Deluge Lake(edit)

Overview

There are five hikes on the north side of Vail: Booth Lake, Pitkin Lake, Bighorn Creek, Deluge Lake and Gore Lake. This is the most difficult as it is a steep climb for the first couple of miles, then a more gradual climb up to the lake. A majority of time is spent hiking uphill and switchbacks, but once at the lake this trail is the most rewarding of all in the Vail valley. There is also an old sheep cabin about 100 yards south of the lake!

Lots of wildflowers and no crowds due to the arduous approach including almost 3400ft elevation gain to the lake!

Do not attempt this hike until summer: July or August as the Gore Range receives a significant more amount of snow compared to the valley down below in Vail! There is usually a good amount of snow in the Gore Range into June and this trail could be snow covered in the top portion well into late June!

Be sure to take in the views of Snow peak over 13,000 in elevation as well as the Vail valley including East Vail and Vail Mountain!

Getting Started

To access the trail to Deluge Lake, park at the Gore Creek trailhead and after a few minutes of hiking on the Gore Creek trail, turn left at the trail junction to Deluge lake.

It is important to park at the trailhead early due to the popularity of the area.

Taking Children

This trail is rated difficult and not recommended for younger children. There are some sections of rough trail, more so than on the other nearby trails, but easily negotiated by the strong young hiker.