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Eagles Nest Wilderness - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

2-5 Day Treks
Mountain Peaks
Forests
Wildlife Sanctuaries
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About Eagles Nest Wilderness

The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. There are several different trails to explore, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a longer backpacking trip, the Eagles Nest Wilderness has something to offer. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs.
Address : Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA

Hotels near Eagles Nest Wilderness


Things to Do at Eagles Nest Wilderness

Eagles Nest Wilderness is a paradise for outdoor lovers. The area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing. In addition, there are numerous scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Summit County is also home to several ski resorts, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. No matter what time of year you visit, Eagles Nest Wilderness is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.


Top Activities Near Eagles Nest Wilderness

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History of Eagles Nest Wilderness

The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a haven for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Summit County, Colorado, the Eagles Nest Wilderness spans nearly 30,000 acres of alpine meadows, forests, and peaks. The area was first protected as part of the White River National Forest in 1976, and it was officially designated as a wilderness area in 1980. Today, the Eagles Nest Wilderness is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bear, and eagles. The trail network winds through lush valleys and towering mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Eagles Nest Wilderness is the perfect place to find peace and solitude.


Best Time to Visit Eagles Nest Wilderness

The best time to visit the Eagles Nest Wilderness in Summit County, Colorado is during the summer months. The temperatures are mild and the days are long, providing ample opportunity to enjoy all that the wilderness has to offer. Wildlife is plentiful during this time of year, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. 


Tips for Visiting Eagles Nest Wilderness

  1. Get an early start. The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a popular destination, so getting an early start will help you avoid the crowds.
  2. Pack appropriate clothing. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so make sure you pack clothes that will keep you warm and dry.
  3. Be aware of wildlife. The wilderness is home to a variety of animals, including bears, mountain lions, and snakes. Be cautious when hiking and make noise to avoid startling wildlife.
  4. Respect private property. The Eagles Nest Wilderness includes both public and private land, so be sure to respect private property boundaries.
  5. Be prepared for emergencies . Unfortunately , accidents happen . Be sure to bring a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
  6. Camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams. This will help protect the water sources from contamination.campfires are only allowed in designated areas. Please check for fire bans before your trip, as they are often implemented during dry conditions.
  7. limit your group size to 12 people or less. Large groups can have a significant impact on the wilderness area. Please be considerate of other visitors and limit noise as well. gunfire is not permitted in the wilderness area . please be respectful of other visitors and refrain from using firearms. 

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Eagles Nest Wilderness

  1. Eagles Nest Wilderness covers an area of 35,000 acres.The area was designated as a wilderness area in 1976.
  2. The area is also home to several different species of birds, including eagles and hawks.
  3. Eagles Nest Wilderness is one of the most popular recreation areas in Summit County – each year, over 200,000 people visit the area.
  4. n addition to hiking and camping, popular activities in the area include fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.
  5. In the winter, the wilderness offers great opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  6. There are dozens of hiking trails in the wilderness, ranging from short nature walks to multi-day backpacking trips. The trail to Two Elk Lake is one of the most popular trails in the wilderness and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Eagles Nest Wilderness

There's no definitive answer to this question, as it will vary depending on your fitness level, the trails you take, and the weather conditions. However, a good rule of thumb is to allow yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Eagles Nest Wilderness. This will give you plenty of time to hike to the summits of some of the area's most popular peaks. 


How to Reach Eagles Nest Wilderness

To reach the wilderness area, take Highway 9 south from Silverthorne for about four miles. Then, turn left onto Heeney Road and follow it for six miles until it dead-ends at the Eagle's Nest trailhead. From there, you can begin exploring the abundance of trails and natural wonders that Eagles Nest Wilderness has to offer. 


Entrance Fee of Eagles Nest Wilderness

While there is no entrance fee to explore Eagles Nest Wilderness, there are some Fees charged for camping and backpacking overnight. These fees help to maintain the wilderness area and keep it accessible for everyone to enjoy. 


Opening Hours of Eagles Nest Wilderness

However, it is important to note that the wilderness is only open during certain hours. During the summer months, the wilderness is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, during the winter months, the hours are reduced to 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors should also be aware that the wilderness is closed to vehicles on Sundays.


Attractions Near Eagles Nest Wilderness

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Pitkin LakePitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glacier-carved valley. The Pitkin Lake Trail climbs 2,886' in several steep stages into the upper valley, where the landscape opens to rolling alpine meadows on the approach to Pitkin Lake
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Rock Creek TrailheadRock Creek Trailhead is located in Summit County, Colorado and provides access to the Rock Creek and Belleayre Mountain Trails. The trailhead is situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike or bike along the Rock Creek Trail to reach the summit of Belleayre Mountain, where they will find a variety of trails to explore. The Rock Creek Trailhead is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts.
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Gore Valley TrailBeautiful paved path popular for walking and biking with great mountain, aspen trees, and stream views. The entire trail is 12 miles long and spans from East Valley Trail on the western end and the Val Pass Trail on the eastern end.
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Gore CreekThis is a modest 18.5 mile-long river with lots to offer outdoor recreation visitors. The river is situated in Eagle County and drains part of the Rocky Mountains at the south end of Gore Range via Gore Valley.
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Mount PowellMount Powell is a mountain in Summit County. The mountain has an elevation of 14,028 feet and is the highest point in Summit County. Mount Powell is part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the most popular climbing destinations in Colorado. The mountain was named after John Wesley Powell, who was the first person to climb it. Mount Powell is home to many different wildlife species, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles.
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Betty Ford Alpine GardensThe Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are the world's highest botanical garden, located at 183 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, Colorado, United States, at an 8,200 feet altitude in the Rocky Mountains. Other gardens include the Children's Garden and Schoolhouse Garden. Together these gardens contain about 2,000 varieties of plants, including over 500 different varieties of wildflowers and alpine plants. The Gardens are open to the public year-round.

Discover More Attractions in Summit County, Home of Eagles Nest Wilderness

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Summit County
Summit County, Colorado is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state. The county is home to four world-class ski resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin. And with more than 300 inches of snowfall each year, there's no shortage of powder for shredding. But Summit County isn't just a winter playground. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golfing. There's also an abundance of shops and restaurants to explore in the

Location of Eagles Nest Wilderness


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