North of Vail and Frisco sits the Gore Range with an estimated population of 40 mountain goats. The Eagle Nest Wilderness within the White River National Forest provides over 130,000 acres of backcountry.

Eagles Nest Wilderness and trail heads near Vail are popular with recreational users. 13,000 foot rugged mountains offer a significant challenge for tag holders. Watch for drastic weather changes

The Gore Range is made up by a series of spire peaks with extremely steep slopes and deep drainages. Mount Powell and Eagles Nest are both over 13,000 feet and encircle Duck and Cliff Lakes. Elliot and Piney Ridges head north of Eagles Nest towards the Colorado River. Many drainages carry snowmelt from these high peaks to the Colorado, Blue or Eagle Rivers.

Alpine basins are covered with a collection of wildflowers, lichens, moss and grasses. Avalanche chutes have willows and grasses. Below the timberline are stands of spruce, fir, pine and aspens. Cottonwoods and willows, along with oak brush and mountain mahogany, line creek bottoms. Areas of sage and grass surround the lower lakes and cover rolling hills.

The Eagles Nest Wilderness Area has over 133,000 acres within this portion of White River National Forest.

Specific use and access restrictions

Trail details

Interstate 70, Colorado Route 9 and 131 are major highways. A number of County Roads connect with Colorado Route 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling, including Black Creek, 1350, 1830 A, 1831, Boulder Creek, Cataract Creek and McGillan Street.

A number of campgrounds can be found in this portion of the White River National Forest near Green Mountain Reservoir, Lake Dillon and Gore Creek by Vail. Vail offers extensive motels, hotels, restaurants and world class medical facilities. Kremmling and Silverthorne offer motels, café’s, restaurants, medical facilities, gas and diesel.

White River National Forest Campground link – Green Mountain