Spraddle Creek Trailhead
ELEVATION: 8,480 feet
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Eiseman Hut
USGS 7.5 min. map: Vail West
10th Mountain Huts map: Gore Range
GPS (stables): 382 667 E, 43 89 164 N
Hut accessed: Eiseman Hut

Drive Interstate Highway 70 to the Vail Resort. Take the main Vail exit (#176). Immediately after exiting (before crossing under I70) turn E on a secondary road with a sign for "Spraddle Creek Road." After the turn you will immediately see a Forest Service overflow parking area on your left (note this and use later if needed).

Continue up the steep paved road .7 miles to the Spraddle Creek Estates entrance gate. Leave the pavement here by taking a hard right on the Spraddle Creek dirt road (may have a sign, but don't count on it), and continue .1 mile to parking at a group of older buildings that as of 2007 was being used as stables.

With light snowcover and 4-wheel-drive you may be able to use another small parking at a switchback turn .2 mile farther up the steep and sometimes icy or muddy road past the stables. In winter, do not attempt to drive past this point, as the road becomes a narrow rough 4x4 trail with only a few turnarounds.

There is no parking at the Spraddle Creek Estates entrance gate.

Parking for Spraddle Creek Trailhead may be difficult because of the popularity of this area. Carpool if possible. Free overnight parking is available at Red Sandstone Park, 1 mile west of the main Vail exit (#176) at the intersection of Red Sandstone Creek Road and the frontage road. Free bus service is available along the frontage road.