Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Vail Valley Bike, Hike and Outdoor Adventures Magazine . DISTANCE: 5.3 miles to the Line Shack summit, 10.
3 miles including Whiskey Creek and Everkrisp ACTIVITIES: Biking and hiking RATING: Intermediate to advanced TIME: 1.5-2 hours by bike ELEVATION GAIN: 2,000 feet TYPE: Mostly Singletrack with some doubletrack SEASON: Whiskey Creek closed Nov. 23 through June 20.
Best from mid-summer to late fall PARKING: Park at the U.S. Forest Service station on Highway 6 and 24, just off the Minturn exit of Interstate 70.
DESCRIPTION: See a lesser-known side of the Vail Valley on this beautiful and strenuous route, located between Minturn and EagleVail. Known as a lettuce farming area through the 1920s, the property changed hands among different ski resort developers until 1979, when it became public land. From the Forest Service station, head up the doubletrack road and settle in for a long, non-technical climb.
You’ll pass the Half Nelson trail (1 mile) and the Full Nelson trail (2.75 miles) — keep right and continue climbing to reach Whiskey Creek. You’ll wonder if it ever ends, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
The VVMTA rerouted sections of the old doubletrack road in 2021, turning it into a sustainable, fun, and shaded singletrack. You’ll know you’re at the top when you reach an old hunter’s cabin known as the Line Shack. This is a great place to enjoy the surroundings and have a snack and a dr.