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.
Hiking and Backpacking

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!

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

Purchase a Lift & Lunch ticket to receive a dining credit for all menu items at Bistro Fourteen, The 10th, Sarge’s, or Talon’s Deck. Learn more about our summer dining options here.

If you are planning on hiking for multiple days view our 7 day hiking pass here.

Please note portions of trails may be closed or rerouted throughout the summer due to the snowmaking enhancement project. Gondola One will only be offering Scenic Gondola rides. There will be no hiking trails available from the top of Gondola One. Please use the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) for access to upper mountain hiking trails.

Buy Your Scenic Gondola Ticket

 

VAIL MOUNTAIN HIKING 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 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