Vail offers miles of scenic hiking trails for all ability levels. Explore the wildflowers, catch a glimpse of wildlife, and enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Vail Mountain offers numerous hiking trails to be explored, both by foot or by Gondola.
Vail Mountain Hiking | Vail Area White River National Forest Trails | Guided Hiking Programs
Vail Mountain and Gondola Accessed Trails
Vail Mountain is a great place to enjoy a hike, with trails starting from the base areas and trails starting from the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Short descriptions are listed below, and you can either download the Vail Summer Trail map or pick one up from a lift ticket office! Don't forget to stop up top at Talon's Deck at Eagle's Nest for a refreshment or lunch on the patio with amazing views of 14,000 ft Mount of the Holy Cross!
Vail Mountain 2011 Summer Trail Map
(2012 Summer Map coming soon)
Eagle’s Loop Short ridgetop loop with great views
of Mount of the Holy Cross. 1 mile (1.6 km), 15–20 minutes
Fireweed Beautiful wooded trail between Adventure Ridge
and Mid-Vail. 1 mile (1.6 km), 30–40 minutes
Berrypicker Starting at Lower Fireweed, this intermediate
trail winds down from Mid-Vail or Adventure Ridge to Vail Village or
LionsHead. 3.2 miles (5.1 km), 2–3 hours one way
Grand Escape This trail offers an alternative hiking
experience with spectacular views and makes a great loop with Ridge
Route. 1.5 miles (2.4 km), 1.5–2 hours one way
Ptarmigan Loop Scenic trail through shaded woods
connecting with Ridge Route at Wildwood to Ptarmigan Point and back.
1.2 miles (1.9 km), 30–40 minutes. Loop with Ridge Route: 4 miles
(4.2 km), 2.5–3 hours
Ridge Route Intermediate ridge climb from Adventure Ridge
to Wildwood and back with spectacular views. 1.4 miles (2.3 km),
1.5–2 hours one way
Open Trails
Stay tuned for summer 2012 trail openings
Hiking Trails Surrounding Vail
A few beautiful hikes in National Forest Service land that are close to Vail are listed below. Most are easily accessible through the free bus system. For more information call the U.S. Forest Service 970-827-5715 or visit the White River National Forest hiking trails website.
East Vail Area Hikes
Bighorn Creek
Booth Creek
Deluge Lake
Gore Creek
Pitkin Creek
North Trail Sections
Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek
Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone
Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek
Trappers Run
Red Sandstone Road Acessed Hikes (Not on free bus route, require short drive up Red Sandstone Rd.)
Upper Piney River
Lost Lake
Guided Hikes in Vail
There are several guided hiking options at Vail, both on mountain and around the Vail Valley. Summer 2012 guided hiking schedules and options will be available soon.