Pitkin Creek Trail - Member Hike

Hike Name: Pitkin Creek Trail
Country: United States
State: Colorado
Nearby Town: Vail
Rating: 4 stars
Directions: Exit 180 (East Vail) on I-70. Go north to Frontage Road and go East. Frontage Road dead ends at trail head.
Total Hike Distance: 8.56 miles
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required: No
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends: Trailhead (8360 ft)
Trails Used: Pitkin Creek Trail
Backcountry Campsites: Yes
Backcountry Water Sources: Streams, Lakes
Management: U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information: White River National Forest

Holy Cross Ranger District
(Vail area)

24747 US Highway 24
Minturn, CO 81645
970-827-5715

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/index.shtml
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Users: Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions: Primary Paved Roads
Hike Summary: This hike climbs 3000 feet in about 4.5 miles and about 800 ft in the first 3/4 mile. After this the hiking is a bit easier. You will come across a couple of steep sections on your way up to the lake as you cross into different cirque areas. We had to make it back to a rehearsal dinner, so we weren't able to make it all the way up to the lake, but we made it to the 2nd falls. The water level was low, so although there was flow, it wasn't a pituresque as photos I've seen on the web. This hike is great since it doesn't take long to get to it from Vail and you get to see a wide range of vegetation given the altitude difference to the lake. Beautiful valley and not a crowded hike (we saw maybe 10 people on a Saturday). It is 4.28 miles one way to the lake and if I did this again, I would pack for an overnight spot at the lake and head back the next morning.

Hiker:

Tartan1749


4,850 points


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