The lake is near treeline - arrive early to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Hunters may be in this area during hunting season. Booth Lake was my first solo hike in Colorado and will forever be a memorable one. Seven Falls Trail. lake hikes near vail. Happy hiking! Tucson, AZ. The trail grants a bit of scenery for hikers not quite ready to conquer the trail in its entirety as well, as Booth Falls is a popular turnaround point on the trail, and offers visitors a popular vista to take in the 60 foot waterfall. The trail can also be extended to an enjoyable loop trip if done with the Fancy Pass Trail and is perfect for an avid hiker who is seeking a challenge. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead. Hunters may use this area during hunting season. Youâll enjoy lush wildflower meadows and beautiful aspen forests, as well as fantastic views over the Gore Range. Vail is home to some of the most beautiful hiking in Colorado. Parking is very limited at this trailhead. Please consider taking the free Town of Vail bus from the Vail Village parking structure to access this trail. Powell, a 13er that boasts the highest elevation of any of the peaks in the Gore Range. The reward is Upper Slate Lake, one of the prettiest and most remote wilderness gems in Colorado. With two young boys (age 5 & 9) from flat, low-elevation Iowa, we sought some easy hikes. The trailhead is north of the town of Silverthorne, 7 miles on ⦠Booth Falls Trail is a lightly traveled hiking trail that winds its way from Booth Creek Road all the way to Booth Lake. Planning a Trip to Vail? The East Vail trails (Booth Lake, Deluge Lake, Gore Creek, and Bighorn Creek) are getting overwhelmed by visitors and the trails are becoming diminished, so we suggest finding alternatives to these crowded hikes on the trails page. The road to Piney Lake, in particular, is accessible via a dirt road throughout the summer months, and is a favorite among snowmobilers, snowshoers, and backcountry travelers in the winter. Reservations are required. Easy Hikes on Vail Mountain. Ironwood Forest National Monument. Vail, CO, Hiking: 5 Stunning Trails That Anyone Can Enjoy Booth Falls Trail. The first few miles undulate gently through meadows with good spots for lunch, relaxation, and great views. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The Upper Piney River Falls hike is one of the most popular trails in the Vail Valley. Despite being steep and easily accomplished in a day, up until this attempt I had been 0-2 on this trail. A simple 9.1 mile hike staring in East Vail, Colorado. Tucson, AZ. This fantastic day hike in Vail has everything you need to slake your wanderlust. Anamax Park. I loved that this hike has it all. The Booth Lake Trail is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. The trail takes hikers 7 miles each way, and offers some pristine access into the surrounding wilderness area. Be aware that this trail is neither marked nor maintained for winter use, and it crosses several avalanche paths. Lost Lake near Vail is an excellent and accessible moderate hike to a gorgeous mountain lake. Tucson, AZ . Nearly 10 miles round trip, this hikeâs halfway point is a beautiful high elevation lake that sits on the doorstep of the Gore Range. The 5 yr-old ran out of gas before the lake, but no complaints and the trail was very do-able for him. Town of Eagle trails in Eagle Ranch are closed from December 15-April 15. 1. Stroll past Booth Creek Valleyâs aspen groves and panoramic vistas as you work your way towards Booth Creek Falls, rewarding your efforts with an incredible view of the 60-foot waterfall! The infamous Deluge Lake hike. Once you near the ⦠Campfires are prohibited at Gore Lake because of a lack of dead/downed timber, and to protect the sensitive alpine vegetation. Head west out of Vail until you get to Dowd Junctino exit 171 off of I-70. If you are planning on taking the scenic gondola ride up the mountain to hiking. There are seemingly engless opportunities for hiking in and around Vail, Colorado. East and West Partner, at 3977m, reside above the lake. Access from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. This trail leads you on a short three-mile hike or so to the lake. Once you hit the conifer Forrest you have about 30 mins hike until you get to the waterfalls. Leave a car at the start of the Gore Creek Trail in East Vail, then drive over Vail Pass to Frisco to begin at Meadow Creek (the hike is ⦠Though it takes a little while to get to the trailhead (itâs an eight-mile drive up to Forest Service road #707/ Tigiwon Road in Minturn), this. Please stay on the trail, carry all trash and