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Deluge Lake
deluge lake trailhead sign
deluge mountain and creek views
creek along trail with mountains in distance
eagles nest white river forest sign
cascading rocks on deluge trail
deluge incline on trail with aspens
deluge alpine mountain views
deluge mountain views
deluge mountain valley views
moutain views from deluge trail
deluge cascading rocks
deluge alpine lake melt with person and dog
deluge alpine lake melt
deluge alpine lake and mountains

Deluge Lake Trail

Distance
4.3 miles (one way)
Difficulty
Expert
Crowds
High

The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. Take this left onto the narrow trail which heads north before curving and heading northeast the rest of the way. The trail will pass through several boulder fields, and then cling to a very steep slope as it climbs through aspen woods. The trail climbs very steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet. At mile 3.2, the trail drops to Deluge Creek where you cross Deluge Creek. The trail is gentler now, and you can follow the creek to the lake where view to the Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross emerge.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead.

Trail Adopted By: Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance

Show Your Love for Vail Trails

Hiking in Vail goes hand in hand with caring for our pristine natural environment. Here’s how you can do your part!

Stay on the Trail

No shortcuts - going off trail compromises trail construction, kills the vegetation, increases soil erosion and may result in reduced water quality.

Pack Out Trash

Stash it until you can trash it - anything you bring with you, you must pack back out! Trash can hurt wildlife and contaminate water ways.

Dog Do's and Don'ts

Do pick up the doo – pack out all dog poop. Don’t let dogs off leash – this is to protect them from wildlife and wildlife from them.

Respect Wildlife

Give them space - observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals as it can alter their behavior.

Plan Ahead

Take the trail less traveled - there are over a hundred miles of hiking trails in the Vail area! Use the trail guide to discover area trails and whenever possible ride a bike or take a FREE Town of Vail bus to the trailhead.

Driving Directions

Access: Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. We strongly encourage taking the free East Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Main Gore / Bighorn stop. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead.

Bus to Hike

Take the East Vail bus

  • Park for free in Vail Village or Lionshead structures and take a free bus to East Vail
  • Get off at the Main Gore/Bighorn bus stop
  • Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass)
  • You will see the Deluge Lake/Gore Creek trailhead

Dogs & Leashes

On all trails that enter the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as well as on the North Trail, DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE ON A PHYSICAL LEASH. If you would like to hike with your dog off leash, there are several areas you can go, such as any trail, aside from the North Trail, that does not enter the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as well as dog parks within the Town of Vail. Remember that, no matter where you are, when in public, your dog needs to be under verbal control. Also, if you use a provided dog waste bag, please remember to carry it out with you. The bags are not biodegradable.