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Features Access Issues Overview Description Family Friendly ADA Accessible Need to Know History
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Dogs Leashed
Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers
Overview
This remote spot requires a long drive on a bumpy road, but the views are well worth the effort. Lots of other people think so too- be prepared to share this alpine paradise with others especially on high season weekends.
Need to Know
Be sure to park in the public lot just before the Piney Lake Ranch. The first lot you reach is open to the public, but leave the private parking lot for paying customers. You are welcome to have lunch, drink, or an ice cream at their cafe! You can even rent a canoe if so inclined...
Description
Starting across the road (to the north) from the public parking area near Piney Lake Lodge, hike eastwards towards Piney Lake. Take in the massive Gore mountain range spread out before you. The trail passes through grassy meadows on the north side of the lake and follows along the broad river valley. Piney River cuts a sinuous path through shrubs and turf that turn brilliant colors in the fall. The path is smooth and ascends gently at first.
After entering the first of the small aspen groves, the incline steepens as the trail begins to climb the base of the hillside. Negotiate a few switchbacks and use log planks to cross burbling streams. Enjoy good views across the valley at the craggy rock faces. Enter a few stretches of deep shady evergreen forest and then pop out for good views of the rugged Gore Range.
Eventually, you'll reach the cataracts, or cascades that rush between a narrow rock chasm. The sunny smooth rocks near here make a great picnic spot. Most people make this their turn-around point, but you can keep hiking along Piney River to Upper Piney Lake, or over West Booth Pass and connect with the Booth Creek Trail. The trail gets much rougher and more difficult beyond the cascade.
Flora & Fauna
Aspens, wildflowers
Contacts
Land Manager: USFS - White River - Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District
Shared By:
Megan W
Full Details
Trail Ratings
4.4 from 27 votes
#1
in Vail
#462
Overall
4.4 from 27 votes
| 5 Star | | 56% |
| 4 Star | | 33% |
| 3 Star | | 7% |
| 2 Star | | 4% |
| 1 Star | | 0% |
Recommended Route Rankings
#1
in Vail
#96
in Colorado
#462
Overall
6 Views Last Month
20,838 Since Sep 20, 2015
Intermediate
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Photos
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Weather
Current Trail Conditions
All Clear 5 days ago
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Conditions History
Add Check-In
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Add Your Check-In
Check-Ins
Jul 19, 2021
KayDee Johnson
6.1mi
Jul 16, 2021
Susan Crowley
Hiked with Jess, Danielle and boys.
Jul 3, 2021
I V
6.1mi — 3h 10m
Oct 31, 2020
Meaghan O.
9mi — 4h 30m
Sep 25, 2020
Tommy F
Aug 9, 2020
Warren G
Put out a fire on the way back
Jul 3, 2020
Taylor Lederman
Oct 13, 2019
Alvaro Belloso
Nice and quiet in October — 3h 15m
Sep 23, 2019
Jill Shaddy-Gouvion
Attempted to get there but "bumpy road" was a bit of an understatement. 4wd is a must!
Aug 10, 2019
Private User
Aug 8, 2019
J Z
2h 40m
Jul 14, 2019
Jenny Hennum
Took dogs (leashed), a bit uphill at places, 1/3 no shade near lake and marsh/river area, 2/3 shaded, worth the cascade/falls at end! (w Toph/Rachel) 6.1mi — 3h 15m
Jul 9, 2019
Ben Bayer
Jul 6, 2019
Patrick JT
Jul 4, 2019
Michelle A
7.3mi
Jun 23, 2019
Matt Greenfield
Sep 24, 2018
Nick Wilder
Sep 17, 2018
Jordan Hergert
Aug 4, 2018
Markus T
6.1mi
Aug 1, 2018
Frank Trotter
Jul 26, 2018
John Saldaña
Jul 21, 2018
Mike J
The smoke from the Lake Christine Fire is off the charts. If you’re planning to do this one this season. I would recommend rethinking this one.
Jun 28, 2018
Paul English
Great conditions and not busy. Beautiful week day hike. 7.9mi
Jun 25, 2018
Wyatt DeLong
6.1mi
Oct 4, 2017
Amy Thomas
Sep 26, 2017
Aaron Spratling
Unreal!!!
Sep 3, 2017
Kylie Fischer
AMAZING FOR FALL
Aug 5, 2017
Chris Natale
4.5mi
Aug 1, 2017
Brent Baker
Jul 15, 2017
Christina Harms
Apr 14, 2017
Travis Ritz
Great trail, got a bit chilly end of day, beautiful colours
Jul 23, 2016
Debbie Ridder
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Rating Details
Difficulty ratings
No obstacles. Flat.
Some uneven terrain. Mostly flat.
Moderate inclines. Uneven terrain.
Some rocks, roots. Steep sections.
Steep. Tricky terrain.
Very steep. Hazardous terrain.
Difficulty Rating
Average from 24 votes:
Intermediate
