This trail climbs from East Vail into Eagles Nest Wilderness alongside Gore Creek. There are some short steep sections that wind through meadows and aspen groves which change to spruce-fir stands as the elevation increases. Also look for a wide variety of wildflowers in season. Particularly during spring runoff, Gore Creek rages down the drainage with its series of fast moving cascades. A short hike along the creek can provide pleasant picnic spots or great fishing opportunities. My brother Dave and I hiked the lower Gore Creek Trail on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 beginning at 7:00AM and finishing about 9:45AM. Our plan was to climb to the first view of Gore Range, then return along the same path.

You can take Gore Creek Trail 12 miles farther and 3,000 feet higher into Eagles Nest Wilderness, but I had an appointment with the highway later in the day. Since this was the last day with my brother after nearly three weeks on the road, we wanted to get in one last hike. It seemed only right that we do it in his backyard. Our plan was a lot less than 12 miles.

As usual, we were up at the crack of dawn to begin. Usually this is to enjoy the golden hour after sunrise, but there was another reason for this hike. There is very limited parking at the trailhead, and the spots are taken rather quickly. Vail PD will ticket if you aren’t in designated parking.

Securing the first spot, we hit the trail shortly before 7:00. Dave warned me that this trail is a series of short, very steep climbs, followed by brief level stretches, then more climbing. He was right. Within the first half mile we had already climbed 300 feet.

I’ve been to the Rocky Mountains many times in July for the abundant wildflower display, but early June seemed to me to be, well, too early. So I was very pleasantly surprised with the number and wide variety of blossoms that greeted us. Plus, they were already fully bloomed out so early in the morning. The wildflowers wake up early here. The balsamroot in particular was really putting on a fantastic display.

The lower mile of Gore Creek Trail takes you through a young aspen forest. At this time of year, the leafing was a brilliant almost lime green. Combined with the golden rays of the sun, it made a verdant essence that pulls you deeper and deeper into the woods.

At the half mile mark you reach a clearing that affords views of the Vail Valley behind you. The eastern shoulders of Vail Mountain, with its many avalanche chutes, stand tall above. Some snow still remained on the highest of the knobs.

Soon you also begin hearing the telltale rushing sound of moving water as you approach Gore Creek. The forest begins a change to spruce-fir up here. Combine the compelling evergreen scent with the freshness of cold, crisp Rocky Mountain rushing water for an aromatic sensation.

The flowers, the creek, and the trees create a pleasant, fresh fragrance.

The trail makes a short dip of about 50 feet, then resumes climbing in earnest, a total of 400 more feet over the next mile. The trail takes a more direct route up the drainage, while Gore Creek twists and turns along its descent. This means you leave the creek, then return to its banks every few hundred yards.

Since I had an eight hour drive ahead of me later in the day, our goal was to only climb until we had the first view of the majestic Gore Range mountains ahead of us. One final push over perhaps the steepest rise yet got us there, just past 1.5 miles up. There’s a great outcrop at this point with plenty of comfortable seats.

It was time for a snack, and to enjoy the views in every direction. Ahead, you can follow the drainage up and into the valley at the base of the massive peaks of Gore Range. Behind, the snow capped summit of eastern Vail Mountain is a reminder that skiiers were there just a short six weeks before. There is also the everpresent sound of Gore Creek.

We were seeing other hikers now, some just out for morning exercise with their dog, others in full backpack and plans to camp far up in Eagles Nest Wilderness. It was a glorious day for hiking… bright and sunny, with a mild chill in the air to keep you from overheating while exerting. That’s what is great about Rocky Mountain hiking in Spring.

Despite wanting to go further, because of later plans it was time to turn around. There were even more flowers out on the way down, and the sky was turning that deep, rich Rocky Mountain blue.

