Vail, CO: Snow Pass Loop

This 13.3-mile route could be tackled in two or three days and offers add-on options for an additional challenge. Start at the Gore Trail Trailhead and follow Gore Creek heading east. Elevation increases quickly as the trail switchbacks up rocky steps and winds through open forests. At mile 4.3 turn left at a 3-way junction where the trail turns more sharply uphill for the 1.8-mile climb to Gore Lake. Look back during meadow stretches for cross-canyon views of Chief and Buffalo mountains before the trail turns west for the final approach to the lake.
On day two, head cross-country around the east ridge of Snow Peak, to Snow Creek. Near the creek’s widest point, consider a 2-hour, class III scramble detour to the top of 12,904-foot Hail Peak before continuing along the creek toward the rocky basin surrounding Snow Lake. Follow a goat-trail above the lake’s north shore and switchback to the pass for panoramic views of the Deluge and Snow lake basins. Consider the 0.5-mile out-and-back scramble to the steep, rocky summit of Snow Peak before traversing the steep hillside on into the Deluge Lake basin for the night.
If you’ve got stamina on day three, start off with another tough scramble to the summit of 13,180-foot Mt. Vahalla before packing up and following the Deluge Lake trail downhill to close the loop near the trailhead.
The scramble add-ons to this route are short on mileage, but require lots of time, route-finding and sure-footedness. The talus slopes can be loose and are not for the faint of heart.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland & MacKenzie Ryan

Trail Facts

• Distance: 21.4

Waypoints

SPL001

Location: 39.6277715, -106.2749147

There is limited parking and no services at the well-marked trailhead. If the lot is full, there may be some parking available at the campground a few hundred feet up the road on the left.

SPL002

Location: 39.6285746, -106.2732167

Start this route’s loop by continuing straight, following the Gore Creek Trail, at this 3-way junction. Look for this sign on your way back to the trailhead via the Deluge Creek Trail.

SPL003

Location: 39.6293368, -106.2584562

You’ll follow the creek as you climb (you’ll even cross a few small streams), but this rocky cliff above it offers one of the best trailside views of the running water.

SPL004

Location: 39.6263894, -106.2240215

There are many small stream crossings on the Gore Creek Trail, most a have small footbridges to aid the crossing.

SPL005

Location: 39.624904, -106.2051558

There is a small graveyard marking this junction with the Gore Lake Trail at mile 4.25. Turn left to follow the trail uphill. Though occasionally deadfall disguises the path, it is otherwise easy to follow.

SPL006

Location: 39.6334488, -106.2043436

As you climb, surrounding views of the Gore Range get even more beautiful. You’ll pass through meadows and round a rocky hillside as you approach Gore Lake.

SPL007

Location: 39.6409545, -106.2075269

On the east side of Gore Lake there are several established campsites. Minimize impact by camping in established sites away from the water. It’s only about 0.5 miles around the lake and it’s an excellent after-dinner excursion.

SPL008

Location: 39.6422236, -106.207744

On day two, this route heads off trail for the entire day, from Gore Lake to Deluge Lake. Begin by tracing the base of Snow Ridge northeast. Though you’ll loose some elevation here to pass below cliffs try to avoid losing ground by heading too far south.

SPL009

Location: 39.6466499, -106.2010275

As you crest a small hill between rocky outcroppings, you’ll begin to hear Snow Creek. Head toward the creek and follow it uphill, northwest into the valley.

SPL010

Location: 39.6487325, -106.2013847

Near the creek’s widest point, consider dropping your pack and taking the 2-hour side trip toward the 12,904-foot Hail Peak. The scramble is loose, difficult, and slow: bring enough supplies for several hours and unexpected conditions. After the side-trip, continue following the creek uphill.

SPL011

Location: 39.6509382, -106.2101233

A small goat path leads above the rocky north shore of Snow Lake becoming steeper and less defined as it climbs toward the pass. Expect snow in early summer and wildflowers into August.

SPL012

Location: 39.6530859, -106.2178159

The pass offers amazing views of both basins. The steep, loose trail down traverses the talus slope to the northwest. If you have the time, energy and expertise, consider adding on the class III southbound scramble the summit of Snow Peak.

SPL013

Location: 39.6550089, -106.2208287

About half way into the descent between the pass and Deluge Lake, the faint trail disappears. Turn downhill more directly where you’re comfortable and continue toward the base of the scree field and alpine meadows.

SPL014

Location: 39.6540028, -106.2292743

There is a small, dilapidated cabin on the edge of the basin. If a storm is imminent, it might be a good place to wait it out, but expect to see evidence of occasional animal inhabitants.

SPL015

Location: 39.6559274, -106.2283087

Look for a night-two campsite on the southeast side of Deluge Lake and consider an early-morning class III scramble up the southeast ridge of Mt. Vahalla on day three. To finish this route’s loop, follow the Deluge Lake trail downhill from the shore through meadows and across the creek a few times before hitting tree line.

SPL016

Location: 39.6364, -106.2587673

Watch your step on these two steep, loose switchbacks. There is still more than 1,500 feet of descending from this point to the trailhead, but you’ll begin to see the freeway as the trail loops east.

Trailhead

Location: 39.6277715, -106.274786

The trailhead is easy to spot alongside the road. There is a map kiosk and self-registration, but no other services available here.

Beetles

Location: 39.6292147, -106.2503611

Pine trees in this area have been affected by a beetle infestation and there are many dead and dying trees. Watch for deadfall on windy days and plan to camp away from affected trees.

Sign

Location: 39.6248545, -106.2051424

With the exception of the cross-country section between Gore and Deluge lakes the trail junctions, like this one at mile 4.25, are well-signed.

Gore Lake

Location: 39.6410125, -106.2079931

One of the most beautiful lakes accessible via Vail, Gore Lake is flanked by rocky ridgelines.

View

Location: 39.6334645, -106.2042937

Looking past the rugged peaks in the nearest valley toward Red Peak.

Off Trail

Location: 39.6453639, -106.2053848

There are many obstacles on the first section of cross-country trail including: grass, fallen trees, elk, rocky outcroppings, and even a small marsh on the east side of the valley.

View

Location: 39.6466253, -106.2009142

The southern view from meadows near the mouth of the Snow Creek valley.

Scrambling

Location: 39.6495834, -106.200242

The talus slopes of Hail Peak take longer to climb than you’d think. Allow more than 2 hours for the optional side trip if you plan to reach the summit.

Alpine

Location: 39.6479234, -106.20046

This route traverses more than 3 miles of rocky, alpine terrain above treeline.

Goats

Location: 39.6509382, -106.209619

Keep a look-out for mountain goats, like this large group grazing below Snow Lake.

Snow Peak

Location: 39.6524022, -106.2181207

The view of the rocky peak from the saddle. Though it’s less than a quarter mile to the top, allow lots of time for the steep, rugged climb.

Deluge Lake

Location: 39.6525609, -106.2179715

Looking toward Deluge Lake from the pass. The trail traverses the rocky hillside on the right side of this image.

Traverse

Location: 39.653945, -106.218996

The rocky trail on the Deluge Lake side of the pass is steep and difficult.

Trail

Location: 39.6540652, -106.2293353

This view looking back toward the pass shows the difficult terrain. With a heavy pack, expect to move slowly on this difficult downhill.

Deluge Creek

Location: 39.6477134, -106.2327093

The upper stretches of the Deluge Creek Trail are more gradual than the end. You’ll pass through several meadows and cross the creek a couple of times on the way down.

Rock Fall

Location: 39.6353321, -106.263172

The trail crosses a couple of rock-fall areas, like this large one about 1.5 miles from trail end.