Middle Creek Road #719

Length: 4.7 miles (one way)                   Trail Use: Light to Moderate

Difficulty: Moderate                                 Open To: XC, Snowshoe, Snowmobile

Beginning Elevation: 9,724 feet              Ending Elevation: 11,165 feet

Elevation Gain: +1,441 feet                    USGS Map(s): Vail West

Access from Vail : Exit I-70 at Vail exit 176 and take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. Turn right and follow to the winter road closure gate and park here. Travel 3 miles up Red Sandstone to Lost Lake Road #786. Turn right here and travel another 1.35 miles to Middle Creek Road.

Attractions/Considerations : This is the most popular route to the Eiseman Hut. Eiseman Hut is part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association system and can be reserved in advance at www.huts.org or (970) 925-5775. Excellent views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges are abundant on this route.   Snowmobiles may be encountered on the first 1.5 miles of road due to a commercial snowmobile guide service that is located on Red Sandstone Road.

Trail Highlights : The trail begins at the Forest Service road closure on Red Sandstone Road #700. It follows this road for 3 miles to the junction with Lost Lake Road #786. Turn right here and follow for 1.35 miles to Middle Creek Road on the right. Middle Creek Road meanders another 4.7 miles to the Eiseman