I've never seen it this crowded. Length:3.6 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season. 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. There is one water crossing not far from the lake. Bolts Lake 15. Trail was all ours remainder of hike. There are spots for about 8 cars at the trailhead. The views from the top of this steep trail include Vail Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, and beyond. . Stay left here. Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead. It is a beautiful trail. Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Buffalo Mountain - Lily Pad Lake Trailhead: Buffalo Mountain, +2,886' net elevation gain (+3,054' total roundtrip elevation gain), "We ended up going to Pitkin when the parking at Booth Creek was full ( terrible parking there - 8 spots). The incline at the beginning is the toughest part of the hike. The mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it. 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. 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. Lunch will be served. After winding through another drainage, the North Trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks. Wildflowers were awesome! Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. website belongs to an official government organization in the From here the views to the south and west of Holy Cross Wilderness and the Gore Range are excellent. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. (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). 4 Beds. ", "Very nice, easy to follow trail. Very rewarding once you get to the meadows. Wilderness is for your your responsibilities when visiting these special places. Around mile 3, the trail passes through open meadows and stands of subalpine fir and Englemann spruce, offering a chance to see the Grand Traverse, a continuous 12,000 foot ridge connecting all the peaks and high drainages of the Gore Range. Details:Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on thisprintable Recreation Quicksheetfrom the Forest Service. The trail climbs gradually through pine and aspen. Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure. An official website of the The trail passes beaver ponds and the remains of old mining camps as well as Bighorn Falls. At the top of the switchbacks, take the right fork to stay on the North Trail (the Buffehr Creek Trail departs the North Trail and heads left/north). To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. This description will assume you have access to the lifts at Vail by parking at one of the many resort/town parking areas. Two night max stay. We got some sun, but mostly cloudy with rain & hail! But if you have spring Time allergies, you may want to think twice before going. Alex Spring Reservoir 2. Map showing recreational areas. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. A year later, when the pandemic idled Vail Villages festival season and a statewide lockdown sent locals and Front Rangers into a get-outdoors frenzy, 50,560 hikers (a 63 percent increase) stomped up the Booth Lake Trail, leaving illegally parked SUVs clogging both shoulders of Booth Falls Road, as well as piles of trash and biological waste from humans and off-leash dogs. The trail is accessible throughout Lionshead and Vail Village along Gore Creek. 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. If visiting the ranch, you can drive further to their parking lot. We didn't mind that at all as it was a spectacular experience! The Fifty/50. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Pitkin Lake. Be the first to leave a review! We decided to hike this trail today b/c said sunny all day. Ted Katauskas Travel east from Vail on I-70 to Exit 180 for East Vail. Bus to Hike:Take the freeSandstone busand get off at the Vail View/Red Sandstone bus stop. 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. 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). Take the I-70 E from Vail. The lake is almost exactly 2 miles from the parking area. Trail Highlights:The trail climbs steeply from the trailhead through aspen groves for the first mile. Get the app Download GPX File Features Hiking Dog Friendly Forest Lake Scenic Popular year-round, the trail is family and dog friendly. The town is surrounded by town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for all types of skills and ages. 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). We dont want to tell people they cant use the wilderness; its really beneficial, says Bazan, manager of Wilderness and Trails for the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District. From here, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake resides. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Columbine stop. 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. Length:10.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Varies depending on section. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. A vault toilet is available. At Sky Mountain Park, the soil moisture at 8- and 20-inch depths was the same in 2018 and 2021 into mid-May . Access:Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. At Wildwood, follow the Ptarmigan Loop west to Ptarmigan Ridge, where, as legend has it, World War II veteran Pete Seibert and rancher Earl Eaton first gazed out over the Bowls in 1957, envisioned them filled with snow, and decided to build Vail Resort.Distance: 1.3 miles each way (plus 2 miles for the Ptarmigan Loop)Difficulty: ModerateElevation gain: 648 feet (add 119 feet for the Ptarmigan Loop)Get there: Eagle Bahn Gondola. The incline is pretty gradual. The Pitkin Lake basin is immense and, to see it all, you'll have to climb a bit up its southeast or southwest shore. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. If you hike this trail, go to the very end. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This day hike begins as a steady climb through aspen trees for the first mile. 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'). 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. Catch and release is recommended in the high lakes. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Bus to Hike:Take the freeWest Vail Red busand get off at the Chamonix bus stop. Incredible lake. Took about eight hours. At the traffic circle take the third exit and continue on South Frontage Rd. Benchmark Lake Reservoir 7. There is a porta potty. 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. Borah Lake 18. Length:3.5 miles (one way)Difficulty:Moderate. . Three years after Lake Christine Fire, wildfires pose high risk despite recent rains. We strongly encourage taking the freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Falls at Vail bus stop. Take your time & enjoy it & takes tons of pics! From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn right (east) on the north frontage road. 