Getting There
Direction to Gore Range Trailhead:
Drive west on I-70 to Exit 196 Vista Point Scenic Rest Area (this exit is accessible only from the westbound lanes of I-70). Go to the southern parts of the rest area and find the trailhead sign.
Please note that the first 0.75 miles of the trail parallels I-70 until it reaches the Exit 195 ramp. You will find "No Parking" signs immediately in front of the trail on this ramp. To save the 0.75 mile hike, some people park on dirt pull-offs on this ramp but you are much better off parking at the designated parking area at the Vista Point.
Route Description
All distances are per my GPS
Place | Elevation | Distance |
Vista Point TH | 9650 ft | zero miles |
Exit 195 Ramp | 9680 ft | 0.75 miles |
Wheeler Lakes Spur Trail | 11050 ft | 2.30 miles |
Lake 11350 ft | 11350 ft | 1.20 miles |
Lost Lake | 11590 ft | 1.10 miles |
Uneva Pass | 11900 ft | 0.85 miles |
Sneva Summit | 12242 ft | 0.30 miles |
Total | - | 6.50 miles |
Hike south on the trail Parallel to I-70 on the other side of the pond. After 0.75 miles, you will reach Exit 195 Ramp. The trail turns west and then north going up the slopes in a forest of aspens that further up turns into pine trees. When the trees allow it, you will have views of Copper Mountain Ski area to the south.
As you go higher, the noise of the highway fades away. At around 10800 ft, you will reach the top of a hill where there is a flat meadow. The trail then continues in the pine forest to reach the signed junction with a spur trail to Wheeler Lakes. You can follow the spur trail 0.15 miles to reach the first Wheeler Lake.
Wheeler Lake
Continuing up the main trail, at 11350 ft, you will reach a couple of nameless lakes. If you go to the other side of the lakes, you will be able to see Sneva.
Sneva from Lake 11350 ft
Further up, you will reach a boulder field where Sneva Peak comes into good view.
Sneva
At 11580 ft, you will reach Lost Lake. The lake is actually at a short distance from the trail.
Lost Lake
You will then go above Tree-line and reach Uneva Pass.
Sneva
Go up easy grassy slopes to reach the summit of Sneva.
Grassy slopes on Sneva
You can look back to see Uneva Pass and the trail at the base of Point 12363 ft.
Point 12363 ft & trail
Essential Gear
Hiking equipment.
External Links
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