HIKING

Vail summer activities offer 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.
116491

Vail Mountain and Gondola Accessed Trails

Vail Mountain is a great place to enjoy a hike, with trails starting from the base areas as well as the top of Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19).

If you are planning on taking the scenic gondola ride up the mountain to hiking. Purchase your scenic gondola ticket below!

Below, learn about our trails and find the right hike for you! Before you go, download the Vail Summer Trail map. 

Please note portions of trails may be closed or rerouted throughout the summer, and we ask that you follow all posted signage.

Woman Hiking on Mountain with Gore Range Mountain View in Vail, CO. , opens in a new window
Easy & Moderate

FREE Guided Nature Hikes
, opens in a new window

Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an educational hike through the forest atop Vail Mountain beginning at the Nature Discovery Center. For those looking for a more adventurous time, join us for a more strenuous, 2-mile guided hike beginning at the Nature Discovery Center to explore our mountain ecosystems.

Learn More
Previous tab Previous tab

 

View Trail Map

VAIL TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS

EPIC DISCOVERY INTERPRETIVE TRAILS
TRAIL NAME DIFFICULTY DISTANCE (MI) ELEVATION GAIN (FT)
MEADOW LOOP EASY 2.1 482

GRAND ESCAPE

 MODERATE

1.3

 643
KINNINKINNICK MODERATE 1.2 733
PTARMIGAN LOOP MODERATE 1.0 119
RIDGE ROUTE MODERATE 1.3 648
STRAWBERRY LANE MODERATE 1.3 717
SUNLIGHT MODERATE 0.8 304
CABIN TRAIL MODERATE/DIFFICULT 2.1 1,600
BERRY PICKER MODERATE/DIFFICULT 3.2 2,200

 

HIKING TRAILS
TRAIL NAME DIFFICULTY DISTANCE (MI) ELEVATION GAIN (FT)
MEADOW LOOP EASY 2.1 482

GRAND ESCAPE

 MODERATE

1.3

 643
KINNINKINNICK MODERATE 1.2 733
PTARMIGAN LOOP MODERATE 1.0 119
RIDGE ROUTE MODERATE 1.3 648
STRAWBERRY LANE MODERATE 1.3 717
SUNLIGHT MODERATE 0.8 304
CABIN TRAIL MODERATE/DIFFICULT 2.1 1,600
BERRY PICKER MODERATE/DIFFICULT 3.2 2,200

 

Your Guide

For more information download a PDF of the Vail Hiking Guide.

 

More Info

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 visit Hike Vail , White River National Forest hiking trails website  or call the U.S. Forest Service 970-827-5715.
 
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