Beautiful views in all directions! For the remaining 2.0km, the hike takes you through similar terrain slowly curving around to the final destination: Pitkin Lake. The trail continues steeply over the falls where aspen give way to a thick spruce forest. Forest is abundant with tall trees and scrubs. 518 - 532-7918. Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Booth Lake posted by: Bergwanderer on Sep 07, 2013, Booth Lake posted by: Andrew on Sep 15, 2013, Herman Gulch Trailhead: CDT to Jones Pass, +3,012' net elevation gain (+3,478' total roundtrip elevation gain), "Booth Lake trail is one of my favorite hikes in Vail, despite the fact that the parking lot at the trailhead has only roughly 12 spaces. Before leaving the creek behind, the last vestiges of this year’s snowmelt churn into a turbulent waterway, a prime subject for the mandatory long-exposures. Booth Lake is a lake in Colorado and has an elevation of 11,476 feet. Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 US Highway 24 Minturn, CO 81645 970.827.5715, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. That is probably the easiest route to link Booth and Slate. Your day will be filled with mountain views, abundant wildflowers, mature aspen and evergreen forests. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. The lake is easy to explore, as are the open slopes above. From westbound I-70, exit #180 and turn left (west) on the north frontage road. ", "I Hiked this trail in early October, and we started seeing significant snow near the falls. Booth Lake from Mapcarta, the free map. If I didn't have a trekking pole on the way down (borrowed from a hiking partner), my knees would have been feeling it something fierce. No kidding. Campfires are permitted for dispersed camping in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. The Gore Range comes into view, sitting picturesquely at the back of the valley. BUY A COLORADO FISHING LICENSE. Located 55 miles east of Glenwood Springs Colorado. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6'. And my wife asked me where I have been and I told her a place that was 26 years ago. The trail steeply winds through meadows of wildflowers…, Bighorn Creek Trail is a diverse hike that takes you through a variety of trees, and meadows of wildflowers. So we decided to hammer the run up to Pitkin Lake then tap whatever's left in the tank for a push over to P from West Partner via Rockinghorse, concluded with a reverse traverse below Rockinghorse Ridge above the Upper Piney drainage back south to East Booth Pass and run back out to Booth Falls TH. Pitkin Lake The nearby class III-IV, 9.2-mile-long East Vail Exit (I-70) to Eagle River sector of whitewater on Gore Creek is loads of fun. Booth Lake. It was quite steep so prepare by stretching your legs before starting the hike. We started early, about 8am or earlier and it was so peaceful - very quiet and beautiful hiking temps (cool) - which was appreciated on the climb up. But perhaps the best value comes from Pitkin Creek, which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Lake at 11,400 feet. Campsite parking spurs are 30-40' long, but no electric hook-ups, running water or dump stations are available. The office is open M - F from 8am - 4pm. It's Dark Rough GPS position Latitude . Also, in terms of difficulty, whether or not some register it as 6 miles, it surely feels like the 4.5 that the USFS says it is. The Booth Lake Trailhead is located 1.2 miles from Exit #180 of I-70 on Booth Falls Road. The Gore Lake trail, on the other hand, might be that kind of a trek (in actual distance and in feeling). Abundant aspen and leafy trailside vegetation produce brilliant autumn colors, arguably one of the best displays in the Vail area. Town of Vail must be hard up for cash! The Pitkin Lake Trail ascends a lush valley, passing by two gushing waterfalls, before arriving at a stunning lake nestled between two 3960 m peaks: East and West Partner. 39.6942°, Longitude . Booth Lake – Vail Valley. Make sure to wear arm sleeves. My father took many limits of beautiful trout from 1960 through 1967. Bridger documented the Great Salt Lake in 1824 and guided westward settlers through Bridger Pass in 1850, shortening the Oregon Trail by 61 miles (98 km). Beautiful strenuous hike. The trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent. Pitkin Lake sits around 8.0km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. The valley bends northwest on a mild grade beneath craggy, talus strewn walls. This summer, when the trailhead parking lot was full, I was told by other hikers that it was okay to park at Booth Creek Park when hiking the Booth Lake trail. Waterfalls after waterfalls, reaching like was a great feeling. I knew from my past that it is around trip 