West Lake Creek Trailhead
8,220 feet
Hutski.com map: Polar Star Inn
USGS 7.5 min map: Grouse Mountain
10th Mountain Huts map:
New York Mountain
GPS: 361 590 E, 43 83 621 N
Hut accessed: Polar Star Inn
Because of poor signage the drive to the West Lake Creek Trailhead is more intricate than most. Drive I-70 13 miles W from Vail or about 46 miles E from Glenwood Springs, and turn off at the Edwards Exit (Exit 163).
From the Edwards exit continue for a short distance across the Eagle River to a stop sign and T intersection with Highway 6. Turn right (W) and drive .7 miles to Lake Creek Road on the left. Drive the Lake Creek Road 1.8 miles to a well-signed Y intersection. Take a right (W) on the West Lake Creek Road and follow it 2.8 miles to a parking area where a switchback in the road makes a hard left. The Card Creek drainage trail follows a distinct snow-covered road southerly from the parking area. Four-wheel drive may be necessary to reach this trailhead.
In summer you can drive farther up this road, parking is not an issue.
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