Last updated: March 30, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike to Thurmont Vista: The Pink Blazed Trail
NPS Photo/John Zuke
Visit Thurmont Vista
A climb to the summit of a mountain is always an energizing experience. The Thurmont Vista Loop, designated by a pink blaze, takes hikers through a moderate uphill and downhill trail network along the ridge for 2.5 miles. The maximum elevation reached on this trail/loop is at the Thurmont Vista Overlook with an elevation of 1499 feet.Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
From Thurmont Vista Parking Lot (off Park Central Road) Est. Time
0.5 M to Thurmont Vista (moderate/steep incline) 20 minutes
0.9 M to Orange Blaze Junction (moderate incline/decline) 30 minutes
0.6 M to Wolf Rock Parking Lot (moderate/steep decline) 25 minutes
0.6 M to Thurmont Vista/Yellow Blaze Junction (moderate incline/decline) 25 minutes
0.2 M to Thurmont Vista Parking Lot (moderate decline) 5 minutes
Total: 2.8 Miles, 1-2 Hours
Activity
Hiking
This loop is a moderate trail with both uphill and downhill
sections. The maximum elevation reached on this trail/loop is at the Thurmont
Vista Overlook with an elevation of 1499 feet. Expect unven and rocky
surfaces.
sections. The maximum elevation reached on this trail/loop is at the Thurmont
Vista Overlook with an elevation of 1499 feet. Expect unven and rocky
surfaces.
Pets Allowed
Yes
If you hike with your pet in Catoctin Mountain Park, it must be on a leash 6 feet or less. This is to protect you, your dog and the wildlife and plants in the park. To be safe, you need to walk, not run, because there are tree roots and rocks on the trails and someone could get hurt if he/she goes too quickly.
Activity Fee
No
Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park passes are available at the visitor center.
Location
Thurmont Vista Loop
The Thurmont Vista Loop (the Pink Trail) is accessed or started from two different places. Access to this loop is off of Park Central Road by the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot, 1.1 miles north of the Visitor Center. The Second place visitors can access this trailhead is 0.5 miles up Park Central Road from the Visitor Center at the Wolf Rock Parking Lot.
The loop is also accessed from trail junctions with the Yellow Trail near the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot, the Orange Trail near Wolf Rock, and the Yellow/Orange Trail near the Wolf Rock Parking Lot.
The loop is also accessed from trail junctions with the Yellow Trail near the Thurmont Vista Parking Lot, the Orange Trail near Wolf Rock, and the Yellow/Orange Trail near the Wolf Rock Parking Lot.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The Thurmont Vista Parking Lot is closed during the winter.
Time of Day
Day
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Accessibility Information
Thurmont Vista Trail
This trail is not wheelchair accessible.