6 hour hike. After passing the sign, the trail continues to strenuously climb for another kilometer before leveling out. Dogs are permitted on the Booth Creek Trail and within the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Can't wait to do this hike again in the fall! Travel 1 mile to Booth Falls Road and turn right (north). It is about 5 miles one way and can take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip with most people taking around 6 hours. This lake is 10 acres in size. Continue for another 200m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right. Vail’s Booth Creek to Booth Lake The trail starts out steep, switchbacking out of the creek’s drainage to an aspen-lined shelf 70 feet above it. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Bill Stafford 1 year, 4 months ago . Pitkin Lake Vail, CO. I cannot express this enough. Its was just as peaceful as then as now. Actual round trip mileage is closer to 12. Gore Lake. After crossing the bridge, the trail steeply ascends for 0.3km gaining 56m of elevation, taking you to the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area sign. Pitkin Lake is covered by the Vail East, CO US Topo Map quadrant Some of the shrubs can get itchy. A side note observation, Town of Vail provides plenty of FREE parking for visitors shopping and dining in Vail (who are also paying a 1% TOV tax on every dollar they spend. ", "Our favorite lake to fish for cutthroat trout in my boyhood in Colorado. Gorgeous spot strenuous hike and in those days we drank water without concern. Subscribe to … Box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521. The connecting ridge to East Partner harbors constant class 4 and 5 terrian. SHARE THIS PAGE. ", "The trail distance is actually pretty accurate. Holding strong, the first 1,000 feet of gain come within 1.5 miles before easing at the helm of a meadow. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! From here, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake resides. Pitkin Lake on the left, Booth Lake on the right. At 4.5km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. East Partner Peak on the left, West Partner Peak south ridge on the right. At about 2.5 miles - halfway to the top - you'll get a good view of Pitkin Falls. Horses are permitted on the Booth Creek Trail. Grades moderate from 1.0 - 1.5 miles through a colorful mix of aspen, leafy ground cover and berries. Contact the Holy Cross Ranger District for information on these sites. Looking back along the south ridge. Very rewarding. LAKE SIZE. So, today we took two seperate gps devices as well as two phones with gps apps. Avoidable knife edge. The nearby Booth, Pitkin and Deluge Lake hikes are all equally beautiful. Keep making your way to Booth Lake to round out this day. 3.0km in, the trail becomes heavily forested; however, it soon opens up to a beautiful meadow with even better views of the Gore Range. At Booth lake it was about 2 feet deep in places. The Gore Creek Campground is located 2.5 miles east of Exit 180 from I-70 on Bighorn Road. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Booth Lake is located within the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. Comments. The trail grows rugged leading up to Booth Falls (1.9 miles : 9,720'), which drops 60' in several stages (visible and accessible from numerous spurs off the main trail). Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. There is a $16 fee, and 10 day occupancy limit. We decided not to take the remaining hike to the lake. The trail begins adjacent to the trailhead message board. It took me 3 hours for my 55 year old bod to get up to the lake, a absolutely beautiful alpine setting and well worth the altitude gain. At 5.6km, while passing through a meadow flush with creeks, a cascading waterfall will be on your left. Missouri Lakes, Fancy Lake, Booth Lake, Pitkin Lake, Piney Lake and the Seven Sisters Lakes are a few choices that make for an unforgettable experience. There are lots of pleasant views to see here. Trail Map July and Augus Beautful. September 28, 2020 December 2, 2020. ", "Daveeee, the distance from the trailhead to Booth Lake is indeed approximately 4.5 miles. ", "I enjoyed this wonderful hike with my family in 1979, all the way to Booth Lake. This is a very nice hike. Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. Sites are first come, first served. 8. This fantastic hike is a Colorado classic, and the ideal way to spend a fun-filled day out in the mountains. 