Overview
Grand Traverse Peak sits above Deluge Lake east of Vail. After a long, steep trail to the lake, the climb itself is short: up tundra to a saddle north of the lake, then west on tundra and talus to the top.
It is Class 2 with a little easy scrambling on the summit crest. The hard part is the Deluge Lake Trail, which climbs about 3,000 feet in 4.5 miles.
The round trip is about 11 miles with 4,400 feet of gain as a day hike. From a camp at the lake it is about an hour to the top. Many people add Mount Valhalla along the ridge to the east.
Plan of the day
By 5 a.m. for a day hike; the trail to the lake takes most people 3 hours or more.
If you are not at Deluge Lake by 9 a.m., consider stopping at the lake.
The steep trail to Deluge Lake. The peak itself is easy.
Trail to the lake. From the north end, head straight up to the saddle north of the lake, then west.
Deluge Creek and Deluge Lake. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Gore Creek (Deluge Lake Trail)
From I-70, get off at exit 180 for East Vail, roughly 4 miles past the main Vail exit heading east. Go south, then east on Bighorn Road for about 2.3 miles through homes and condos. The road passes under the interstate and curves east and southeast; the trailhead parking is on that curve, just before the Gore Creek Campground.
Any car can get here. The lot overflows on weekends, so arrive early. There may be more parking on the shoulder past the campground.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Gore Creek (Deluge Lake Trail). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →