This was our first time visiting Gore Creek Campground. We arrived on a Friday around 1 pm, during a nice rain shower. By the time we found our campsite, the rain had ended, and we were able to back into our spot with no difficulty. Our site was along the Gore Creek, but not so close that we could see it. But we were able to hear the rushing water with no problem.
Gore Creek Campground was very quiet and peaceful. The campground was full, but it did not feel crowded. There are three loops, two for tents/campers (nothing to large) and one for hike in camping. The hike in campsites were large with lots of room to spread out. I highly recommend them if you are tent camping. I only rated the campsite as 75% because there is no drinkable water located at the campground, contrary to what Reserve America website states. We had to go to West Vail (Conoco) to fill up our six gallon container.
Down the street from the campsite is Bighorn Park, which is also a dog park! This was perfect for Daisy—lots of grass and a pond full of fresh water for her to play in.
The first evening we headed to Piney Lake for some Milky Way pictures. The road was decent during the first half (FR700), the second half was full of potholes (FR701) but very doable if you have a car. Because of the Piney River Ranch, there was a lot of traffic on the road. There are also a lot of very large dispursed campsites along the way.
We made it to our location by sunset, and the light was beautiful. Unfortunately we did not do our homework before heading to the location. We were turned back by a sign that told us the area closed at SIX! We couldn’t believe it—and since we usually mind the rules we turned around to find another Milky Way view. We later learned that we could have walked in, and set up with no problem. Apparently the ranch rents the area, but the road and trails are open to all. Next time we will be sure to photograph the Milky Way in this beautiful area.
On our way out of the Piney Lake area we stop to enjoy the last of the daylight. Once we parked the Jeep we noticed a huge moose about 20 yards away. Na was able to capture some pictures before all of the light was gone. We also saw many deer along the road, and one of the largest bucks that I’ve ever seen in Colorado. I also spotted a large Great Horned Owl that flew over the dirt road up into a tree.
One of my favorite parts of our adventure to the Piney Lake area was listening to all of the Hermit Thrushes. There were so many, it was as if the mountains were in mourning with their haunting song.
Natasha was able to snap some night time photos from our camp. I love the way the trees frame the setting.
Saturday morning I woke up early and Daisy and I headed to Vail Pass Bike Path at the campground entrance. We walked along the bike path for an hour before breakfast and were able to watch the beginning riders from the Courage Classic come down the hill.
Late morning we headed back to the entrance of the campground and found the Gore Creek trail head. This is a great hike that follows the Gore Creek all the way up to Gore Lake. It is a busy trail, with lots of backpackers. The trail was muddy from all of the creeks that find their way down the mountain sides. The steep mountain sides kept the creek away from Daisy most of the time. She did enjoy the refreshing water whenever the terrain evened out. We turned around at the bridge, which is probably about 2 miles from our campsite (4 miles round trip). There are a lot of side trails and vistas to enjoy along the way.
Overall, Gore Creek was a great trail. Strenuous at times, but those parts are short, and usually even out to flatter terrain and a vista that you can enjoy before tackling the next incline.
Wildflowers spotted on the trail: Mountain Harebell Bellflowers, Monkshood, Fireweed, Scarlet Paintbrushes, Wild Roses, White Wild Geraniums, Cow Parsnip, Raspberries, Columbines, Mariposa Lili, Stawberries, Paintbrush, and so many more flowers who’s names I do not know!
On Sunday Vail has a farmers market, and it is extremely crowded! We picked up some fresh peaches and desert for later in the day. We also had lunch at Vendetta’s while overlooking the hustle and bustle of the farmers market. I must admit, Vail is a very dog friendly town. Most of the patios allow well behaved dogs to join you.
We found a path near the end of the campground that follows Gore Creek for quite awhile. We took our fly rods with us and scrambled down to the creek whenever the water looked good. We caught about a dozen Brook Trout from 4″ to 10″. We love fishing the small stream, you never know what you will catch!
One trail that we really wanted to hike, but didn’t get a chance to, was Booth Falls Trail. If you make it to Vail try this trip, I hear it is a great hike.
We will definitely be coming back to Gore Creek Campground. There is so much to do from the campsite alone: hiking, fly fishing, biking, wildlife viewing. What a great trip!
I was told there were some locals that walked through camp every day. I guess they walk through every campsite, too!
More Information:
When: Early Summer 2014
Elevation: 8,700′
Reservation: Gore Creek Campground, CO
Misc: level, NO WATER
I just did Booth Falls and yes, it is wonderful. So happy that you are enjoying the area. If you have a chance, you might like the trails at Brainard lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The hike to Lake Isabelle is one of my favorite hikes ever. And you usually see moose at Brainard. On the Jean Lunning trail the wildflowers right now are just about peak. There is a campground near the lake..Pawnee, it is often full. But, you might want to check it out and cross your fingers. Love your photos, and your posts. Happy days to you!
Thank you so much for the suggestions on trails. Natasha and I were wondering where we should go this weekend to get away from the Front Range heat. Brainard sounds like a great idea. I use to camp in the sites near the lake when I first moved to Colorado. It was my place to go solo for my birthday (time for reflection), along with my old shepherd, Cody. Good memories. 🙂
I’ll you know if we head up!
Sara
Hi again!
Natasha and I headed to Brainard Sunday afternoon. We figured if we went late in the day, there would be less people. FYI, it’s true—the parking lot was nearly empty! We took the snowshoe trails aiming for Brainard Lake and were stopped short at one of the lakes just past Red Rock Lake. There were so many moose along the trail, we didn’t feel safe hiking in the area. Can you believe that—to many moose?
We did enjoy the trip, lots of wild flowers, mosses, blooming lily pads (one of our favorites), a Three-toed Woodpecker (a new bird for me!) and four moose (including a calf)! It was a an enjoyable trip indeed. Thanks so much for the suggestion 🙂
Sara, Natasha, and Daisy
Your pictures are amazing and that creek looks beautiful! Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you. The creek was amazing—I can’t stop wishing we were still there 🙂
Sara
You have a really nice looking website here with some very helpful information. Thank you. We actually stayed at Gore Creek in the same site you were in three weeks before you. We burned up many of those blocks of wood that were sitting around your fire ring when we were there. Be sure to bring an ax along on all your trips! The entire site was filled with them when we arrived. Please post many more entries for other national forest campgrounds in Colorado. This would be very helpful for a person like me who lives in Minnesota!
Thank you so much for your information on Gore Creek. We had not been there before and because of your suggestions, hiked Gore Creek and Piney lake trail with our 9 year old son. Both were amazing! We also walked the bike path every night at dusk and saw plenty of Deer. I am looking forward to seeing where you go next. Looks like Sylvan Lake is a must see.
I’m so glad you like Gore Creek, in Vail. We do enjoy staying there, and all the different types of trails. From challenging to easy-—you can find it all 🙂
Our next post will be Gore Creek, 2015! We visited just last week, and explored some new places.