As I spent this final hour on the trail with Dave, I thought about the many adventures we had been on the last 17 days. We saw all the major sights in western South Dakota including The Badlands, Wind Cave, Mount Rushmore, Cathedral Spires and Custer State Park. We checked out Devils Tower in eastern Wyoming, and crossed the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in the southern part of the state. Then we got to experience the grand stateliness of Bryce Canyon and the stark rocky desert at Capitol Reef.

Walking through this lush aspen woodland reminded me of the contrasts in geology and plant life of the American West. Here, we were strolling through the freshest water-fed forest. We had also seen barren landscapes that hardly see a drop of water. Yet all so exceptionally beautiful in many, many different ways. I invite you to go back and review the Trail Reports from the last couple weeks so you can experience this enjoyable journey with us.

I still had one more solo hike planned, in Arkansas, on my way back east, but this was it with Dave. I am extremely grateful to him for sharing this outstanding trip. We had many great experiences, saw lots of wild things, and once again renewed our mutual love of the great outdoors.

Summarizing Gore Creek Trail, we barely scratched the surface of what is available here. As mentioned, you can go 12 miles into Eagles Nest Wilderness. There is even another trail up there to Deluge Lake that will really test your stamina. But if you’re visiting Vail Valley and looking for a lovely few hours trek into the woods, this one is highly recommended. Bring a picnic or a fishing pole and enjoy some Rocky Mountain relaxation.

This post was created by Jeff Clark. Please feel free to use the sharing icons below, or add your thoughts to the comments. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve the past. Respect other hikers. Let nature prevail. Leave no trace.

This marvelous example of Rocky Mountain vistas starts, oddly enough, directly beside Interstate-70 at Colorado’s 10,585′ Vail Pass. The trail winds through forest and meadow, then climbs steeply above treeline to Uneva Ridge, 1,500 feet above. Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of four distinct mountain ranges as you pass into Eagles Nest Wilderness, and experience the high mountain air. If you still have some energy left, you can continue to either Uneva Pass, or Uneva Peak, another solid 500 feet higher. Regardless of your turnaround point, expect a good workout, and great fun. My brother Dave and I climbed to Uneva Ridge on Friday, July 14, 2017 beginning at 6:45AM and ending about 1:45PM. Our plan was to hike to the summit of Uneva Peak, but with me still acclimating to the 12,000 foot elevation, we stopped at Uneva Ridge.

This unnamed trail dives into a pine and fir forest and begins climbing for the first quarter mile until it spills into a vast, wide-open valley that runs for miles between the interstate and Uneva Ridge. Look for herding wildlife to be grazing here in early morning and late evening. The trail in White River National Forest is also used by cross country skiers in winter as evidenced by the blue blaze marks high up on trees.

Once in the open, the double-track trail parallels the meadow for close to a mile. There is an oddity here: tree stumps that stand anywhere from four to eight feet high. We wondered if this area was logged decades ago, and they just happened to cut the trees when there was quite a bit of snow on the ground, resulting in the tall stumps. Vail Pass certainly gets a lot of snow.

It isn’t particularly quiet here, as you’re still in close proximity to I-70. Don’t worry though, that will improve as you continue. Behind you, to the south, are the imposing Jacque, Atlantic and Pacific peaks. Still covered with a large amount of snow in July, I had to get a closer look. I put the telephoto lens on my camera for a series of shots of these impressive pinnacles.

We discovered a wealth of wildflowers along the pathway, including multi-colors of indian paintbrush, large swaths of bluebells, robins plantain, giant dandelion, and the aptly-named elephant heads. This somewhat goofy, tall purple flower has multiple florets per stem that mimic the appearance of an elephant’s trunk and floppy ears. I was fascinated by these every time we happened upon a cluster.

The light is stunning just a couple hours past dawn as it peeks above the mountain ridges and through the boughs of the fir trees. They call it the golden hour. Another feature of early morning is the gradual warming of the air. It was 44°F when we started, even in mid-July. As we approached Corral Creek winding through the picturesque valley, there was a mist rising slowly from the stream bed, likely to return as rain later in the day in another valley not far away.

