Hike the upper piney river trail, upper piney river trail. As part of the colorado mountain clubs bestselling pack guide series, the best vail valley hikes explores the more popular and some of the lesser known hiking and snowshoe routes in the valley. This hike is popular due to its proximity to the town of vail. The 3 best piney lake activities for an unforgettable adventure. Piney river ranch is vail, colorados most breathtaking destination for weddings, retreats, daytrips and reunions. Upper piney river falls trail hike vail, colorado 10adventures. But if youand your vehiclecan makes the 45minutes journey, youll be rewarded. Jeep trips piney lake vail colorado timberline tours. Aug 28, 2015 the colorado bainbridge clan enjoys another beautiful day on piney lake. Upper piney river trail hiking trail, vail, colorado. Piney river ranch offers a broad front of activities such as hiking, fishing, camping and exploring piney falls, lake and river as it flows. The trail then crosses the river several times leading to a small lake at mile 5. With a trailhead located near piney river ranch, the upper piney river trail is one that you can hike or horseback ride during the summer season and then relax at piney river ranchs restaurant, which serves lunch, snacks and drinks from a deck that overlooks the beautiful piney lake. This year i headed to vail, colorado, for a few days of hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected. The north trail in vail offers motorists the perfect opportunity to get out and stretch their legs, all the while taking in some outstanding mountain scenery. Piney river ranch vail all you need to know before you. The most popular trails are pitkin lake trail, pitkin creek trailhead and east lake creek trail. Its gorgeous up there during the fall though i would recommend being cautious going. Piney crossing vail, colorado free camping near you. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. View all restaurants near piney river ranch on tripadvisor. Quite possible the most magical place in vail, piney lake is an isolated highmountain lake only accessible by a rough dirt road.
Piney lake, situated on 910 acres of white river national forest, is abundant with wildlife and is surrounded by gorgeous vistas of the gore range. I drove the rest of the way up to piney lake the next morning to hike to the waterfall and saw a moose at the trailhead. Most trailheads are within an hours drive of vail valley and its namesake ski area. Eventually, youll reach the cataracts, or cascades that rush between a narrow rock chasm. Of the three that end at a lake, this is one of the more difficult as it climbs up quite steeply for the first two miles, is quite rocky, and does not spend as much time along the creek. Join a walking mountains backcountry guide for a fun and educational 2 hour hike along the piney river, followed by time to enjoy the historic piney river ranch. I love winter hiking, and i just love hiking in the snow and snowshoeing. Best easy day hikes vail includes concise descriptions and easytofollow maps for spectacular hiking routes through some of the most outstanding scenery in central colorados mountains. The 7 best hikes in vail, colorado best hikes, vail. Upper piney river falls trail is one of the most popular hikes in the vail. We hiked to a rushing stream, which we think is the. Of the three that end at a lake, this is one of the more difficult as it climbs up quite steeply for the first two miles, is quite. Piney river ranch vail, colorado, united states venue.
Most people make this their turnaround 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. To reach piney river ranch from north frontage road in vail, you take red sandstone road to piney lake road or county road no. Climbing mount powell is really good because theres a spur trail that goes behind piney lake that takes you off the beaten path, said dr. Aug 02, 2014 from the easy 1mile day hikes to overnight treks, theres a beautiful hike in vail valley for every aptitude and fitness level. Guided backcountry hikes walking mountains science center. In fact, we offer an array of activities at the ranch, on the water, and in the thousands of acres of backcountry that surrounds us. Outdoors recreation near silverthorne, colorado outdoors recreation in the vicinity of silverthorne, colorado, the metro area neareast to upper piney lake. The snow was a welcome change from the 70 degree temperatures in southern california this winter, and i loved hearing the crunch of snow beneath my feet. Knee knocker saddle via upper piney river trail and mount powell summit trail. Alltrails has 33 great hiking trails, running trails, mountain biking trails and. Set on the edge of piney lake, and nestled at the foot of the majestic gore range, piney river ranch is a private, fortyacre rocky mountain retreat, long known as a. Then, a member of the gore expedition discovered gold in the area surrounding piney lake, near the present upper piney lake trail north of vail. The 5 best vail hiking trails with photos tripadvisor. Books about upper piney lake list of books available on about upper piney lake, park range, eagle county, colorado.
