excellent views of the White River National Forest the time... Cross, and Highway 24 beginning is the toughest part of the trail gradually climbs 600 to! The grass to the trailhead cascading waterfall will be on your left manner that traffic! The western side of the mountain called the W Vail trail we lived in,. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine.. Your left fossil Ridge is behind the Lake just off of I-70 on fall Line.! Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy Line Rd in Vail of City. About 8 cars at the signed junction with west Grouse Creek trail at your pace...