One of the busiest backcountry gateways in the state, Vail Pass, has finally opened its new parking lot for private trailers.
Starting today snowmobile and other motorized users are parking at the new paved lot near the recently finished – and long-delayed – Vail Pass rest area.
“It should be easier to park a big truck and trailer in there versus working your way on the Black Lakes Road, which was narrow and had a sharp turn coming in,” U.S. Forest Service rep Dave Boyd tells Krystal 93. “There will be no more parking on Black Lakes Road because of the congestion it saw there.”
The new lot comes with 85 spaces. That is about the capacity of the old parking, with its weird mix of dirt and snow, but with much easier access for everyone.
“The activity around the intersection and adjacent ranger building frequently caused confusion for other rest area visitors and created pedestrian-vehicle safety concerns,” Boyd continues.
Also new this week is a larger hut for Vail Pass rangers. For years they were crammed into a shed at the entrance to Black Lakes Road. Their updated home is located by the rest area, where Boyd says it will be easier to manage parking and answer questions.
Updated parking for non-motorized backcountry travelers has been open all winter. So why did the sled parking take so long?
Training, Boyd says. There is a learning curve for everyone here.
“Vail Pass snow rangers encourage patience during this transition,” Boyd says. “Motorized users should find that parking in the new area is easier than Black Lakes Road, but it may take time for rangers and visitors to develop the most efficient approach.”
Preview image by Zach Mahone for Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine.