Lake Eileen Trail: Moderate to Difficult. The four-mile round trip hike gains 1,140 feet in elevation and takes approximately four hours. To access the trail, take CR 501 north of the lake and look for the Forest Service Work Center; a trailhead sign is visible from the road. Park on the east side of the road, the trailhead is on the west (opposite) side. The trail passes through aspen forests to the small, shallow lake covered by water lilies and surrounded by aspen trees. A short climb to the ridge gives you great views of the lake and forests.
From 9th Street & Main Avenue in Durango, head north on Main Avenue (Highway 550). Turn right on 32nd Street (CR 251) and continue. Take another right onto CR 250, and then a left at the light onto Florida Road (CR 240). Continue on CR 240 for 11.8 miles, then turn right to stay on CR 240 for 2.8 more miles. Turn left onto CR 501, and continue for 9.7 miles. Turn left onto CR 500 then turn left where the Vallecito Creek Trailhead will be on your right.
Celebrate the launch of Trail Crew Brew at our Spring Fundraiser and 2020 30th Anniversary Celebration Re-Do! Ride-thru, walk-thru or drive-thru to meet the crew, join or renew, and enjoy a Trail Crew Brew!