Gore Lake

Gore Lake sits at 11,394' in the Eagles Nest Wilderness but on the west side, which tends to be a little quieter and has easier parking options than the east side near Silverthorne. 

From the west, 12 miles roundtrip:

• From Gore Creek Trailhead just outside Vail off of I-70: Hike east on the Gore Creek Trail (#2025) for 4.1 miles (1640' gain). Turn left/north on Gore Lake Trail (#2015.1A) and hike uphill steeply. The trail opens up into meadows and continues gradually upward to the lake -- 5.8 miles, 2830' gain. 

Alternate Title:  From southeast, 21 miles round trip with Double Pass route: 

• From the Meadow Creek Trailhead just outside Frisco: Hike northwest on Meadow Creek Trail (#33) for 4.25 miles (2,286'). Turn right / north on Gore Range Trail (#60) and continue north, crossing above treeline, and ascend Eccles Pass at 11,909.'  Continue north, descending the pass, for another .75 miles to the junction with the Gore Creek Trail (#2025).  Head west / left on Gore Creek Trail for half a mile, ascending to the top of  Red Buffalo Pass at 11,747.' Continue west, descending again, for 2.3 miles to the junction with Gore Lake Trail (#2015.1A). Turn north / right and hike 1.75 miles to the lake. Total for the day: 10.4 miles, 4292' gain. 

Considerations

Overnight parking is allowed at Gore Creek TH and Meadow Creek TH at the time of this writing, but always check before you go. The roads to both trailheads are paved and accessible by all vehicles.

Water sources should be year-round in Gore Creek and Meadow Creek, but check before you go. 

Backpacking itinerary options:

• From Gore Creek TH, this is a good 1-night trip. You can also do 2 nights with a "Friday night start" and hike in ~2 miles and camp, or 4.2 to the junction of Gore Creek and Gore Lake. There are sites along the route, but only in select flat areas. 
• From Meadow Creek TH, this would make a great two night trip with a shuttle (cars at either end, one direction hike). Drive two cars to Gore Creek TH, leave one, drive back 30 minutes to Meadow Creek TH in the second car, and hike west on the route, camping below Eccles Pass on Night 1 and at Gore Lake on Night 2, ending at the car at Gore Creek TH on Day 3. 

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Trail Running
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Length: 12.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
• High Point: 11,394 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (WRNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12