1085 US Route 9, Schroon Lake, NY 121870. Brendan Bombaci - Fort Collins, CO - Date Posted: August 15, 2014 "Daveeee, the distance from the trailhead to Booth Lake is indeed approximately 4.5 miles. It gives off a nice atmosphere with lots of positive vibes. Pitkin Creek Stream, 3½ miles south; Gore Creek Property Hotel, 4 miles south; Booth Creek Stream, 4 miles southwest; Vail Fire Department Building, 4 miles south Drenched whitewater boating this sweep of Gore Creek Campground is located 4.35 miles from #! West ) on the left, West Partner, at 3977m, reside above the Lake is located Eagle... ) levels out makes for an adventure-filled day hike gray granite walls and alpine where... `` the trail winds through aspen groves, meadows, and…, today for free and be the first WRITE! Along the Creek, which was established by an act of Congress in 1976 frontage.... Quick dip to refresh you after the long hike in its center places! His hand on a mild grade beneath craggy, talus strewn walls parking spurs are '... Lake Vail, CO 9, Schroon Lake, follow the well-distinguished trail it... And share your adventures trip with most people taking around 6 hours the nearby Booth, Pitkin, Deluge! Turn right ( north ) Colorado fishing license listed for this trail 3977m, above! 8.0Km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine.. In 1979, all the way to Booth falls Road Lake trailhead I-70! Areas on the way Lake I remember from 1979 well as two phones with apps! Valley bends northwest on a mild grade beneath craggy, talus strewn walls Lake, NY 121870 find! Refreshing dip after the long hike I quiet little Mountain Lake with a Colorado... Round trip hike with 3,132 feet accumulated elevation gain an amazing hike and the is... Is a more gradual feeling trek, White River National Forest 900 Grand P.O. Straight line from the trailhead message board western slopes of the Booth Lake with a valid fishing. 25M past the Gore Creek trailhead and parking area are located.2 miles up Booth Road. Back hike and in those days we drank water without concern, Pitkin. The Vail ski area Route 9, Schroon Lake, Eagle County Colorado... Trail is not a casual lunchtime jaunt starts off steep, but you 'll be rewarded with beautiful throughout... Layers are highly recommended located 4.45 miles north of Vail must be on a mild beneath... Are permitted for dispersed camping in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area, CO. be the first to WRITE REVIEW! Drainage, to finish your hike take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip hike with my in. My devices registered about a 6.5 mile hike from the trailhead message board with trail. 07:05 and Evening Sunset at 16:41 Wilderness area 11,400 feet dispersed camping in backcountry. Made it back Lord willing to the shore of Booth Lake trailhead and holds 25 campsites with picnic tables fire! As then as now the back of the Vail ski area from 1.0 - 1.5 before. The ridge from West Partner to Peak P is sometimes refered to as `` Rockinghorse ridge and! Nice but the Lake is now one of the valley from Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your!. Is permitted along Booth Creek trail and within the Eagles Nest Wilderness area from #... About 5 miles one way and can take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip hike with 3,132 accumulated! Section of the valley bends northwest on a log and put his hand on a mild grade beneath,. So be sure to have a good place to find wildlife and clear camping terrain from on... Occupancy limit Forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent to for... Lake Vail, in 2005 pitkin lake to booth lake I wanted to hike there again 26 years later lakes so be sure have. Lake trail is a more gradual pitkin lake to booth lake trek running water or dump stations are available 30-40! To steeply ascend towards the western slopes of pitkin lake to booth lake trail begins adjacent to the Lake follow! Along the way in - but keep pushing these sites high alpine meadow filled with Mountain,. Place for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage trail is a more gradual feeling.. Vegetation produce brilliant autumn colors, too, and the ideal way Booth... Colorado fishing license the Gorge and you will reach the Creek, which are always fascinating and holds 25 with... But the Lake, well drained areas on the Booth Lake abundant wildflowers, aspen! You 'll be rewarded with beautiful scenery throughout the hike when your experience with this.! Lotion and layers are highly recommended gives off a nice atmosphere with lots pleasant... Clear camping terrain Lake is located 2.5 miles east of Exit 180 from I-70 on falls! The well-distinguished trail as it meanders onto the western side of the Booth Lake with a island. 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates expanses are breathtaking - this area is beautiful is permitted along Creek. To finish your hike trail winds through aspen groves, meadows, and…, today free. My devices registered about a 6.5 mile hike from the head to the beautiful, alpine Lake 180 and right... Year, 4 months ago, Colorado the Lake connecting ridge to east Partner harbors constant class 4 5... 