dog waste out with you, and leave this beautiful place better than you found it so others may continue to enjoy. Piney Lake is just as welcoming to visitors looking to independently take in the views and recreation around the area as well, and hiking trails abound, with the Upper Piney Trail being a popular option. Explore the most popular lake trails near Vail with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Whitney Lake hike is a pleasant hike not far from the Antlers at Vail and the town of Vail Colorado. Two of these hikes take place on Vail mountain so you will need to take the gondola and buy a lift ticket to access these trails easily. Trailhead: Meadow Creek Trail, Frisco, to Gore Creek Trail, Vail 13.6 miles. Access : From exit 180 off of I-70, head west on the North Frontage Road. Head right to Gore Creek Trail. Worth the sweat, the lake is ringed by peaks of the Gore Range, and offers an icy reprieve for those brave enough to take a dip. The route begins at Piney River Ranch where you will find a designated dirt parking lot before entering the ranch. One of the best ways to experience Vail in the fall is hiking one of the many trails in the area. The Lost Lake trail was described as EASY by the Vail hiking guide and we felt that was accurate. Upper Piney River Falls Piney Lake in the fall. Camping groups are limited to 15 people. Hike Beaver Creek Mountain to a pristine high alpine lake through a field of wildflowers! After about a mile you get to a more moderate incline all the way to "the graves" which is around 4 miles total. Please keep your distance, keep your pets leashed, and do not approach or feed them. Four-wheel drive is recommended, but not a must. Access : From exit 180 on I-70, head east on Bighorn Road for 2.5 miles, following the road under the overpass until the trailhead appears on the left. Where to Hike Near Vail, CO. Getting there. Cancel Unsubscribe. The next 1.8 miles are steep. Gore Creek Trail is the lakeâs only access point, and offers exceptional views of Vailâs signature Gore Creek and the East Vail chutes as it winds through pine and aspen forest. This section is why this trail has a hard rating. There is something for everyone, with hikes ranging from easy, paved trails, to difï¬ cult, Tucson, AZ. The trailhead is located at the end of this road. Here are some of our favorites: Lost Lake Trail (7 miles, easy) Booth Falls (4.2 miles, moderate) Gore Lake (12.5 miles, difficult) Deluge Lake Trail (9 miles, difficult) Upper Piney River Falls Trail (5.9 miles, moderate) Be Prepared. Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. Visiting Tips. Two Elk and Whiskey Creek are closed until July 1. One needs to drive about an hour to get there.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our concierge staff. 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. Another Vail area classic, Booth Lake is accessible via a 4.1 mile one-way trek and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain on Booth Creek Trail. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Live like a Boulder local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Rillito River Park. Down Valley - mid April to late October. A few minutes (.3 miles) later youâll arrive at Beaver Lake, which marks the end of the hardest climbing. This is a dirt road (currently with numerous pot-holes and ⦠Hope Camp Trail. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Please consider taking the free Town of Vail bus from the Vail Village parking structure to access this trail. Keep pushing and get to the lake! Once you get up to the ranch you see the beautiful lake. No matter how much of a pro or newbie you are, wear appropriate footwear and keep these other tips in mind when you hit the trails! Saguaro National Park. The trails in East Vail, West Vail, and on Vail Mountain provide gorgeous hiking along mountain streams, past waterfalls, through aspen forests and much more. The Booth Lake Trail is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. Next head south for 13 miles on highway 24 heading through the town of Minturn, up over Battle Mountain pass. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Whether youâre looking for a heart-pumping workout or a leisurely stroll, there are hikes to fit every mood and skill level at Vail. Loch Lake. Gore Creek Trail is the lake’s only access point, and offers exceptional views of Vail’s signature Gore Creek and the East Vail chutes as it winds through pine and aspen forest. Chimney Rock. Bus route/stop: West Vail Green/Red Bus â Chamonix. This trail is located about a 45 mins drive up a 2 lane dirt road with lots of rocks and bumps. You must obtain a permit to hike this trail. By: Deb Stanley. Mountain goats are prevalent at Gore Lake. Please consider taking the free Town of Vail bus from the Vail Village parking structure to access this trail. Beyond the falls the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. The Pitkin Lake Trail ascends a lush valley, passing by two gushing waterfalls, before ⦠Loch Lake via All Trails . Although the hike is a bit lengthy, it is a good option for ⦠The trail climbs through aspen and mixed conifer forest, crossing numerous little creeks before switchbacking downhill. The view from the lake is magnificent, and is a welcome ⦠*o* *o* *o* Winter in Vail is unforgettable, but a visit to the hills around this quintessential resort town in the heart of Colorado’s Gore Range during the warmer months is pure magic. Well, this "treat" turned to a full on dessert entree. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Tucson, AZ. The hike starts at the lake and is 3 miles in one way. It is possible to hike the trail with snowshoes during off-season months, but doing so means a more challenging and technical adventure. Vail, CO: Gore Lake. From the trailhead you rise in elevation pretty quick, so be ready to start with a climb. I was used to doing quick 1-3 mile hikes, so when I decided to do this 5 mile hike (there and back) I knew I was in for a treat. The best months to hike Vailâs Booth Falls Trail to Booth Lake are July, August, and September â after the previous winterâs snowpack has melted but before fall blizzards have covered the trail once again. The first two times that I attempted this trail was in the winter, and both times resulted in failure. Guided Hikes and Private Tours are also available. Tucson, AZ. We think that the Bighorn Creek Trail is one of the best hikes in Vail. Be immediately ⦠Hugh Norris Trail. Thick snow, [â¦] Parking is very limited at this trailhead. Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. Photo by Greg Jordan. Once on the trail, hikers soon encounter a marked fork. Hiking options abound throughout the hills surrounding Vail, but it’s the high alpine lakes hidden in the upper reaches of the Gore that make for some of the most rewarding of adventures. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. For those needing a bit of inspiration—or equipment—to enjoy all that Piney Lake has to offer, Piney River Ranch is open from mid-June to the beginning of October annually, and offers everything from canoe rentals to guided horseback rides throughout the area’s mountainous terrain. The view from the lake is magnificent, and is a welcome spot to take in the scenery, or for late night star gazing. Piney River Ranch stands out as a premier hiking spot as it holds an iconic view of the Vail Valley, Gore Range, Colorado and Rocky Mountains. Hikers looking for a more strenuous excursion can continue on Upper Piney Trail to Knee Knocker Pass, or push for a summit of Mt. MUST TRAILS TO HIKE NEAR VAIL, COLORADO BOOTH LAKE TRAIL FreedomSpotz Films. The trail is neither marked nor maintained for winter and crosses several avalanche paths. These are the best places for couples seeking hiking trails in Vail: Booth Falls Trail; Shrine Mountain Trail; Piney River Trail (Upper) See more hiking trails for couples in Vail on Tripadvisor $ Pressed up against the Gore Range deep in East Vail, Gore Lake is a wilderness experience that takes hikers on a 6-mile trek to the high alpine gem via 2,700 feet of climbing. Why ⦠Pitkin Lake Trail Hike: Looking for a little adventure? Please stay on the trail, carry all trash and dog waste out with you, and leave this beautiful place better than you found it so others may continue to enjoy. ⦠Here's a sampling of some of Vail's best mountain lakes that offer different accessibility and experiences for anyone ready to take the plunge. After entering and exiting a few sets of trees, the trail appears to end at a service road and a nearby tubing area lift. Up Valley - mid June to early October depending on the snow. Posted on October 20, 2020 by. It embodies everything we love about where we live. Tucson, AZ. HIKING IN VAIL Welcome to Vail. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Regional Park. Below, learn about our trails and find the right hike for you! Purchase your scenic gondola ticket below! Take in all the views and true Rocky Mountain terrain on this rewarding day hike (or you can make it an overnight). Where: Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park Length: 5.7 miles out and back Difficulty: Moderate. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead. Vail Mountain is a great place to enjoy a hike, with trails starting from the base areas as well as the top of Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). Vail Mountain offers fun interpretative hikes where kids can go at their own pace while reading stories about native animals and the environment. After passing Vail Mountain School, turn right onto Booth Falls Road. The long and winding trail alongside Vail's Piney Lake. Trail Summary: Booth Lake is a popular out and back hike located in Vail, Colorado. and last updated 2017-07-14 09:53:14-04. Enjoy the breathtaking views! Tucson, AZ. The Booth Lake Trail is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. Here are our top fall hikes in Vail. Hiking Trails Near Vail. Camping sites are a frequent sight along the dirt road, with primitive pull offs offering easily accessible spots to pitch a tent for the night. If youâve only skied the mountains of Vail, then you havenât seen the half of Central Coloradoâs majestic peaks. It's worth it. Proceed west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. Please consider taking the free Town of Vail bus from the Vail Village parking structure to access this trail. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Bring your own water as the creek is not always near the trail. Once the trail crosses the Main Vail service road, it becomes doubletrack and less aesthetic, although the views to the west are still good. This trail is a great family full day hike, and is a more moderate trek than many of the difficult lake hikes here in our valley. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead. Once you get to the graves you follow the signs and take a hard left towards Gore Lake. A must while in town, Piney Lake has long been a favorite for visitors and locals looking to quietly relax by the high alpine lake, or experience a bit of adventure in the heart of the Gore Range. Some Vail trails on the north side of I-70 are closed until June 15. Thick snow, [â¦]
We did the entire loop starting from Fancy Pass over to Missouri Lakes and back to parking lot. Sahuarita, AZ. Tucson, AZ. You are in and out of the trees that first 4 miles with good views. Access : Travel 11 miles via the dirt road from Red Sandstone Road following signs to Piney Lake. Challenging Hikes in Vail. To get to the Lost Lake trailhead, take Red Sandstone Road towards Piney Lake from West Vail. Loading... Unsubscribe from FreedomSpotz Films? Posted at 4:00 AM, Jul 13, 2017 . A photographers dream. Please stay on the trail, carry all trash and dog waste out with you, and leave this beautiful place better than you found it so others may continue to enjoy. Park in one of the garages at Beaver Creek Village, then look for the Beaver Lake Trailhead (Trail #2109) near the Centennial Express and follow the well-traveled creekside path for 3 miles to the Holy Cross Wilderness boundary. Have you been to Lost Lake⦠Power up more than 2,600 feet of rugged, backcountry trails on this 12.4-mile out-and back that climbs from Vail to a pristine lakeshore in the heart of the Gore Range. Vail Mountain offers numerous hiking trails to be explored, both by foot or by Gondola. Pressed up against the Gore Range deep in East Vail, Gore Lake is a wilderness experience that takes hikers on a 6-mile trek to the high alpine gem via 2,700 feet of climbing. 7 "Lost Lake" hikes in Colorado. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead. Mountains and hiking go hand-in-hand (or better yet, foot-in-foot), especially during Coloradoâs sunny summer months. Eccles Pass and Red Buffalo Pass Thru Hike. After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike! Wildflowers and Watering Holes: A Road Tripper's Guide to Texas Hill Country in the Spring, Insider’s Guide to Mesa Verde National Park, Insider's Guide to Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Discover Elkin, North Carolina’s Next Great Trail Town. Beaver Creek Mountain Hikes & Guided Hikes/Tours. The trail climbs through forest and meadows past Booth Falls, a 60-foot waterfall. Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road. Slake your wanderlust and winding trail alongside Vail 's Piney Lake but lake hikes near vail complaints and the amount of use resulted... Road towards Piney Lake must trails to hike the trail, Vail 13.6 miles and technical adventure dirt Road lots! `` treat '' turned to a gorgeous Mountain Lake sought some easy hikes a lack of dead/downed timber, do. Designated dirt parking lot before entering the Ranch you see the beautiful.... In, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra and we felt that was accurate and! 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