Vail Mountain Trails

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Trails on Vail Mountain

 Length: Varies   Difficulty: Varies    Crowds: Varies

Vail Mountain offers many miles of hiking trails that are both accessible from Vail Village and Lionshead, as well as from Mid-Vail and Eagles Nest/Adventure Ridge.

See the Vail Mountain Hiking Website for more information.

North Trail (Trapper's Run) (CLOSED April 15 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for North Trail (Trapper's Run)

Length: 0.7 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Easy

The trail climbs gradually through pine and aspen. Along the way, there are good views of Vail Mountain. The trail ends on Davos Road. Turning right will take you to the remainder of the North Trail. Follow the road for about 0.4 miles and take a left at the trail sign to continue on the North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek section).

Crowds: Light.

 Access: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Proceed west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. The trailhead is on the left at the first turn in the road. Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road.

 Bus to Hike: Take the free West Vail Red bus and get off at the Chamonix bus stop. Walk down North Frontage Road for 200 yards and you will see the Trappers Run Trailhead.

Trail Adopted By: Vail Public Safety, Vail Recreation District, East West Partners, Town of Vail Employees, Marriott Streamside

Lost Lake Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Lost Lake Trail

 Length: 3.73 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Easy

From the trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Where the trail forks to the left to Piney Lake, go straight. The trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the trail’s high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake. Most people turn around here, but you can continue 0.75 mile on the trail to reach the east trailhead. This portion of the trail passes through forest and meadows and crosses Red Sandstone Creek.

 Crowds: Moderate.

Access: From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Turn to the north and proceed on North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road #700. West Trailhead: continue up Road #700 for 6 miles to the trailhead parking on the right.

Trail Adopted By: GOAT Training

North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek) (CLOSED April 15 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek)

Length: 4.9 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

From the trailhead, walk 1/8 mile to the signed North Trail/Davos Trail junction and take a right onto the North Trail. After 1.3 miles of climbing, keep right on the North Trail. The trail continues to climb gently and then curves around into a drainage of mixed pine and aspen. The trail then reaches the section’s high point. From here the views to the south and west of Holy Cross Wilderness and the Gore Range are excellent. After winding through another drainage, the North Trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks. At the next signed junction, turn right to continue the descent to Buffehr Creek. Staying left takes you to Red Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek trail. At the bottom of the descent, turn left and follow the trail to the Buffehr Creek bridge. Turning right at the last junction allows you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch Drive.

Crowds: Moderate.

Access: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Proceed north from the roundabout on the north side of I-70. Turn left at the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane. At Arosa Drive, turn right and veer right onto Davos Trail. Take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which will take you to the trailhead. There is limited parking at the end of the road. Please obey parking signage.

Bus to Hike: Take the free West Vail Red bus and get off at the Chamonix bus stop. Walk up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane for 1 mile and you will see the Davos Trailhead.

Trail Adopted By: Vail Public Safety, Vail Recreation District, East West Partners, Town of Vail Employees, Marriott Streamside

North Trail (Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone) (CLOSED April 15 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for North Trail (Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone)

 Length: 3.7 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the left takes you to Garmisch Drive). Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. After passing a beaver pond on the right, cross Buffehr Creek. From Buffehr Creek, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. At the top of the switchbacks, take the right fork to stay on the North Trail (the Buffehr Creek Trail departs the North Trail and heads left/north). From here the trail enters an aspen stand, and openings along the way provide scenic views to the south and east. Begin the descent to Red Sandstone via a series of switchbacks where the stand of aspen begins to thin. The first couple switchbacks offer outstanding views of the Gore Range and the Red Sandstone drainage.

 Crowds: Moderate.

 Access: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. Turn left and continue to the trailhead on the left. There is limited parking at this trailhead.

 Bus to Hike: Take the free West Vail Red bus and get off at the Buffehr Creek bus stop. Walk up Buffehr Creek Road a 1/4 mile and you will see the Buffehr Creek Trailhead.

Trail Adopted By: Vail Public Safety, Vail Recreation District, East West Partners, Town of Vail Employees, Marriott Streamside

North Trail (Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek) (CLOSED April 15 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for North Trail (Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek)

Length: 3.5 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. Stay right here and descend the Son of Middle Creek trail to the Spraddle Creek trailhead on the north side of the I-70, Exit 176.

Crowds: Moderate.

