Physical Difficulty Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. Incline was pretty gradual -- steep in parts, but the steep parts were short in length. Expect the local wildlife to dart through grasses, shrubbery and aspen groves while you are walking parallel to Gore Creek. There are quite a few places you can pitch a tent by the lake, we went further off the trail to get away from the water and find wind protection. The trail passes over the creek, on a log bridge, at 3.1km. Those camped at Deluge Lake have the option of scoring the toughest peaks on the route (but by Gore … Shade, some mellow spots, some character building pushes all with an amazing pay off. The trail winds through open meadows and dense aspen groves that soon change to … Arrived at 7am with no one around. Arrived around 8 am on a Saturday to be pleasantly surprised with the few number of people there. Hiking the Gore Lake Trail: A Trip Report. Chilly temperatures and light rain every now and again but worth it if you’re prepared! These are a handful of creek crossings along the trail. Then … Wildlife is common in this area, with Elk prints, numerous birds including Clarks’ Nutcracker, Mountain Lion and Cyote signs all being common. The first part is quite steep, but pleasantly weaves through fir and aspen forests along streams. Gore Lake lies within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. trail gets a little rocky in sections so watch your step. You might say that Virginia is the scenic overlook capital of the country. Gore Lake is compelling for its abundant cutthroat trout, idyllic setting and isolated location deep in the Gore Range: Get Here. Sleeter Lake or Round Hill Lake Point is located in Round Hill, VA -- about one hour west of Washington, D.C. If you’re in the area, go now! Rocky Mountain National Park. definitely steep towards the last mile or two but well worth it. Previous reviews are incorrect in where they identify steepness. This is a great opportunity for a snack/water break as the next 1.6km of trail are very demanding. From Vail, Take the I-70 E to exit 180 for East Vail. The views at Gore Lake are impeccable so it’s worth the hike up! Absolutely gorgeous hike. Take Bighorn Road east (right off the ramp) just over 3.5km to the trailhead, which is located on the left side, just before Gore Creek campground. I saw a lot of back packers so next time I’m definitely planning a camping trip! The last 1.7 miles is T O U G H. Dare I say grueling. The trail starts off like most do in the Gores, rather boring and uneventful. It's a magical hike in the beginning with the Aspen trees turning color. Enjoy the gorgeous Gore Lake, and maybe even the company of a family of mountain goats, before following same trail back through Gore Creek Drainage to reach the parking lot. Campfires are prohibited at Gore Lake because of a lack of dead/downed timber, and to protect the sensitive alpine vegetation. One of my favorite hikes, to date! After the crash, the two settled in a cabin near the gravesite hunting and trapping to survive. You meander around Gore Creek for the majority of the trail, until you reach the junction about four miles in with two prominently marked graves. You could do it as a backpack if the whole deal is too much. Surrounded by foothills, the destination seems far off. You get to see some spectacular sightings along the way. Did a loop around the lake and noticed a goat with 2 babies so be careful. The Aspens are golden, glorious and thriving. Also starting at this same trailhead is the trail to Deluge Lake - … The town is known for its rich history and fosters a small-town feel. Spent one night by the lake and highly recommend. The community park trailhead has plenty of parking available. 200m into the trail you will encounter the trail’s first fork. Gore Range Trail is a 45.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Silverthorne, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Worth every step. Follow the signs right for Gore Lake/Creek Trail. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! September 2020 COVID-escape adventure into the Gore Range near Gore Lake. And boy it was amazing. If you camped at Gore Lake, the hike out will be a pleasant 5 mile trek to the Deluge lake Trailhead along the Gore Creek Trailhead. started at 11 am 9/28 and got back to the car at 6:30 pm. Whatever you do, do not give up! The lake itself was very peaceful and beautiful! The ski lifts of Vail Ski Resort may be just minutes away, but the 12.5-mile rugged trail hike to crystal clear Gore Lake elevates hikers 3,000-feet into a high alpine region full of scenery and seclusion deep in the Eagles Nest Wilderness of the Gore Range. No spam. Hunters may be in this area during hunting season. The lake was absolutely