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Alpine meadows lead to Pitkin Lake nestled in the craggy Gore Range.


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Map Key

10.1

Miles

16.2

KM

73%

Runnable

11,362' 3,463 m

High

8,468' 2,581 m

Low

2,924' 891 m

Up

2,923' 891 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The north side of the Vail valley is blessed with several steep but rewarding trails leading all they way from the valley to the high alpine. This one is a little longer than it's neighbors, perhaps a little less steep, and just as spectacular. It is less crowded than Booth Creek, and a good option if you want a little more solitude.

Need to Know

Parking is tight (but not as bad as Booth Lake Trail). Overnight parking is not allowed at the Pitkin trailhead. Backpackers can park for free at the Gore Creek or Red Sandstone parking garage and take the bus to the Pitkin trailhead. The alternative is to pay $35 to park overnight in the Vail parking structure and use the free bus to reach the trailhead.

Description

The first half mile of trail is the steepest - don't get discouraged right off the bat. It starts in a dense aspen grove; a great place to enjoy the colors if you do it in the fall. Over the next couple miles, you'll pass through grassy meadows, stands of lodgepole pine (many are dead from the pine bark beetle epidemic), and get close to the creek a few times.

At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. 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.

Break out of treeline just as you reach Pitkin Lake at 11,360'.

Your return journey will be equally as spectacular, as you'll have views all they way down the narrow drainage that you've ascended, and beyond.

Flora & Fauna

The fishing is reputed to be quite good here.

History & Background

If you look carefully, you'll see the remnants of several glacier moraines that result from the retreat of glaciers that sculpted this valley long ago.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Hunter R and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 22 votes

#2

in Vail

#599

Overall
  4.4 from 22 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Vail

#123

in Colorado

#599

Overall
18 Views Last Month
12,675 Since May 4, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Wild mushrooms at Pitkin Lake
Aug 30, 2023 near Vail, CO
Pitkin Lake
Aug 25, 2020 near Vail, CO
Leaving Pitkin Lake. The beauty is even more spectacular on the return trip.
Aug 5, 2019 near Vail, CO
Pitkin Creek from the bridge near the trailhead.
Jul 23, 2019 near Vail, CO
Wildflowers on the way to Pitkin Lake
Aug 25, 2020 near Vail, CO
About halfway to the lake...
Jul 23, 2019 near Vail, CO

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