A scenic road that twists its way around the forests north of Vail for 7 miles to Lost Lake, or branches off to Piney Lake. A great location for snowmobiling, snow shoeing, or cross country skiing. Skiers and snowshoers should be aware that Red Sandstone Road can receive relatively heavy snowmobile traffic.

There are many spurs off of this road, including Red and White, Lost Lake, and more. Most of the spurs are considerably more difficult to travel, and may require overnight camping.

BACKCOUNTRY RESPONSIBILITY

It is your responsibility to be aware of the potential risks and to take safety precautions at all times when you visit the National Forest. Changing terrain and weather conditions present a wide variety of hazards. Hazards include, but are not limited to: severe weather, snow and avalanches, obstacles of all kinds such as rocks, trees and stumps; over exertions, hypothermia, and becoming lost; remnants of mining and other activities involving excavations and debris; and exposure to unreasonable acts of other people.

TRAIL TIPS

The trailhead has very limited parking. DO NOT PARK BY THE GATES.... these areas are used for vehicles to turn around. Obtain current avalanche information at 970-827-5687.

Lost Lake Road has many spurs and it's easy to get lost. Throughout three junctions, continue to take the left fork to reach the trailhead located one mile from Lost Lake.

Directions from Vail: From the main Vail interchange, travel west on North Frontage road for 1 mile. You'll see a sign on the right side of the road marked "Piney Lake/Red Sandstone Road". Turn right at the sign. At 3/10 of a mile from the turn-off follow the road to the right as it makes a hairpin turn and continues up the mountain. At 6/10 of a mile from the turn-off, you'll see a sign for Piney River Ranch at the beginning of a dirt road. This is the trailhead. Please park between the two gates.Follow Red Sandstone Road 3 miles to the junction with Lost Lake Road. The trail follows Lost Lake Road for 4 miles to the trailhead for the Lost Lake Trail. 1 mile from the trailhead, the trail ends at Lost Lake.

Directions from Beaver Creek: From the main Vail interchange, travel west on North Frontage road for 1 mile. You'll see a sign on the right side of the road marked "Piney Lake/Red Sandstone Road". Turn right at the sign. At 3/10 of a mile from the turn-off follow the road to the right as it makes a hairpin turn and continues up the mountain. At 6/10 of a mile from the turn-off, you'll see a sign for Piney River Ranch at the beginning of a dirt road. This is the trailhead. Please park between the two gates.Follow Red Sandstone Road 3 miles to the junction with Lost Lake Road. The trail follows Lost Lake Road for 4 miles to the trailhead for the Lost Lake Trail. 1 mile from the trailhead, the trail ends at Lost Lake.

Red Sandstone/Piney River Ranch Road - Red Sandstone Road provides the main access to a large area north of Vail. The road begins in the town of Vail and is passable in two-wheel drive vehicles.