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A fun singletrack trail in either direction with an opportunity for a dip in an alpine lake.


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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.6

KM

Point to Point

10,237' 3,120 m

High

9,653' 2,942 m

Low

311' 95 m

Up

658' 201 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake

If you're driving to the eastern trailhead, low clearance vehicles are not recommended after the turn onto Lost Lake Spur. No problems driving to the western trailhead.

Need to Know

The road to get to the eastern trailhead is extremely rough, and only suitable for high clearance vehicles.

Description

Starting at about nine miles up from the valley floor of North Frontage Road, Lost Lake Trail is out there. It can be done in either direction, or as an out-and-back. Parking is available at either end of the trail.

If done east to west, you could connect to Buffehr Creek Trail descent. If done west to east, you could connect to Son of Middle Creek. It's not particularly difficult in either direction, and hiking east to west, there is only one short/steep climb. There are some exposed roots and loose rocks throughout the length of the trail.

The trail is obvious and easy to follow, except for one area near Lost Lake where it is easy to lose when traveling from west to east. If hiking east to west, once you see the lake, follow the trail off to the right with the lake on your left. If hiking west to east, once you see the lake, follow the trail about 1/4 of the way around the lake or about 1/4 mile, then veer to your left with the lake at your back.

The trail itself is excellent in either direction.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Lampenrider with improvements by Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#12

in Vail

#26545

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#12

in Vail

#2,146

in Colorado

#26,545

Overall
12 Views Last Month
3,153 Since Oct 4, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
67%
0%
33%
0%

Photos

A natural "dock" at Lost Lake
Jul 18, 2020 near Vail, CO
Views of Mt of the Holy Cross
Jul 18, 2020 near Vail, CO
Flowers at Lost Lake
Jul 18, 2020 near Vail, CO
Lost Lake
Oct 4, 2017 near Vail, CO
The descent when heading east to west.
Oct 4, 2017 near Vail, CO
Aspens (Populus tremuloides) on Lost Lake Trail.
Oct 4, 2017 near Vail, CO

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