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Try out this unique sneak to an amazing "Top of the World" alpine view!


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Map Key

8.5

Miles

13.8

KM

Out and Back

11,689' 3,563 m

High

10,835' 3,303 m

Low

1,718' 524 m

Up

1,717' 523 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Closed May 6-July 12 for elk calving.

Overview

This is a relatively moderate hike to truly amazing view. They call the summit "Top of the World" and it's well-named!

Description

From Lime Creek Road near Vail pass, head up Bowmans Shortcut through forested hillsides. Hike steep switchbacks to gain a wooded ridgeline. From large grassy clearings enjoy your first views of the Gore Range and the Ten Mile Range in the distance. Plunge back into dense forest for a long stretch of rolling ridgetop travel. Finally emerge into the aptly-named "Top of the World" meadow for views of Sawatch Range, Gore Range and Vail's Back Bowls. Soak in the 360-degree views from this stunning alpine oasis, and either turn around here, or continue downhill to Two Elk Pass. This last section is very rutted with difficult footing in places and not particularly recommeded.

Once at Two Elk Pass, Bowman's Shortcut ends at the Two Elk Trail (taking it to the west ends at Minturn, taking it east ends at I70 near Timber Creek). The unsigned Two Elk Connector goes north up Mongolia Bowl past Two Elk ski lodge and into the Vail ski area. Note: bikes are allowed on this trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 6 votes

#4

in Vail Resort

#3144

Overall
  4.3 from 6 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
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2 Star
17%
1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Vail Resort

#494

in Colorado

#3,144

Overall
5 Views Last Month
3,864 Since Mar 23, 2015
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Photos

The Gore range across the valley
Mar 23, 2015 near Minturn, CO
This place is called "Top of the World" for good reason!
Mar 23, 2015 near Minturn, CO
Top of the world looking South and East.
Jul 17, 2019 near Minturn, CO

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Check-Ins

Sep 27, 2020
Tim Foltz
Aug 24, 2019
Tom Fuller
6mi — 2h 30m
Aug 25, 2018
John Jameson
Parked at the first sign when you curve to the right. Fantastic views at the top, but you definitely have to work for it. You could skip the part f… 10.4mi
Aug 14, 2018
Eenster C
favorite hike in this area so far - summit and back
May 5, 2018
Scott Ungar
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