Pitkin Lake Trail Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Pitkin Lake Trail
The trail begins adjacent to the trailhead message board. You’ll follow Pitkin Creek for a couple hundred meters through dense foliage. Quickly, you’ll cross a large bridge as Pitkin creeks rushes below.
After crossing the bridge, the trail steeply ascends for 0.3 km gaining 56 m of elevation, taking you to the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area sign. After passing the sign, the trail continues to strenuously climb for another kilometer before leveling out. The trail plateaus to a disperse aspen forest, offering shade to cool you off after the steep ascent.
After the trail levels out, around 2 km in, the trail opens up to a steep hillside scattered with pines, aspens, spruces, and firs. The Gore Range comes into view, sitting picturesquely at the back of the valley. The trail also passes a series of moraines (rock/sediment piles left from glacial retreats), which are always fascinating. Continue for another 200 m and you will reach the creek, rushing on your right.
3 km in, the trail becomes heavily forested; however, it soon opens up to a beautiful meadow with even better views of the Gore Range.
After a series of small switchbacks, at 4 km, look out towards the east to see the first of two waterfalls along Pitkin Creek.
At 4.5 km, just past the small creek crossing, continue left on the trail towards the western side of the trail. Follow the well-distinguished trail as it meanders onto the western slopes of the valley. From here, the trail begins to steeply ascend towards the alpine tundra where Pitkin Lake resides.
At 5.6 km, while passing through a meadow flush with creeks, a cascading waterfall will be on your left.
After enjoying the waterfall, leave the valley of meadows and hike up another steep section of the trail. The trail takes you to another high alpine meadow filled with pine trees and numerous small creek crossings. For the remaining 2 km, the hike takes you through similar terrain slowly curving around to the final destination: Pitkin Lake.
Pitkin Lake sits around 8 km in, dramatically surrounded by tall, gray granite walls and alpine tundra. East and West Partner, at 3,977 m, reside above the lake.
After enjoying your well-earned time at the lake, follow the same trail back, through Pitkin Creek drainage, to finish your hike!
Insider Hints for Pitkin Lake Trail
- There is a 3ft-tall man-made waterfall located on Pitkin Creek 82ft past the trailhead information board. It the perfect place for a quick dip to refresh you after the long hike.
Getting to the Pitkin Lake Trail Trailhead
Take the I-70 E from Vail. Use right two lanes to take exit 180. Turn left onto Big Horn Rd.Route Information for Pitkin Lake Trail
When to do:
Summer/Fall
Backcountry Campsites:
Yes, in Eagle's Nest Wilderness
Toilets:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Pitkin Lake Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Pitkin Lake Trail
The climb sure was strenuous, but you'll be rewarded with beautiful scenery throughout the hike!
- Trip Length
- 06:10
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
There are lots of pleasant views to see here. We took a refreshing dip after the long hike.
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The cascading waterfalls were simply majestic!
- Trip Length
- 05:20
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Nice hike to explore. Enjoyed the variety of firs, pines and aspens. They look so delightful.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It gives off a nice atmosphere with lots of positive vibes. Amazing place!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
There are different trees and wildflower species to see along the way. Some of the shrubs can get itchy. Make sure to wear arm sleeves.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was quite steep so prepare by stretching your legs before starting the hike.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The trail was quite steep, so be always careful. Great hike to work out your legs. Aside from the strenuous hike, this place offers beautiful views of the surroundings.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Nature filled surroundings that all nature lovers will love. The waterfalls were fantastic. The hike was awesome because of the great views.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This was definitely moderate. had more trouble descending than climbing up.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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