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A great loop with a big climb, big views, and big aspens.


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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.7

KM

85%

Runnable

9,752' 2,972 m

High

7,749' 2,362 m

Low

2,076' 633 m

Up

2,076' 633 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Closed from December 1 to July 1 for elk calving.

Overview

This loop has a bit of everything: a long grind up a dirt road through open meadows, a little historic cabin, a fabulous descent through a large aspen forest, and great meadows.

Runner Notes

Mostly smooth packed dirt surface. Not too rooty or rocky, but one badly eroded extended section on the descent makes for tough footing.

Description

The 2,000+ climb starts right from the parking lot up the doubletrack Line Shack trail, and doesn't end until you get to the high point, at an old "line shack" that appears to be frequently used as a winter hideaway. There's a wood stove and primitive sleep & cooking space. Along the way you'll pass through serene meadows with great views and shady aspen groves.

From there, the singletrack begins down Whiskey Creek, and you have 4 miles of enjoyable descending through the aspen forest. The trail is a little rutted in places, but not bad. Near the end, as you approach the highway, the trail forks. The right direction follows the new Everkrisp back to the trailhead. The left fork goes towards the Eagle Vail Homestake K8 school.

History & Background

In the 1920's, the meadows were the property of the Evercrisp Lettuce Company (Can you believe it- Minturn was "the lettuce capital of America").

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 12 votes

#5

in Vail

#3098

Overall
  3.9 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

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Overall
13 Views Last Month
7,320 Since Sep 20, 2015
Intermediate

0%
8%
62%
15%
15%
0%

Photos

The Line Shack at the top of the climb.
Jul 21, 2019 near Minturn, CO
Great views from the switchbacks
Jul 21, 2019 near Minturn, CO
Good idea to pause from the climb and check out the scenery once in a while!
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO
Passed a couple deer checking us out before they headed off.
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO
Meadow Mountain: aptly named!
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO
It's a long uphill, but pretty easy.
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO

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Check-Ins

Jun 26, 2022
Alyakg
10.9mi — 3h 17m
Jul 23, 2020
Daniela Uribe