After a mile or so in this luscious meadow valley, the trail once again enters the evergreen forest and begins its serious ascent. Look for large bushy arrays of bluebells here. I’ve never seen so many in one place. The noise of the interstate begins to dissipate and the songbirds become more evident.

At the end of a steep rise, the trail pops once more into the wide open as you enter the boundary for Eagles Nest Wilderness. On your right is a talus field, breakdown from glacial activity millennia ago. If you look very closely, you will discover the rocks here are home to collections of Colorado’s state flower, the beautiful columbine.

Columbine or aquilegia grow annually in the high country of the Rocky Mountains and are known for their stunning colorings and spurred petals.

Beyond the talus slope you will see Corral Creek descending from the snow fields above. Lined with blackfoot daisies, it is quite the floral scene. As you cross the creek, look to your left (west) for the first view of the Sawatch Range and the giant Mt. of the Holy Cross, one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. We took our first break here, pausing for a timelapse video, a snack and a breather.

The exertion begins in earnest now. As you climb the drainage from Corral Creek, you are above treeline and headed into a large bowl below the shoulders of the Uneva Ridge. Topping the rim of the bowl, you’ll see it is still filled with large snow fields. We managed to wind our way around the snow, avoiding the likelihood of post-holing through the melting white stuff.

You pass through a willow thicket, and then the trail simply disappears. From here on you’re crossing alpine tundra on one large grassy mountain meadow. Small wildflowers dot the surface of the rounded, rolling ridge. The terrain is steep, very steep. We created our own switchbacks by walking in a zigzag pattern up the expansive ridge.

With this being my first hike on this visit to Colorado, and also the first hike after an unplanned ER visit caused by a previously unknown adult-onset allergic reaction to cashew nuts, I tired very quickly. It became apparent to me that our goal of reaching Uneva Peak would be, shall we say, unreachable. I managed to press forward to the crest of the ridge, but that was it for me.

This point was still quite rewarding. We could see the spiked peaks of the Gore Range to the north and the Tenmile Range and Uneva Pass to the south. To the west is an even better view of Mt. of the Holy Cross and the Sawatch Range, and to the east are even more tall summits of the Front Range. We stayed here for half an hour, eating lunch and taking a few selfies, including the one at the top of this post. We could see the tiny silhouette of the alpine jogger who had passed us earlier now at the summit of striking Uneva Peak.

The wind began to freshen, and the clouds were moving faster as the morning approached afternoon. There’s a saying in Colorado that is a very good rule of thumb for summer safety. “Be off the mountain by noon.” It was time to heed that advice as the thunderstorms come fast and furious to the Rockies in summer.

Descending the tundra was so much easier than was the ascent, and a lot quicker too. Thank goodness my knees aren’t bothering me yet like with so many hikers, so I much prefer the down to the up. The sun was playing peek-a-boo as the clouds thickened. There were even more wildflowers out now that the morning chill was gone and the warmth of the sun opened the blossoms.

We stopped a couple of times for brief breaks along the way, but mostly the return trip was uneventful. As we got within a mile of the trailhead we could once again hear the drone of the interstate, signalling our return to civilization. It is hard to go from wilderness to commotion in just a matter of minutes.

Summarizing, people who live in Colorado and hike regularly would probably call this a moderate hike to 12,522′ Uneva Peak. It is an 8-mile round trip with just over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. I can do that too, at home, 6,000 feet lower. But the first day out after being sick, this one wore me out at the 6-mile and 1,500′ mark. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the forest and the wildflowers, and especially the vistas in every direction. Access is quite convenient. This was a good one.

Thanks to Dave for the video summary above.

This post was created by Jeff Clark. Please feel free to use the sharing icons below, or add your thoughts to the comments. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve the past. Respect other hikers. Let nature prevail. Leave no trace.

