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A leg burning ascent up a Gore Range drainage to a beautiful high alpine lake.


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Map Key

22.7

Miles

36.5

KM

86%

Runnable

10,896' 3,321 m

High

9,071' 2,765 m

Low

4,091' 1,247 m

Up

4,091' 1,247 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

If you like beautiful, high alpine lakes, then this is a definite must do in the Gore Range.

Description

DISCLAIMER: This trip was completed as a backpacking trip, but I definitely see the appeal of making this a run and would definitely recommend this trail to runners as well as hikers.

We drove into the Rock Creek Trailhead the night before and camped at the trailhead so we could get an early start. You start your outing on the North Rock Creek Trail #46 or as it looks on the map CO Rd #1350. Take this for ~0.5 mile until you meet up with the Gore Range Trail.

There are sections of trail that you may have come across that physically are not that difficult, but mentally are absurdly difficult. This was the case for me when I backpacked this portion of trail. Up, down, up, down, and just put that on repeat for the next several miles. This portion is mainly forested so the views of the mountains do not happen often or at all if I am remembering correctly.

After the up and down of the Gore Range Trail, you'll come to the intersection of the Slate Creek Trail and the Gore Range Trail. There is an abandoned old cabin in disrepair at this intersection which is a good marker. Turn left here and enjoy amazing views as you make your way towards Slate Lake and Upper Slate Lake.

As you head toward the actual mountains of the Gore Range and Slate Lakes, you'll traverse through amazing open meadows with great views of what is to come. Eventually, you'll leave the gentle ascent of the meadows and start a short steep climb to Lower Slate Lake. This is a great place for a break, water resupply, and a moment to soak in the views.

If you plan to go to Upper Slate Lake, make sure you are feeling good for a big steep climb and then a long journey out. I believe it is only ~2 miles to Upper Slate Lake, but it is a challenging little bit of climbing.

Once at Upper Slate Lake... enjoy! Take a swim! Relax! Now turn around and head back to your car the same way you got there.

Flora & Fauna

Depends on the time of year for flora.

Contacts

Shared By:

aaron moore with improvements by Kelley Dearing

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 13 votes

#975

Overall
  4.5 from 13 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#204

in Colorado

#975

Overall
13 Views Last Month
20,019 Since Mar 22, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Gore range
May 11, 2015 near Silvert…, CO
Upper Slate Lake.
May 8, 2016 near Vail, CO
Beautiful fall colors on Rock Creek Trail
Mar 19, 2015 near Silvert…, CO
Lower Slate Lake.
May 8, 2016 near Vail, CO
Looking east towards Ptarmigan Mountain from the Gore Range Trail
Mar 19, 2015 near Silvert…, CO
Photo from August 11, 2017, showing the foot bridge over Slate Creek on the Gore Trail overturned by a fallen tree. It is still possible to use it. Just requires expert balance or a bit of shimmy scoot.
Aug 12, 2017 near Silvert…, CO

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