Access: From Exit 176 for Vail, travel west about 1 mile on the North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road. Turn right onto Red Sandstone Road and proceed for 1.3 miles to a gate and the second of two intersections with the North Trail. This is the trailhead on the right.

Bus to Hike: Take the free Sandstone bus and get off at the Vail View/Red Sandstone bus stop. Walk up Potato Patch Road to USFS Red Sandstone Road for 1 1/4 miles and you will see the North Trail/Son of Middle Creek Trailhead.

Trail Adopted By: Vail Public Safety, Vail Recreation District, East West Partners, Town of Vail Employees, Marriott Streamside

Son of Middle Creek (CLOSED April 15 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Son of Middle Creek

 Length: 3.6 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

Son of Middle Creek trail ascends the hillside on the north side of I-70, offering views of Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail. After a mile, it crosses a bridge over Middle Creek in a cool spruce/fir forest. This is a great destination for families. The trail continues climbing after the bridge to its junction with the North Trail at 2 miles, then gradually meanders through a lodgepole pine forest for another 1.5 miles to its terminus at Lost Lake Road.

 Crowds: Moderate.

 Access: From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail and cross under I-70 to the north side of the high-way. At the roundabout, take the Spraddle Creek Road exit. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left.

Trail Adopted By: RA Nelson, Town of Vail Employees

Lower Piney Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Lower Piney Trail

 Length: 3.0 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. At mile 1, the Wash Holland trail veers right. Stay left here. At mile 3.0, the trail enters a large meadow where the Piney River and Meadow Creek merge. An old homestead marks this site. Please respect this valued piece of Eagle County history by not disturbing the cabin remains.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead.

Crowds: Light.

Access: From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. At mile 6.7 you will pass the Lost Lake Trail parking lot on the right and then reach an intersection where the Muddy Pass/Moniger Road goes left. Stay right here. (Some maps show the Red Sandstone Road changing number from FSR 700 to FSR 701 at this point, and some don’t, but regardless, you stay right to get to Piney Lake and the Upper Piney River Trail). At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see the trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left.

Meadow Mountain

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Meadow Mountain

 Length: 4.8 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

The Meadow Mountain trail follows an old logging road above Dowd Junction. Popular year-round, the trail is family and dog friendly. It climbs through meadows that were once home to a very prosperous lettuce farm. Views span from the Gore Range to Tennessee Pass. From the top of Meadow Mountain, you can descend the Whiskey Creek trail, then turn right on the Everkrisp trail for a 10.1 mile loop that will return you to the Meadow Mountain trailhead.

Crowds: Moderate.

Access: Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. Exit here and turn right (south). Just past the interstate look for a large parking lot on the right. The trail begins from the south end of the parking lot near the white house.

Trail Adopted By: Pedal Power

Everkrisp (CLOSED Through June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Everkrisp

 Length: 4.8 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

The Everkrisp trail opened in 2019 and splits from the Meadow Mountain trail after 0.4 mile. It ascends through meadows, aspen, and conifer forests, offering views in all directions until it meets the Whiskey Creek trail at mile 2. Continue on the Everkrisp trail, climbing slightly before descending into EagleVail and meeting the Stone Creek trail at mile 4.

Crowds: Moderate.

Access: Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. Exit here and turn right (south). Just past the interstate look for a large parking lot on the right. The trail begins from the south end of the parking lot near the white house.

Two Elk (CLOSED May 6 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Two Elk

 Length: 10 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vail’s Back Bowls. The trail passes three chairlifts and continues climbing to Two Elk Pass before descending to the Vail Pass Recreation Path above East Vail. Scenic vistas of Mount of the Holy Cross and Battle Mountain are prevalent throughout the hike.

Crowds: Light to moderate.

Access: Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. Merge right and travel south 2.7 miles and turn left onto Cemetery Road. Cross the bridge and tracks and proceed onto FSR# 762. Follow this rough, dirt road about 1.8 miles until it ends at the trailhead.

Trail Adopted By: Manor Vail Lodge (East) and Slifer Smith & Frampton (West)

Upper Piney River Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Upper Piney River Trail

 Length: 3.0 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Moderate

From the trailhead, it is a gradual climb for about 3 miles to a cascading waterfall which makes a good destination for the average hiker. Views of the Gore Range abound. Where the trail switchbacks, please stay on the trail and do not cut the switchbacks.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead.

Crowds: Very high.

