Lake Eileen

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.

County: La Plata

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 turn right at Lemon Reservoir intersection (CO243). 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. Small gravel parking lots border the work center, trail begins on the west side of CR 501

Delorme: 87 A5
Roads of Colorado: 131 E3-E4

Dates of Access: Summer only
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Two-mile strenous hike with 1,000 ft elevation gain. Can be hazardous; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms

Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Vallecito Campground

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Vallecito Campground is accessible, but trail is not.

Elevation: 8878

Latitude: 37.4584827
Longitude: -107.5717814