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Pitkin Creek Trail

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 Vail, 81657

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About

The Pitkin Creek Trail climbs out of East Vail to Pitkin Lake, which sits below an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra of the Eagles Nest Wilderness. On the way it passes two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek.

It suits fit hikers who want a full day and a real wilderness destination close to town. The Town of Vail rates it more difficult, and the lake is 4.8 miles from the trailhead one way, so it is not a casual stroll with small children.

The route

The first mile is the hardest, a steep climb out of the valley past trees felled by old avalanches. The grade then eases through mature aspen, spruce-fir forest and a series of glacial moraines. After about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks bring the first of the two waterfalls into view, roughly 200 yards to the east. Several false summits follow before the trail reaches the lake.

Getting to the trailhead

The trailhead is on Fall Line Drive in East Vail, and parking there is very limited, with only fifteen designated spaces. Do not park in undesignated spots. The Town strongly encourages taking the free East Vail bus from the Vail Transportation Center to the Falls at Vail stop, then walking a quarter mile up Fall Line Drive.

Wilderness rules

Because the trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, regulations are posted at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and hikers are asked to stay on the trail to protect vegetation and prevent erosion. The Town notes the trail gets very busy at certain times of the season and suggests picking another trail when it is likely to be crowded. The Booth Lake Trail is another East Vail waterfall hike, though it has no trailhead parking at all.

Sources: Town of Vail HikeVail trail guide, HikeVail parking and transportation, Discover Vail: Pitkin Creek Trail. Checked September 24, 2026.

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Contact Information

Company Name
Pitkin Creek Trail
Location
4040 Fall Line Dr
Vail, 81657

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About Pitkin Creek Trail

Quick answer: Pitkin Creek Trail is a trail at 4040 Fall Line Dr, Vail, CO 81657. The Pitkin Creek Trail climbs 4.8 miles from East Vail past two waterfalls to Pitkin Lake in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Parking is very limited.

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The Pitkin Creek Trail climbs out of East Vail to Pitkin Lake, which sits below an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra of the Eagles Nest Wilderness. On the way it passes two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek.

It suits fit hikers who want a full day and a real wilderness destination close to town. The Town of Vail rates it more difficult, and the lake is 4.8 miles from the trailhead one way, so it is not a casual stroll with small children.

The route

The first mile is the hardest, a steep climb out of the valley past trees felled by old avalanches. The grade then eases through mature aspen, spruce-fir forest and a series of glacial moraines. After about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks bring the first of the two waterfalls into view, roughly 200 yards to the east. Several false summits follow before the trail reaches the lake.

Getting to the trailhead

The trailhead is on Fall Line Drive in East Vail, and parking there is very limited, with only fifteen designated spaces. Do not park in undesignated spots. The Town strongly encourages taking the free East Vail bus from the Vail Transportation Center to the Falls at Vail stop, then walking a quarter mile up Fall Line Drive.

Wilderness rules

Because the trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, regulations are posted at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and hikers are asked to stay on the trail to protect vegetation and prevent erosion. The Town notes the trail gets very busy at certain times of the season and suggests picking another trail when it is likely to be crowded. The Booth Lake Trail is another East Vail waterfall hike, though it has no trailhead parking at all.

Sources: Town of Vail HikeVail trail guide, HikeVail parking and transportation, Discover Vail: Pitkin Creek Trail. Checked September 24, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long and how hard is the Pitkin Creek Trail?
The lake is 4.8 miles from the trailhead one way, about 9.6 miles round trip. The trail starts at about 8,500 feet in East Vail and climbs about 2,900 feet to Pitkin Lake at 11,400 feet. The Town of Vail rates it more difficult (Discover Vail rates it Advanced): the first mile climbs steeply, there are steep switchbacks and several false summits higher up, and the lake sits in open alpine tundra. It is a full-day hike for fit, acclimatized hikers, not a casual stroll.
Where is the Pitkin Creek trailhead, and can I park there?
The trailhead is at the end of Fall Line Drive in East Vail, reached from I-70 Exit 180 via Bighorn Road and Fall Line Drive. Parking is very limited, fifteen designated spaces, first come, first served, and they fill quickly; do not park in undesignated areas. If the lot is full, park in town and take the bus (next question) rather than parking in the neighborhood.
Can I take the bus to the trailhead?
Yes, and the Town of Vail recommends it. Ride the free East Vail or East Vail Express bus from the Vail Transportation Center to the Falls at Vail stop, then walk a quarter mile up Fall Line Drive to the trailhead. Buses start at 6 a.m. and run every 15 minutes through most of the day. Note that only service dogs may ride Town of Vail buses.
Where are the waterfalls?
There are two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek. The first comes into view after about 2.5 miles, from the steep switchbacks, roughly 200 yards to the east across the valley. The second is higher up, past the meadows on the way to the lake.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash. Because the trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, the Forest Service requires dogs to be under physical control of a leash less than six feet long. Carry water for your dog, pack out waste, and note that dogs other than service dogs cannot ride the Town of Vail bus to or from the trailhead.
Can I camp at Pitkin Lake?
Yes, as wilderness backpacking. Anyone camping in the Eagles Nest Wilderness must hold a free overnight self-registration form (self-issued at the trailhead). Camp at least 100 feet from any lake, stream or trail, in a group of no more than 15 people. Campfires are not allowed at Pitkin Lake: fires are prohibited within a quarter mile of any lake and anywhere above 11,000 feet, and the lake is at 11,400 feet. Backpackers can leave a car in the Vail Village or Lionshead structures for $60 a night (up to 14 days) or the Red Sandstone garage for $35 a night, and take the free bus.
Is there a fee, permit or anything to book?
No. Day hiking is free, with no permit, fee or reservation, and no registration is required for day use. The only paperwork is the free overnight self-registration form if you camp. There is nothing to book for this trail.
Can I hike it in winter?
There is no seasonal closure posted for this trail, the Town of Vail's spring trail closures (April 15 to June 20) apply to named Vail Mountain trails, not to Pitkin Creek. But no official source markets it as a winter trail either: in winter the route is a snow-covered climb to a lake at 11,400 feet in the Gore Range, which is alpine mountaineering conditions, not a maintained winter hike. The standard season is snow-free summer and early fall.
Is there water or a restroom at the trailhead?
There is no drinking water, the Forest Service states potable water is not available, so carry all the water you need for a 9.6-mile, 2,900-foot day. The current official sources publish no restroom information for this trailhead, so plan accordingly.
Are there special rules on this trail?
Yes. The trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness (Forest Service trail #2012), and the wilderness rules are posted at the trailhead: stay on the trail to protect vegetation and prevent erosion, do not shortcut switchbacks, groups are limited to 15 people, and bicycles and other mechanical transport are prohibited in the wilderness. The Town also notes the trail gets very busy at certain times of the season and suggests picking another trail when it is likely to be crowded.

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