Recreation area

Whitney Lake #2002

Colorado — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

The Whitney Lake trail begins at Homestake Road #703 and ends at Whitney Lake: This short but steep trail ascends quickly through aspen and conifer groves to Whitney Lake surrounded by dense forest. At various points along the trail views of the Sawatch range can be seen. Whitney peak rises up from the north lake shore to an elevation of 13,271 ft. * There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District.

Getting there

Travel west from Vail on I-70 to Exit 171 for Minturn. Exit here and head south on US 24 for about 13 miles to Homestake Road, FSR 703. Proceed southwest about 5 miles on this improved dirt road to the small parking area on the left across the road from the trailhead.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • FISHING
  • HORSEBACK RIDING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Colorado camping

Whitney Lake #2002 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.