Access: From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Take the North Frontage Road west to Red Sandstone Road. Turn north here and follow the paved road about 0.7 miles to a fork with a dirt road on the left. There should be a Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Continue up this road about 2.7 miles to an intersection with the Lost Lake Road (#786) and continue left. At mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road-FSR 734. At mile 6.7 you will pass the Lost Lake Trail parking lot on the right and then reach an intersection where the Muddy Pass/Moniger Road goes left. Stay right here. (Some maps show the Red Sandstone Road changing number from FSR 700 to FSR 701 at this point, and some don’t, but regardless, you stay right to get to Piney Lake and the Upper Piney River Trail). At mile 9.1, you will cross the Piney River and see a trailhead for Lower Piney River Trail - FDT 1885 on the left. Stay right and reach a Forest Service parking lot on the right at mile 10.65 before the entrance to Piney River Ranch (private property). The trailhead is on the north side (left side of the parking lot as one faces the Piney River Ranch entrance) of the parking lot. If visiting the ranch, you can drive further to their parking lot. Parking is very limited at this trailhead.

Grouse Lake

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Grouse Lake

 Length: 4.5 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Difficult

Grouse Lake trail begins on a logging road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile. At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. The trail continues climbing through mixed forests and provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness at Grouse Lake. If camping overnight, please visit the Ranger Station to learn about Holy Cross Wilderness regulations.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted; while they do not need to be on leash, they do need to be under verbal control in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Holy Cross Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead.

Crowds: Moderate.

 Access: Travel west on I-70 to exit 171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Highway 24. Merge right and follow Highway 24 south for approximately 1 mile. Trailhead is on right side of the road.

Trail Adopted By: Michael Dunahay & Associates

 

Buffehr Creek Trail (CLOSED April 15 – June 20)

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Buffehr Creek Trail

 Length: 4.3 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Difficult

From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the left takes you to Garmisch Drive). Continue north approximately another 1/2 mile, ascending a series of switchbacks, to the North Trail junction and stay right. After passing a beaver pond on the right, cross Buffehr Creek. The beaver ponds are a great destination for families. From here, climb steeply for approximately one mile on an open hillside. At the top of the switchbacks, take the left fork to join Buffehr Creek trail and continue climbing for 2.8 miles through mixed aspen and conifer forests. The views from the top of this steep trail include Vail Mountain, Mount of the Holy Cross, and beyond.

Crowds: Light.

Access: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Turn right and proceed east on the North Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to Buffehr Creek Road. Turn left and continue to the bridge.

Trail Adopted By: Pedal Power

Gore Valley Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Gore Valley Trail

 Length: 10.5 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Varies depending on section

The Gore Valley Trail runs the length of the Gore Creek/Vail Valley. The trail includes a mix of paved trail alongside the frontage road, trail separated from roads and running alongside Gore Creek and road shoulders designated as trail connector sections. The trail is accessible throughout Lionshead and Vail Village along Gore Creek. The trail enters into Vail Golf Course area and continues up Vail Pass to the east and continues to the west, connecting to the Eagle Valley Regional Trail, a 10-mile trail to Edwards.

Crowds: High.

Access: The Gore Valley trail is accessible from various points throughout the Town of Vail. Stop by or call the Vail Welcome Center for more information.

Booth Lake Trail

Please consider hiking alternative trails due to early season wildlife sensitivity through June 6. Learn More 

There is no parking at the Booth Lake trailhead or anywhere in the surrounding neighborhood, violators will be towed. Private vehicle drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead are allowed on a limited basis. Learn More

 Length: 4.5 miles (one way)   Difficulty: More Difficult

Trail Highlights: The trail climbs steeply from the trailhead through aspen groves for the first mile. Then, the trail climbs more gradually following along Booth Creek through mostly aspen groves before passing Booth Falls. Early season hikers may encounter snow patches as the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Above 10,000 feet the trees thin and the terrain changes offering views of the Gore Range. The last 1/4 mile to Booth Lake is steep and rocky.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead.

Crowds: This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy.

Access: No parking at the Booth Lake Trailhead for the 2022 season. Private vehicle drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead will be allowed starting July 2022. Learn More

Please take the FREE bus from the Vail Transportation Center. The free East Vail blue line shuttle, runs every 30 minutes from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. Walk up Booth Falls Road a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. The parking closure is a pilot program to address the negative impacts of overcrowding on the Eagles Nest Wilderness such as a build-up of waste, trail erosion, and other safety concerns (speeding, illegal parking, emergency vehicle access, etc.) that impact nearby residents and guests as well.