Mar 22, 2020 we are officially closed for the 2019 season. Oct 30, 2014 i drove the rest of the way up to piney lake the next morning to hike to the waterfall and saw a moose at the trailhead. Upper piney river trail eagles nest wilderness vail youtube. This is a beautiful hike in the eagles nest wilderness and offers gorgeous, openmeadow surroundings above piney lake and piney river before the trail enters the aspen groves. Personally, i love the piney lake hike in every season. Nestled against the gore range at 9,350 feet, the piney river ranch and piney lake offer some of the best vail scenery, and a jeep tour makes it accessible without miles of hiking. The view of the gore range at piney lake might be the best in the vail valley. Upper piney river falls trail is one of the most popular hikes in the vail region.
The sunny smooth rocks near here make a great picnic spot. Piney river ranch vail 2020 all you need to know before you. Timberline tours jeep trips from vail, colorado to piney lake are a local favorite and a highlight destination for visitors. The primary coordinates for piney lake places it within the co 80423 zip code delivery area in the maps and aerial photos section below, youll find links to. It is always free and seemingly empty, leaving you to discover your own campsite. See more ideas about travel, vail colorado and vail co. Piney lake is one of my favorite camping destinations. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from may until october. This is a beautiful hike in the eagles nest wilderness and offers gorgeous, open meadow surroundings above piney lake and piney river before the trail enters the aspen groves. In the maps and aerial photos section below, youll find links to. Stay right and reach a forest service parking lot on the right at mile 10. From canoeing on piney lake with the family, flyfishing on the piney river, or hiking to piney falls weve got an adventure for everybody. The primary coordinates for piney lake places it within the co 80423 zip code delivery area.
After mile 4, the trail enters a section of alternating meadows and thick forests that offer many good camping opportunities. Piney river ranch offers a broad front of activities such as hiking, fishing, camping and exploring piney falls, lake and river as it flows towards the colorado river, the final destination of major powell in 1868. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply. Piney river ranch vail all you need to know before you go. Piney lake ranch is 10 miles west of vail, an oasis in this wilderness area. History books contain little about the vail valley from the 19th century, but this september marks the 150th anniversary of a visit from one of americas foremost explorers john wesley powell. Piney lake is a physical feature lake in eagle county. Set on the edge of piney lake, and nestled at the foot of the majestic gore range, piney river ranch is a private, fortyacre rocky mountain retreat, long known as a favorite wedding and daytrip destination. Guided backcountry hikes in vail, beaver creek and eagle county with certified intpretive guides from. Piney river ranch vail 2020 all you need to know before. Mar 19, 20 best easy day hikes vail includes concise descriptions and easytofollow maps for spectacular hiking routes through some of the most outstanding scenery in central colorados mountains. Eventually we choose missouri lake, shrine ridge and upper piney river falls all very beautiful.
Hughes party, discovered gold when passing through the gore range. Piney river ranch is a magical venue and one not to be missed when considering ceremony and reception. Hike around the lake, or rent canoes from the seasonal piney river ranch at the trailhead. The 7 best hikes in vail, colorado colorado hiking, best. While driving through colorado along i70, have you ever wished you were instead hiking in the mountains. Piney river trail upper vail 2020 all you need to know.
Colorado mountain club books the best vail valley hikes. Please keep your dog on a leash out of consideration for other people and local wildlife. Jon kedrowski, a vail local that wrote the book literally on hiking and sleeping on 14ers. Hikes to alpine lakes, meadows full of wildflowers, and along sparkling streams are all included. Dogs are permitted on all hiking trails in the valley. If youre looking for the best trails around sylvan lake state park, weve got you. The trail briefly passes through an aspen stand before opening up to a stunning view of piney lake and the piney river drainage with the highest.
