Bighorn Trail(edit)

based on 48 tracks & routes | |

MODERATE

#59 hike out of 67 in White River National Forest |

MODERATE

3.3 mi

Distance

1 hrs 23 min

Time

2,146 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate one way trail in White River National Forest.

This trail climbs steep for the first couple of miles then gradually begins to flatten out. Beautiful views of East Vail from the approach.

This trail dead ends to a cabin that was recently renovated in the summer of 2017, the Dollie Mine cabin. You can watch an episode of this restoration from the tv series: Building off the Grid on the DIY channel. They offer On Demand episodes and search for the Dollie Mine Cabin!

This trail dead ends a couple hundred yards north of the cabin. It is a beautiful area to camp and explore nearby peaks including Climbers Peak, North Traverse Peak and the Grand Traverse scramble down into Deluge lake!

Getting Started

Get off at East Vail and head East on Bighorn Rd. Turn left onto Columbine Dr and there is parking on the right, prior to the underpass for 1-70. There are also a couple of parking spots after the underpass on the left, which is where the trailhead is at.

Taking Children

Due to the elevation gain into the Gore Range, the trailheads from Vail are not recommended for children, however a strong hiker could manage this trail.

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

rockymountaindiva 3 years, 4 months ago

We did this as an early winter hike/snowshoe. The section through the aspens was gorgeous! Also lovely was the contrast of the snow partially covering the rocks. Towards the top the snow was knee-deep and we could barely see the prior person’s track. The cabin was re-built in 2017 and looks sturdier than the last time I was there. Gaiagps gave me 8.5 miles round trip and > 2200’ elevation gain.

★ ★ ★ ★