Beginning on Columbine Dr. in East Vail, CO, the Bighorn Trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. The trail passes beaver ponds and the remains of old mining camps as well as Bighorn Creek. Near the halfway point, be sure to turn around because the views of Vail and Bighorn drainage behind you are exceptional. You will reach Bighorn Falls and your first glimpse at Grand Traverse Peak in the Gore Range, then make another steep climb through willows and a boulder field. The reward at the top is an alpine wonderland at the foot of Grand Traverse and an old, rustic log cabin. This hike occurred on Monday, September 30, 2013 from 8:00am to about 3:30pm. Our plan was to take Bighorn Trail to the log cabin, then return the same way.

I would consider Bighorn Trail a four-phase hike. When we started out, my brother warned me that the first half-mile would be a steep, difficult climb up and out of the Vail Valley. He was right. You will be breathing hard in short order. After the first 20-30 minutes, though, the trail mellows out in phase 2 for a gentle ascent through breathtaking stands of aspen and pine.

One of my goals for a late September visit to my brother’s home in Vail was to enjoy the changing of the season. There isn’t much more beautiful than an aspen forest in full autumn regalia. As we would pause occasionally to rest during the initial ascent, the best views of the golden aspen were behind us, on the south side of the valley. Many of the trees on that side were already in peak color because they get less sun during the day.

About five minutes into the hike we entered Eagles Nest Wilderness, and would remain for the rest of the hike. Wilderness typically means no trail signs and no trail blaze, but we did see the occasional cairn in the hard-to-follow places.

On this north side of the valley, most of the aspen were still green, but the higher we continued, the more color we began to notice. There is also a certain appeal to the mixed color trees as the leaves begin that gradual transformation of hue.

Reaching the more gentle ascent section of Bighorn Trail is a welcome relief. Breathing returns to normal. It is easier to hold the camera steady. The next mile to mile and a half is mostly in forest. For a summer hike, this would also be a nice respite from hot sun.

The pine bark beetle has really done a number on the lodgepole pine in this area of White River National Forest. It’s easy to distinguish the grey, dead trees from the few still unaffected. Collapse and blow down are a major safety issue for hikers, so keep your eyes and ears open as you proceed on the otherwise lovely terrain.

About an hour into our hike we reached a particularly thick and healthy aspen grove. Mostly young, toothpick-like trees, they were backlit by the early morning glow of sunshine coming from behind us. It created an unusual scene, almost as if the grove was generating its own light.

Not far past, about 1.5 miles into the hike, you’ll reach a rocky outcropping that is a nice place to rest, have a snack, and turn around for the fantastic view of Vail Valley behind you. We called it simply The Overlook.

At the two mile point, the next feature along the trail is a visit to Bighorn Creek. You will enter a thick, dark pine grove that is right alongside the creek for a hundred yards or so. Soon after, the trail leaves the forest, is back out in open country, and begins phase 3 of this hike. Get ready to stretch your legs and burn your lungs again. It gets hard.

In the third mile you will climb an additional thousand feet. The trail passes through open meadows and stands of subalpine fir and Englemann spruce, and offers the first glimpse of the Grand Traverse, a continuous 12,000 foot ridge connecting North Traverse Peak and Grand Traverse Peak in the Gore Range. It is incredible. I reported earlier about views of the Grand Traverse from across the valley. Well, this is up close and personal. You’re right there, surrounded by the giant peaks.

We passed a beaver pond and Bighorn Falls. Unfortunately you can’t really get to the waterfall without a major bushwhack through willow thickets so fierce you would no doubt return with your clothing in shreds. That assumes you make it back.

There are several boulder fields along the way, including one about two-thirds of the way up phase 3 that requires serious scrambling for close to 100 yards. The good news, though, is the view back down the Bighorn drainage. That’s the photo at the top of this post. Be sure to click it for a larger image. We took a five minute break here to enjoy the view and to catch our breath from the intense climbing.