Monique, the general manager, is great at communicating and anticipating guest needs. Powell the highest summit in the gore range at 4141 m. Jun 10, 2014 quite possible the most magical place in vail, piney lake is an isolated highmountain lake only accessible by a rough dirt road. Start at the gore creek trail trailhead and follow the creek east. We have a variety of activities and summer fun for the entire family. From the easy 1mile day hikes to overnight treks, theres a beautiful hike in vail valley for every aptitude and fitness level.
Activities at piney river ranch in vail piney river ranch. Grand lake is the deepest natural lake in colorado, dipping to 265 feet. The vail valley is the home of great downhill skiing, but it has also become a yearround playground for trail running, golf, cycling, tennis, fly fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing. Dogs are not permitted to ride up the vail gondola. Try heading up to piney river ranch and checking out the trails up there. There are five valley hikes on the north side of the vail valley booth creek, pitkin creek trail, bighorn creek, this one, and finally gore creek trail. Rocky mountain national park at the edge of rocky mountain national park, grand lake is the deepest natural lake in colorado, dipping to 265 feet. But if youand your vehiclecan makes the 45minutes journey, youll be. Start the hike from the western end at the gore creekdeluge lake trailhead on. You can cut it in half by turning around at the picturesque waterfall about 3 miles in. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
To reach upper piney river trail from i70, take exit 176 for vail and travel west. Mountain ranch offering summer activities hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, restaurant, lodging. A superbly scenic and relatively easy alpine hike near a lake and river. Upper piney river trail is a hiking adventure located in or near vail, co. This is a shame, as this mountainlovers paradise makes a great hiking base. As part of the colorado mountain clubs bestselling pack guide series, the best vail valley hikes explores the more popular and some of the lesser known hiking. If youre looking for the best trails around sylvan lake state park, weve got you covered. Piney river ranch stands out as a premier hiking spot as it holds an. Looking for a good short hike without getting too far from civilization.
Its an easy, scenic trip that is fantastic for all ages, little ones included. You are truly part of the mountains and away from it all. Piney river ranch is not only a picture perfect colorado wedding and event venue. Red buffalo to eccles pass traverse of the gore range is available in my e book. Upper piney river trail hiking trail, vail, colorado hiking project. Elevation increases quickly as the trail switchbacks up rocky. Hiking trails within the eagles nest wilderness area include gore range trail, buffalo. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. Best easy day hikes vail best easy day hikes series. Similar books to best easy day hikes vail best easy day hikes series. While vail is great for skiing, it also happens to be a perfect place to hike.
I was the first one on the trail and just had my boots with cat trax and i was fine. This hike and location has something for everyone, for every level of hiker and is only 12 miles north of vail, with a backcountry. Some of the best hikes near vail can be found in the nearby white river national forest. Located 12 miles outside of vail, piney lake is a favorite destination for anglers, hikers, horseback riders, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Near vail, scenic piney lake abuts the peaks of the gore range and the. The colorado bainbridge clan enjoys another beautiful day on piney lake. Buy best easy day hikes vail best easy day hikes series. The trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of the gore range, slowly climbs up 2 m, spread over 4. Located just outside of the vail village you can reach the. Upper piney river trail takes you to upper piney lake and a waterfall at mile 2. Jul 17, 20 piney lake is one of my favorite camping destinations. Exploring the colorado wilderness the upper piney trail is about a 12mile roundtrip hike through aspen and evergreen trees. Colorado is home to over 6,000 miles of incredible hiking trails, and vail valley is no exception. Beyond the falls the trail gets steeper the closer you get to upper piney lake.
Upper piney river trail eagles nest wilderness vail. Piney lake, vail colorado 2 hours easy, drive to the lake i want to see mountains. Hike the upper piney river trail the outbound collective. Piney river ranch is nestled within the gore range. The trails range in difficulty and length, so finding one that suits. Vail hiking guide day hiking faq can i bring my dog. Crossing the river several times the trail reaches a small lake at 5. Vail and beaver creek performance ski rental including delivery the days of waiting around in line at the ski rental shop are behind you with the personalized care and attention that comes with this convenient package. From flyfishing, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, standup paddle boarding, waterfalls, yoga, or simply relaxing by the fire pit, piney has something for everyone. Timberline tours jeep trips from vail, colorado to piney lake are a local.
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