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Of the many hiking trails that climb into the Gore Range from the luxury condos and posh boutiques of the town of Vail, this is among the more strenuous. It’s therefore one of the less-crowded hikes, which rewards the effort with an awe-inspiring mountain lake that is great for backcountry camping or just a well-earned lunch break. The trail (No. 2012) begins on the frontage road below the Interstate just before the Pitkin Creek Townhomes. It enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness instantly and climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley through a steep canyon littered with trees felled by avalanches. You wouldn’t want to be here when the avalanche risk is high. After 2.5 miles of climbing through aspen and spruce-fir forests you’ll hear the sound of the first of two waterfalls. The trail then switchbacks steeply up, with several infuriating false summits, to Pitkin Lake, for a total of 4.5 miles and 2,900 feet of elevation gain. The lake is a stunner, just barely above timberline, flanked by the craggy heights of the Gore peaks. Set up camp in the trees or return the way you came.

Pro Tips

Recommended season(s): Mid-summer – mid-fall.

–R. Scott Rappold