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Lake Eileen
Description: It's a strenuous two-mile hike up to beautiful Lake Eileen in the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail climbs about 1,000 feet through aspen groves and mixed-conifer forests. Look for Hammond's and Olive-sided Flycatchers, Williamson's Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Dusky Grouse. You are likely to encounter pine squirrels, golden-mantled ground-squirrels, chipmunks and other mammals including snowshoe hare are possible.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions: From downtown Durango drive north on US 550 to 15th Street and turn right. Then after a short distance turn left onto Florida Road which becomes CR 240. After about 13 miles continue on CR 240 by turning right at the Lemon Reservoir intersection. After about four miles at the bottom of the hill turn left (north) on CR 501. After about nine miles, past Vallecito Reservoir, look for the forest service “Work Center” on the right (east) side of the road and park here on the shoulder. The trail head is on the left (west) side and signed. An alternate route from Bayfield, east of Durango on US 160, is to turn north at the traffic light on CR 501 and proceed to Vallecito Reservoir.
Dates of Access: Summer only
Hours of Operation: Any
Delorme: 87 A5
Roads of Colorado: 131 E3-E4
Latitude: 37.458482700000
Longitude: -107.571781400000
Ownership: US Forest Service
Lodging: Vallecito Campground
Parking: Paved parking area
Admission: Free
Restrictions or Hazards: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms
Handicap Access: Vallecito Campground is accessible, but trail is not.