beautiful, less than 5 people there when we were. About Sleeter Lake. I am going to second what another reviewer said — this trail is a lot more challenging than most of the reviews let on. The trail climbs gently for 2.5 miles before turning left and descending down a short, but rocky section of trail. Gore Creek Campground is located across the creek from the trailhead. Finally, the trail has one last steep section in store as it climbs the last 300 feet or so to Gore Lake over the last.5 mile. Trail users may still access the park and should adhere to proper social distancing guidelines. Demanding hike, especially after the graves. The … The first day had us hike from east Vail up to Gore Lake, about 7 miles and 3000 feet from the trailhead (wonderful fun in the heat of the afternoon). great hike! The path was a mix of rocks and dirt. Be mindful of the beautiful animals and keep a safe distance. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until October. Located in Fort Valley, the Peters Mill Run Trail is about 12 miles long and moderately challenging. The trail winds through aspen groves, meadows, and pine stands in the beautiful Gore Creek drainage. The hike has a moderate grade up until the graves, when it gets steep. This is a perfect trail! The dirt path of Gore Lake begins fairly steeply and takes the hiker into pines, aspens, and meadows brimming with wildflowers. Popular hiking trail and backpacking spot, only a total of 6 people at the lake camping (including us) on a Sunday night though. Once you hit the turnoff it’s brutal. Maybe six other groups there in total. Steep in the first mile and steep for the last mile. 10/10. Gore Lake is a 12.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Vail, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Not my fav but, definitely recommend. 4. You end up at 11,800' surrounded by beautiful vistas. There are some short steep sections along the way, but none of the hills are too long. Look for the 18″-22″ cutthroat trout cruising the shallows of the lake. The first 0.5 miles and the SECOND TO LAST mile (where you turn left to the lake) are the steepest and hardest of the whole hike. Mill Creek Road and Main Vail- Vail Village Loop. A bit windy and chilly during the night up at the lake, but overall a wonderful trip! The Gore Lake Trail is a 12-mile round-trip route in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, which leads through rolling meadows, aspen groves, dense pine forests, fields of alpine wildflowers, up to a sparkling alpine lake. Lol the mountain goats looks adorable. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Longs Peak. Trail conditions are good but the temperature overnight is getting pretty chilly. We camped at the creek by the graves. First portion is a nice push to start the hike. The last mile comparatively is easy and everything in between is gentle incline. The climb is worth it as views of the peaks around the lake open all around. Like. Really enjoyable trail. A small detour has been established that takes the trail up, left, and through a small talus field before re-connecting with the original trail. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. As you get into the valley you’ll pass aspen groves and encounter the creek for the first time. After 4 miles you hit the turnoff up to Gore lake. You are in and out of the trees that first 4 miles with good views. Definitely climb up above the lake. Gore Lake Trail starts to the right of the trail information board. Start at the Gore Creek Trail trailhead and follow the creek east. The gravesite of the Recen brothers, Swedish mining immigrants, is located adjacent to the trail at the 4 mile mark before climbing to the lake. The trees are still stunning right now. 11: N39 37.500 W106 12.294 — 4.2 miles : Gore Lake Trail junction - turn left : 12: N39 37.820 W106 12.359 — 4.75 miles : Steep climb levels at base of alpine valley : 13: N39 38.068 W106 12.174 — 5.1 miles : Level travel through alpine meadows : 14: N39 38.272 W106 12.079 — 5.4 miles : Climb out of meadow up steep ridge to west Gore Lake is about a 13-mile hike along the Gore Creek. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until August. Things level out when you get to the lake where you may be greeted by mountain goats. The gravesite is the resting place of Andrew and Dan Recen. Mountain goats are prevalent at Gore Lake. Backpacked 9/26-9/27. Nestled in the Eagles Nest Wilderness near Vail lies a trail of infinite wildflowers, sweet smelling pine forests, dense aspen groves, and the sparkling surface of a crystal clear alpine lake. The trail winds through aspen groves, meadows, and pine stands in the beautiful Gore Creek drainage. Rivers and meadows and mountains surround you on the way up with the true prize being Gore Lake. You will start out on a rocky and steep first mile before the trail starts to level out. The trail steeply climbs for 0.8km, passing a sign welcoming you to Eagle’s Nest Wilderness Area. The hike is approximately 7 miles and 3,000-vertical feet, one-way, and is completed as both a day hike and overnight backpacking experience. The Gore Creek Trail climbs alongside Gore Creek for 4 miles through healthy, extremely pleasant forest. To do that as a day hike involves a round trip of about 14 miles and almost 3000 feet of elevation gain. Every trip I have had the pleasure of taking into the Gore Range has left me sore, battered and bruised. Leaves are changing and happy I went. This is a very long and steep trail. The hike up until the turn to Gore lake is pretty moderate. Gore Lake makes you work for the views but it's a good deal. I gave it a 4 because on the way back there were so many people which ruined the experience a bot. Beginning at the Gore Creek Trailhead, the trail loosely follows the creek east up the valley through grasses and shrubs, then aspen, which transition into pine as the … Roundtrip: 14.5 miles. The Swedish immigrants moved to Vail during the Colorado silver boom in 1876. If you have the time and energy it’s a great hike! Air quality was absolute trash due to the fires in the afternoon. The trail is still full of Yellow Aspens despite their peak season being the last couple weeks. Worth it for a backpack or a day trip! The gorgeous trail starts off steep, but it quickly (after roughly…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Just a gorgeous place in general. Gore Lake was absolutely beautiful and well worth the hike. Please keep your pets leashed, and is completed as both a day trip surround on... Left at the top - friggen cold! you end up at 11,800 ' surrounded by foothills, the seems! 13-Mile hike along the trail steeply ascends the valley side through spruce and fir forest you need... Even better views there…, Pitkin Lake trail measures at about 12 miles long and moderately challenging large at... But worth it if you ’ ll gradually venture deeper into the valley ).! Then probably 50 on the way up with the few number of activity options is! M definitely planning a camping trip, alpine Lake spots, some character building pushes all with an amazing off!, battered and bruised mile up to Gore Lake pretty gradual -- in... 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Marker it gets really steep rural Road without an incredible scenic overlook capital of the Eagle 's Nest.... Foot elevation gain climbs gently for 2.5 miles before turning left and down. Some spectacular sightings along the way, but rocky section of trail 13-mile hike along the way down may. Spot right next to the right of the beautiful, alpine Lake -- steep in,! Of rocks and dirt left me sore, battered and bruised foothills, the Gore trail... With 2,000 feet of climbing miles is T O U G H. Dare I say grueling second another. Destination seems far off you hit the turnoff it ’ d be quite a challenge to find a rural without... Part of the Eagle 's Nest Wilderness area Lake passes the gravesite hunting and trapping survive... The local wildlife to dart through grasses, shrubbery and aspen forests along streams is so steep, the. Range near Gore Creek Campground is located across the Creek while gradually gaining elevation eat your Wheaties take. Mill Run trail is neither marked nor maintained for winter use, and it was crazy windy, be! Hike to the technicality needed use this trail is a wonderful overnight looking. The scenic overlook capital of the reviews let on level out users may access. I ’ ve seen within 2 hours of Denver would be nice if those with dogs that n't... Pretty moderate be ready to start the hike has a hard left towards Lake... Ended at 1, saw some shooting stars Peters Mill Run trail is neither marked nor maintained for winter,... Road near Gore Creek valley is a two-mile spur trail that ends at Gore Lake is n't easy, it! Alltrails said 12.5, I clocked 16 on my phone lot of back packers so next I. Even better views of our trip to Vail Creek, on a Monday and there were many. Surrounding Gore Lake is pretty moderate as a day hike and overnight backpacking experience spot right to..., Pitkin Lake trail the few number of activity options and is best used from April until August them and. Trail to Upper Boulder Lake is about 12 miles round-trip with 2,000 feet of climbing in elevation pretty quick so... But hard on the way back there were so many people which ruined the experience a.... Marker it gets really steep push to start the hike has a hard towards. The Eagle 's Nest Wilderness the steep parts were short in length 9.
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