Gore Range Trail

The Bowman's Shortcut trail begins at Lime Creek Road #728 near Vail Pass and ends at Two Elk Trail #2005: The trail starts level then climbs gently up to views of the Gore Range and Ten Mile Range. Emerge from woods to a large open meadow where the faint trail is followed to the intersection with the Two Elk Trail. Take time to enjoy the views here before returning.

The Elliot Ridge Trail provides panoramic views of the area including the Gore Range. The trail is an old double-track road that follows a broad ridge and enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. Meridian Peak is near the end of the ridge and is a great destination. Another option is connecting with the Upper Cataract/Mirror Lake trail and dropping down into the Cataract drainage. High alpine meadows and exposed rock exist throughout the Elliott Ridge area.

The Gore Creek Trail trail begins at Bighorn Road in East Vail and ends at the Gore Range Trail #60 on the Dillon Ranger District: The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. There are some short steep sections along the way. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves and changes to conifer stands as the elevation increases. At mile 4, the trail forks; straight ahead goes over Red Buffalo Pass to Summit County, the left fork goes to Gore Lake. From the fork, the trail climbs though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra to Gore Lake. The trail is steeper in this section.

The Gore Range Trail runs the north-south length of the Dillon Ranger District portion of the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The trail begins at the Copper Mountain exit along Interstate 70 and finishes in the Spring Creek area north of Green Mountain Reservoir. The trail climbs over Uneva and Eccles Passes before dropping below tree-line. It then climbs in and out of numerous drainages as it travels north.

Both Lower and Upper Slate Lakes are set in the spectacular scenery of the Gore Range in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. In the lower part of Slate Creek drainage you can enjoy open sagebrush meadows, aspen groves and the creek. The trail then climbs steadily up to both lakes.

Many people backpack to the lakes to enjoy multiple days in the area. Day hikers planning to reach the lakes and return will need a full day.

The Rock Creek Trail leads you into the Eagles Nest Wilderness where you can enjoy a beautiful meadow with views of the Gore Range. Approximately 1.5 miles past the Gore Range Trail intersection the Alfred M. Bailey Bird Nesting Area may be seen on the left side of the trail. Designated as a high diversity bird area by the Denver Field Ornithologists, the bird nesting area features a variety of habitats used by diverse species. In addition to being a beautiful site located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area, Bailey is home to Wilson's Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow. Continuing past this area, the trail climbs up to the historic Boss Mine.

The Ptarmigan Peak Trail is an excellent trail to experience a panoramic view of all the mountain ranges in the Dillon Ranger District: the Continental Divide, Gore Range, Tenmile Range and Williams Fork Range. At tree line this trail enters the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Area and provides opportunities to hike to Ptarmigan Peak or Ptarmigan Pass.

Surprise Lake is in the northern portion of the Gore Range in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The beginning of the trail passes through aspen groves and spruce/fir forests. Eventually, the trail climbs steadily up to the lake. Surprise Lake is nestled in the trees and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. An abundance of wildflowers can be seen from mid-June through early July along this trail.

Upper Cataract Lake is in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area in the Gore Range mountains. It is a beautiful lake that sits on the edge of tree line and has dramatic views of Eagles Nest Peak. The climb from the trailhead is steady and steep at times as it climbs through lodgepole pines, aspen groves and spruce/fir forests.

The Ute Peak Trail offers some of the best views of the Gore Range. Initially the trail climbs up to Ute Peak and then stays on the ridge of the Williams Fork Range all the way to Ptarmigan Peak. There are sections where the trail becomes faint but the ridge line is easy to follow. It is possible to do a full day hike finishing in Silverthorne; this requires a vehicle shuttle .

Most of this trail travels above treeline; be aware of potential lightning danger during afternoon storms.

This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness and provides great views of Copper Mountain Ski Area to the south and the Tenmile Range to the southeast. The trail climbs steadily up through aspen and lodgepole pine forests before reaching the two Wheeler Lakes. If you want a longer hike, then you can continue on the Gore Range Trail up to Lost Lake or to the top of Uneva Pass.