 Details: Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on this printable Recreation Quicksheet from the Forest Service.

Trail Adopted By: Vail Mountain School

Gore Creek Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Gore Creek Trail

 Length: 7.0 miles (one way)   Difficulty: More Difficult

The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. There are some short steep sections along the way. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change to conifer stands as the elevation increases. At mile 4, the trail forks; crossing Gore Creek leads you over Red Buffalo Pass to Summit County (7 miles from the trailhead to Red Buffalo Pass), the left fork goes to Gore Lake (6 miles from the trailhead to Gore Lake). From the fork, both forks climb steeply though spruce and fir forest into the alpine tundra.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead. For a map of the trail, please visit Hiking Project.

Crowds: This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking can be very limited. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy.

 Access: Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. We strongly encourage taking the free East Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Main Gore / Bighorn stop. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) and you will see the Deluge Lake Trailhead first, then Gore Creek Trailhead farther down the road.  

 Details: Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on this printable Recreation Quicksheet from the Forest Service.

Trail Adopted By: Eagle River Water & Sand District

 

Bighorn Creek Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Bighorn Creek Trail

 Length: 3.4 miles (one way)   Difficulty: More Difficult

The first 1/2 mile of the trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. The trail passes beaver ponds and the remains of old mining camps as well as Bighorn Falls. Near mile 2, the views of Vail and Bighorn drainage are exceptional. Around mile 3, the trail passes through open meadows and stands of subalpine fir and Englemann spruce, offering a chance to see the Grand Traverse, a continuous 12,000 foot ridge connecting all the peaks and high drainages of the Gore Range. The trail ends at a recently-refurbished homestead cabin located on private property. Please respect private property rights.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead. For a map of the trail, please visit Hiking Project.

Crowds: This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking is extremely limited. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy.

Access: Parking is extremely limited at the trailhead. Do not park in undesignated areas; there are only four designated parking spaces. We strongly encourage taking the free East Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Columbine stop. Walk north ¼ mile up Columbine Drive (under the overpass) to the trailhead. 

 Details: Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on this printable Recreation Quicksheet from the Forest Service.

Trail Adopted By: Howard Head Sports Medicine

Pitkin Creek Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Pitkin Creek Trail

 Length: 4.8 miles (one way)   Difficulty: More Difficult

The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. The grade levels out somewhat as the trail passes through mature aspen groves and spruce-fir forests and a series of moraines from an ancient glacial retreat. After about 2.5 miles, steep switchbacks reveal the first of two waterfalls on Pitkin Creek about 200 yards to the east. After a number of false summits, the trail reaches Pitkin Lake, nestled beneath an arc of gray granite in the alpine tundra.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead. For a map of the trail, please visit Hiking Project.

Crowds: This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking can be very limited. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy.

Access: Parking is very limited at the trailhead. Do not park in undesignated areas; there are only fifteen designated parking spaces. We strongly encourage taking the free East Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Falls at Vail bus stop. Walk up Fall Line Drive a ¼ mile to the trailhead.

 Details: Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on this printable Recreation Quicksheet from the Forest Service.

Trail Adopted By: BG Buildingworks

Deluge Lake Trail

Town of Vail Hiking Information for Deluge Lake Trail

 Length: 4.3 miles (one way)   Difficulty: Most Difficult

The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. Take this left onto the narrow trail which heads north before curving and heading northeast the rest of the way. The trail will pass through several boulder fields, and then cling to a very steep slope as it climbs through aspen woods. The trail climbs very steeply for the first 3 miles, gaining about 2,500 feet. At mile 3.2, the trail drops to Deluge Creek where you cross Deluge Creek. The trail is gentler now, and you can follow the creek to the lake where view to the Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross emerge.

To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead. For a map of the trail, please visit Hiking Project.

Crowds: This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season and parking can be very limited. Please consider other hiking trails listed on this page if this trail is likely to be very busy.

Access: Parking is very limited at the trailhead; do not park in undesignated areas. We strongly encourage taking the free East Vail blue line shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, from the Vail Transportation Center to the Main Gore / Bighorn stop. Walk east 1/3 of a mile up Bighorn Road (under the overpass) to the trailhead.   

 Details: Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on this printable Recreation Quicksheet from the Forest Service.

Trail Adopted By: Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance