This trail south of Edwards begins near the Baryeta Cabins site and leads past the Polar Star 10th Mountain Hut before linking to the New York Lake trail #2221.

The New York Mountain Trail travels through the Holy Cross Wilderness from the Baryeta Cabins site along a ridge to the Polar Star Inn on the West side of New York Mountain. The trail is steep at first passing through spruce/fir, aspen and some hillside meadows. Because the trail receives low use many parts of the trail are difficult to follow. There is some flagging to help guide the way. Once on top of the ridge the trail becomes easy to follow through sparse spruce/fir forest. The trail then enters a large old timber cut with spruce/fir regeneration. There is no real trail through the cut area, just follow an old logging road straight across. The trail ends at the Polar Star Inn, a private cabin part of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Hut system. Once at this site, it is possible to connect onto the New York Lake Trail #2221 to the south.

SPECIAL INTERESTS
SCENIC VIEWS - While on the ridge top in the timber cut area, there are good views of the New York Mountain Range.

TIMBER CUT - This large clear-cut, cut in the 1960's may appear unsightly, but the opening of this area has promoted the growth of a diversity of shrubs and herbaceous plants, with the regeneration of spruce and fir. This growth provides food for both deer and elk, and provides shelter for snowshoe hares and songbirds.

Directions: From Vail, Travel 13 miles west on I-70 to the Edwards exit. Go south toward the town of Edwards to Highway 6 and turn right. Go 0.7 miles and turn left onto Lake Creek Road at the National Forest Access sign. Travel on this road for 1.8 miles and then turn right onto West Lake Creek Road. Be sure to stay on West Lake Creek Road as it winds through a residential area. Follow to Forest Road 423, a rough, rutted 4-wheel drive road and take it 3.2 miles until it deadends at Baryeta Cabins site. There is limited parking at the turnaround and that is the only parking available. The trail begins on the right-hand side just before reaching the end of the road. There are no facilities at the trailhead. Those not wanting to drive the very rough Road 423, can park at the bottom and walk the 3.2 miles to

Elevation: 9,720 feet

Ending Elevation: 11,175 feet

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information

Contact Wildernet