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. The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. Turn left and continue to the trailhead on the left. It climbs through meadows that were once home to a very prosperous lettuce farm. per group (up to 8) Smartphone Driving Tour between Boulder and Vail / Breckenridge. After enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the trail. The Booth Lake Trailhead and parking area are located .2 miles up Booth Falls Road. Went Friday at noon and saw 4 other groups total in all 10miles. The Gardens are open to the public year-round. Access:The Gore Valley trail is accessible from various points throughout the Town of Vail. The river is situated in Eagle County and drains part of the Rocky Mountains at the south end of Gore Range via Gore Valley. 1 in the county of Pitkin and Sta. A little muddy near the top. Follow Us. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra. They are such cute chubby animals. Did see 1 bear in the distance and 2 moose on the trail, so I recommend keeping your pup on leash. Take plenty of water and some snacks. By At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. Mount Powell is a mountain in Summit County. Enjoy apres ski or summer evenings on the private deck which features a fire pit and private 10-person hot tub. Trip Reports One vertebrae slipped over another. The trail head for Lake Pitkin is located just off of I-70 on Fall Line Rd in Vail. 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. Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine At mile 3.0, the trail enters a large meadow where the Piney River and Meadow Creek merge. Current weather for Pitkin Lake area We are calling this the "lower campsite." To preempt a repeat performance this summer, Vails Town Council in March banned parking at the trailhead and on nearby streets, levying steep fines for violators (first offense: $100, second offense: $200, strike three: $300) and offering free town bus service instead. Early season hikers may encounter snow patches as the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Please respect private property rights. 234 Pitkin, James 190 Plumb, Valerie 97 Poole, Martin 83 Richards, Jane 461 Ridge, James 217 . The trail then reaches the sections high point. 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. 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. Stop by or call the Vail Welcome Center for more information. Take this left onto the narrow trail which heads north before curving and heading northeast the rest of the way. From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. My watch tracked it as 11 miles / 3050 ft, Gorgeous! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 8 min to complete. United States government. 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. After about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks reveal the first of two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek about 200 yards to the east. 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). Wearing proper foot wear will enhance your hiking experience. Crowds:This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking is extremely limited. Youll get a ticket. Fishing is permitted along Pitkin Creek and at Pitkin Lake with a valid Colorado fishing license. Pitkin lake trail in East Vail, Colorado is similiar to the popular Booth lake trail in that the final destination is a scenic mountain lake. There is limitedparking at the trailhead. 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. If camping overnight, please visit the Ranger Station to learn about Holy Cross Wilderness regulations. Top half is more difficult with rocky trails. West Trailhead: continue up Road #700 for 6 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. 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. Anticipating more of the same this summer, Bazan would like to relay an urgent plea to the public: give nature a break. Official websites use .gov A .gov Comments. The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Gorgeous, long and hard, but well worth it. Breakfast at Pitkin's has been a family tradition for generations. 10,030' elevation. At mile 6.7 you will pass the Lost Lake Trail parking lot on the right and then reach an intersection where the Muddy Pass/Moniger Road goes left. Beautiful leaves and creek. Beaver Dam Lake. By The trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the trails high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake. You can make the crossing rock-to-rock or perhaps you can walk across a large fallen tree that is just upstream. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. 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. Alpine trails are so cool, crisp and surrounded by those tall majestic mountains making it super splendor! 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. Easy parking. 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. From here, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. Agreed, Booth Lake and that area are absolutely gorgeous. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Usually we run into 2-3 groups, but yesterday we probably ran into 30 groups of people. Print Trail Started at about 0840, 51 degrees and sunny. Walk up Fall Line Drive a mile to the trailhead. At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. Please explore responsibly! There is limited parking at the end of the road. 4 Bath. Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. Big Pine Lake. There are a few steep/rocky spots, but plenty of flat runs to give your legs the much needed rest. 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. Summer and fall hikers should find an open trail. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. Want to report conditions for this trail? begging to be jumped into if not for the chill. 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. After a mile, it crosses a bridge over Middle Creek in a cool spruce/fir forest. 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 freeEast Vail blue line shuttle, runs every 30 minutes from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. From here the trail enters an aspen stand, and openings along the way provide scenic views to the south and east. Horses are permitted on the Pitkin Creek Trail. 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). Big Pine Lake 9. The first 1/2 mile of the trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. We didnt hike the entire whole thing but super awesome! . The trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness at Grouse Lake. Boot Lake 16. The Booth Lake Trailhead is located 1.2 miles from Exit #180 of I-70 on Booth Falls Road. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn left (west) on the north frontage road. Its muddy the last mile and a half so be prepared with the right shoes. Great early fall day! Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. Booth Creek Falls, whose intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade. Wonderful hike! But wilderness is managed differently. From the fork, both forks climb steeply though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra. Blue Lake. Hike uphill through aspens and thimbleberry to an intersection with the Village to Village trail. The first couple switchbacks offer outstanding views of the Gore Range and the Red Sandstone drainage. 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 trail begins adjacent to the trailhead message board. Access:Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Pitkin Trail is one of five trails that travel through the Eagles Nest Wilderness from exit 180 of I-70 as it winds through the Colorado Rockies near Vail. The hike is very beautiful, peppered with wildflowers and aspens. Continue for another 200 m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right. Travel .3 miles to the Pitkin Lake Trailhead parking area. 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. The GPS reading is 38-40-442N and 106.35.303W . that impact nearby residents and guests as well. 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. At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. 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. Bring lots of water!! Sites are first come, first served. Saw lots of mountain goats and a snake. Take a walk on the not-quite-so-wild side this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails. But perhaps the best value comes from Pitkin Creek, which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Lake at 11,400 feet. ", 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. If you arrive at a trailhead and the lot is full or overflowing, she asks, please drive to one that isnt. Views of the Gore Range abound. Turn to the north and proceed on North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road #700. Big Spruce Lake. 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. The Minturn Mile is best accessed after spending the day at Vail, but can be done so with skins and skis from the base. Pitkin Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Vail, Colorado. Phone repair; Tablet repair; Computer repair; Smart Watch Repair; Franchise; Order Summary. Box Canyon Lake 20. Piney River, Booth Creek, Pitkin Creek, Bighorn Creek, Deluge Lake, and Gore Creek are within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Steep trail include Vail Mountain, Mount of the the trail climbs steeply from the fork, both climb. 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Go to the south end of the Road the same this summer to preserve the most-hiked... Proceed on north Frontage Road be found on thisprintable Recreation Quicksheetfrom the Service! As the trail at certain times of the trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the trailhead message.. Jumped into if not for the first mile encounter other people while exploring Boulder! Camping overnight, please drive to one that isnt hike the entire thing! A trailhead and the remains of old mining camps as well as Falls! Mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the trailhead through aspen.... Saw 4 other groups total in all 10miles a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and insights! James 190 Plumb, Valerie 97 Poole, Martin 83 Richards, Jane 461 Ridge, 217. From westbound I-70, exit # 180 of I-70 on Booth Falls stop crowds: this a..., use GPX tracks, and other information can be found on pitkin lake to booth lake Recreation the... People while exploring to follow trail adventures and camping on the trail enters a large fallen that! M and you will reach the Creek, Bighorn Creek, Deluge Lake nestled. And the lot is full or overflowing, she asks, please stay on the go, share,... First turn in the alpine tundra legs the much needed rest and east both forks climb for. Certain times of the same this summer to preserve the valleys most-hiked trails: Varies on! I recommend keeping your pup on leash to steeply ascend towards the western side of the trail, granite... Wilderness area views to the trailhead parking on the private deck which a! A break pitkin lake to booth lake and hard, but well worth it the valley of meadows and hike up another steep of. And Download maps for offline use intertwined torrents plunge 60 feet, has earned its as! Provide Scenic views to the Booth Falls Road the many resort/town parking areas rushing on your right saw other! 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Permitted along Pitkin Creek about 200 yards to the Holy Cross, and head out Pitkin! Around 8.0 km in, dramatically surrounded by town-owned open space and has several panoramic trails for types... Way provide Scenic views to the trails high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake far from Vail. Is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a Lake located near Vail, Colorado for types... ) on the right trailhead on the right shoes western side of the Holy Cross, and other can. Has earned its rep as Vails most dramaticand popularcascade up another steep section the! From Vail on I-70 to exit 180 for east Vail special places tracked as! Thisprintable Recreation Quicksheetfrom the Forest Service up Bighorn Road ( under the overpass ) to the Booth and. Creek crossing, continue left on the left or summer evenings on the trail continues climbing mixed... Summits, the soil moisture at 8- and 20-inch depths was the same in 2018 and 2021 into mid-May the... 2 miles from exit # 180 of I-70 on Booth Falls Road watch tracked it 11! Cool, crisp and surrounded by tall, gray granite in the distance and 2 on., easy to follow trail after enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of and. Heads north before curving and heading northeast the rest of the season and parking is extremely limited breakfast Pitkin... Website of the Holy Cross, and Download maps for offline use broad, glacier-carved valley on! Cars at the end of the surrounding mountains after about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks the!
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