We began to transition from subalpine to alpine ecosystem and what few aspen remained at this elevation were now totally golden. The mountains surrounding us now were snow covered, and as we topped the climb the Grand Traverse, in all its magnificence, was in clear view. For me, this is what Rocky Mountain hiking is all about. There is so much. Forest and rocks and mountains and sky and water and colors and…

The fourth and final phase of this hike begins as the trail mellows again. You walk at the base of the Gore Range alternating between stands of spruce and grassy meadows. It’s still another half mile to the destination, but by now it’s an easy stroll among the massive peaks that surround you. We paused for a few selfie photos and to enjoy the full sensual delight.

The destination is an old homestead cabin that is actually on private property. Not really a problem, because no one comes here anymore except hikers. People must have really been short back then, because goofy ol’ me walked right into a cross beam with my forehead. Saw stars too. We found some rocks to sit on in a nearby meadow and enjoyed our well-deserved lunch. My brother told me a story about another time he was here, sitting on the porch, when a hiker with a lounge chair on his back approached, put the chair on the porch, and departed without saying a word. Go figure.

As you will see in the photos below, by now the weather was near perfect hiking weather… sunny, cool with a light breeze. Add in the marvelous visuals and we were having a great day. We were to learn a lesson about hiker communication on the way down though.

We made our descent through phases 4 & 3 without incident, although I did take a small tumble when trying to find the perfect spot for a zoomed-in photo of Bighorn Falls. Stepped in a hole. And the dang photo turned out lousy anyway. Peh.

When we got back to the pine-spruce forest near Bighorn Creek, we decided we wanted to take some time for creek photography. All we said to each other was, if we get separated we’ll meet back on the trail. Mistake #1. We bushwhacked through the forest to find that perfect spot.

We each marked out a section of the creek to try to work with the high contrast environment and spent 15 minutes hoping for the best. At one point my brother dropped his cap in the creek, and amazingly it didn’t end up all the way to the Colorado River. I had enough, so I looked at him and nodded that I was heading back to the trail. He nodded acknowledgement. Mistake #2.

I never saw him again for the next hour. I assumed that he was on the trail ahead of me, and he assumed that I was on the trail behind him. In actuality, the opposite turned out to be true. I chose to continue down the trail, figuring I would catch up with him eventually. Mistake #3. He chose to backtrack, looking for me. Mistake #4.

As I continued down the trail, the sun was lowering in the sky and made for lovely photos through the aspen groves. But still no sign of my brother. By now I was beginning to think he must be behind me, so I slowed my pace to give him a chance to catch up. And I tried to call and text him cell phone to cell phone.

Unfortunately he didn’t have a cell signal. Different carrier from mine. Anyway, to shorten a long story, he went back and forth on the trail for half an hour looking for me. In the meantime, I was on my merry way off the mountain. He finally found a cell signal when I was only five minutes from the end, determined where I was, and said okay, I’m half an hour behind you.

Up top, in the info section, I mentioned there being other hikers, and wishing they were more attentive. During all of this confusion I passed a hiking couple that my brother would later encounter. He said to them, if you see a guy with a yellow cap tell him where I am. These other hikers didn’t think to mention they had already seen me. Mistake #5.

Suffice to say, we did a better job of communicating the rest of the week whenever we separated on the trail. Lesson learned.

This is a hike that I was actually unable to complete 33 years earlier, when I was 27. ‘Course I was a smoker and lazy sloth back then, but I only made it to the end of phase 3 and didn’t want to go any farther. My body just had enough. So I was pretty proud that I could accomplish something at 60 that I was unable to do at 27.

To summarize, this is really a beautiful trail with just about every kind of scenery that hikers look for. It is hard. There’s no question about that. But you expect trails to be hard in the high elevation of the Rocky Mountains. We were out for 7.5 hours but stopped for lots of pictures and had that communication snafu. You can certainly do this hike in a lot less time, but why would you? Just enjoy Bighorn Trail for the absolutely stunning scenery.

This post was created by Jeff Clark. Please feel free to use the sharing icons below, or add your thoughts to the comments. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve the past. Respect other hikers. Let nature prevail. Leave no trace.