Head to Head

Dogs Leashed

Head to Head is a classic long-route popular with Eagle Valley locals. Traverse from Arrowhead Village at Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Lionshead Village at Vail Ski Resort. Take in gorgeous views of the Gore Range, Sawatch Range, and the Game Greek Bowl.

Parking is free at Arrowhead Village and Lionshead Village.

Grouse Creek and Game Creek are the only two consistent natural water sources on the route. May other natural water sources may exist but that is highly dependent on the time of year and recent weather patterns.

Begin your day with a moderate climb up Arrowhead Mountain via the Village to Village Trail. After about a 2 mile climb, the Village to Village Trail flattens significantly for the next 5 miles as it traverses Arrowhead, Bachelor Gulch, and Strawberry Park on its way to an intersection with Beaver Lake Trail #2109. Follow Beaver Lake Trail #2109 uphill for 1.25 miles before making a left turn onto Royal Elk Trail. Follow Royal Elk Trail until you intersection with Spruce Saddle Lodge. Depending on time of year Spruce Saddle Lodge will have food, water, and restrooms to use. This section has abundant water from natural sources throughout.

Before leaving Spruce Saddle Lodge, fill up on water. While there may be water on the route, the next consistent source is 13 miles away at the West Grouse Creek Trail #2129 and this section can get quite hot during summer. Descend from Spruce Saddle via Cinch to Paulie's Plunge to Stone Creek to Everkrisp. From Everkrisp make a right hand turn onto Whiskey Creek and begin the climb up to Meadow Mountain. Once you have made it to Line Shack take in the views of the Gore Range and Game Creek bowl. The final climb of the day is before you. Follow the winding trail down to Full Nelson Trail 2124.1 and take this to Lower West Grouse Creek Trail #2129. Once you reach the road take a right and head into the Town of Minturn.

If hungry, grab a bite to eat in Minturn before following the road to the Game Creek Trail trailhead. Start with a gradual climb up the Game Creek Trail. The lower portion of this route follows a stream and goes by fast before you enter a series of switch backs up to the ridge. Once on the ridge, most of your climbing is done but it won't feel like it on tired legs. Keep going as the Game Creek Bowl comes into view on your right hand side. Look out for deer and elk on this ridge especially in the fall. Once you've reached Eagle's Nest turn around and take in some of the best views in the Eagle Valley, including 14er Mt. of the Holy Cross.

Pickup Berrypicker trail to the east of Eagle's Nest and follow this decent to the finish. Welcome to Lionshead Village. You've just completed the Head to Head.

This route can be shortened by passing the turn onto Whiskey Creek and continuing on Everkrisp to the Town of Minturn.