DELUGE LAKE TRAIL #2014
Length:
3.8 miles (one way)
Trail Use: Moderate
Difficulty:
More Difficult
Open To: Hiking, Horseback
Beginning Elevation:
8,710 ft.
Ending Elevation: 1 1,746 ft.
Elevation Gain:
+3036 ft.
USGS Map(s): Vail East
Access from Vail
:
Travel east on I-70 to exit 180, exit here and turn right onto the south frontage road.
Continue on this road about 2 miles to a small parking area on the left just before the Gore Creek Campground.
Trail Highlights
:
There are 2 trailheads starting at this location. After 0.1 miles, the Deluge Lake Trail turns left and the Gore Creek Trail continues straight. Take this left onto the narrow trail which heads north before curving and heading northeast the rest of the way. The trail will pass through several boulder fields, and then cling to a very steep slope as it climbs through aspen woods. Don’t step off the trail’s downhill side to let other hikers pass. The trail climbs steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet. At mile 3.2, the trail drops to Deluge Creek where you need to find the tricky spot to cross the creek. The trail is gentler now, and if it becomes confusing, you can follow the creek to the lake where view to the Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross emerge.