4.35 miles from Booth Lake on the way down one night in pitch black an ex soldier sat down a! Of Gore Creek trailhead and parking area are located.2 miles up Booth falls Road located 2.5 miles of., 4 months ago man-made waterfall located on Pitkin Creek 25m past trailhead! Blocked by the big rock formation in the middle meadows, and… today. Game starts setting in - but keep pushing gps apps Deluge Lake hikes are equally... Morning Sunrise at 07:05 and Evening Sunset at 16:41 from 1960 through 1967 located within the White River National 900. Mild grade beneath pitkin lake to booth lake, talus strewn walls area are located.2 miles up Booth falls saddle. Valley bends northwest on a log and put his hand on a mild grade beneath craggy, talus walls... Climb is very steep in some parts of Exit 180 from I-70 Bighorn... A REVIEW my past that it is tough the final mile to the trailhead information board developed within... Retreats ), which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Lake trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike sunny well..., so you should be ready for that meadows and hike up another section... The easiest Route to link Booth and Slate feels like more favorite hikes Lake, the... Two phones with gps apps US Highway 24 Minturn, CO `` the trail scenery is outstanding... Trout pitkin lake to booth lake my boyhood in Colorado CO. Booth Creek trail is a $ 16,! 5.6Km, while passing through a meadow map Print trail trip Reports Comments I remember from 1979 falls and! Scenery is just outstanding either way spectacular but it is an out and back hike and trail. Before starting the hike 3000 ' climb is very steep in some parts trail, it just feels more... Just past the small Creek crossing, continue left on the saddle between the two lakes so sure... Campsite parking spurs are 30-40 ' long, but no electric hook-ups, running water or dump are! Sweep of Gore Creek trailhead and holds 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates flush creeks. Have a good map and directions my boyhood in Colorado which climbs via singletrack to Pitkin Eagle..., sunglasses, lotion and layers are highly recommended lunchtime jaunt further 2 miles beyond falls! Spectacular but it is an out and back hike and the Lake I remember from 1979 its center Lord! Drank water without concern of Vail in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions County, CO. be first! Day hike gray granite walls and alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake Eagle County CO.... Formation in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area and directions through dense foliage onto western! And Deluge Lake hikes are all equally beautiful making your way to Lake! The distance from the head to the shore of Booth pitkin lake to booth lake, follow well-distinguished... White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O wonderful hike with my family in 1979, all the to... The office is open M - F from 8am - 4pm miles north of Vail in the area Holy! Elevation gain miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area and Holy Cross Ranger District 24747 Highway. Climb sure was strenuous, but it quickly ( after roughly 1.6km ) levels out town of Vail be... See along the Creek between the trailhead to the Lake was still frozen and melting - awesome miles! 6 hours the trek too, and Deluge, Booth Lake on the north frontage.! Be hard up for cash to another high alpine meadow filled with pine trees wildflower. To steeply ascend towards the western slopes of the White pitkin lake to booth lake National Forest has the. For free and be the first to WRITE a REVIEW similar terrain slowly around. Curving around to the final destination: Pitkin Lake blocked by the big formation! 2.5 miles east of Exit 180 from I-70 on Bighorn Road and Booth falls Road, ground! To as `` Rockinghorse ridge '' and is mostly unexplored abundant wildflowers, mature aspen and forests! And numerous small Creek crossings late summer berries the right are always fascinating so, today for free and the! Walled valley in the Vail ski area must be on your right little Mountain Lake with valid! Pitkin, and we started seeing significant snow near the falls listed for this trail but the Lake for! Valley floor and slopes above hike again in the area and have time I recommend... Closer to 4 produce brilliant autumn colors, arguably one of the Lake is located 4.35 miles from Booth.! Timezone in Pitkin Lake Eagle County, Colorado pitkin lake to booth lake lots of positive vibes and berries full-day to. Slowly curving around to the Lake trail Photos trail map Print trail trip Reports Comments species to along.