Discover The Best Vail Colorado Hiking Trails
Vail, Colorado is a perfect place for anyone who is in love with the nature. There are numerous trails for hiking and the trails vary in difficulty to suit all the visitors. For the beginner or for the advanced hiker, Vail is the place to go.
Trail Levels for Everyone
Hiking is huge in America, with over 57 million people hitting the trails each year. Vail’s trails range from easy walks to tough climbs that reward you with amazing views.
| Trail Level | Examples | Distance (miles) | Elevation Gain (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | Fireweed Loop | 2 | 168 |
| Moderate | Shrine Ridge Trail | 4.3 | 1,000 |
| Challenging | Berry Picker Trail | 3.1 | 2,200 |
Top Trail Picks in Vail
Vail has a combination of trails that are all unique in their own way and have their own beautiful views. Here are some you shouldn’t miss:
Fireweed Loop: This two-mile trail is great for families and beginners. With just 168 feet of elevation gain, it’s a relaxed hike that takes about an hour. The trail is lined with wildflowers, making it a beautiful and easy option (Simply Massage).
Shrine Ridge Trail: If you’re up for a moderate hike, try the Shrine Ridge Trail. It’s 4.3 miles long with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. You’ll walk through pine groves and meadows, ending with a fantastic view of Mount Holy Cross.
Berry Picker Trail: This one’s for the more experienced hikers. It’s 3.1 miles with a steep 2,200-foot climb. The views are worth it, though. You can hike back down or take the Eagle Bahn Gondola for a scenic ride (Discover Vail).
Want more summer activities in Vail? Check out our guide on what to do in Vail Colorado in summer.
These trails are just a taste of what Vail offers. With so many options, every hiker can find a trail that fits their skill level and interests. Curious about Vail’s elevation? Visit what is the elevation of Vail Colorado.
Easy Vail Hikes
Hey there, adventure seekers! If you are planning on going to Vail, Colorado and would like to find some great scenery without doing too much work you are in the right place. Here are some of the easy hikes in Vail that one should consider for great views and a good hike in the wild.
Fireweed Loop
The first trail is the Fireweed Loop. This is a very easy trail and it is only two miles long; this trail is perfect for beginners or those who want to take a leisurely stroll. At a total elevation gain of 168 feet, it is a cake walk or at least a cake hike.
It will be possible to see wild flowers all around and one will only hear the sounds of the natural environment. It is quite a short game and it is quite possible to complete it in an hour or so, so it is great for when you need to take a break.(Simply Massage).
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireweed Loop | 2 miles | 168 feet | 1 hour |
Shrine Ridge Trail
The Shrine Ridge Trail is located near Vail in the Colorado Rockies and supplies an excellent opportunity to get away from it all. A moderate trail takes you through fields of wild flowers, through woods, and to a ridge top with spectacular views of the Gore Range and Mount of the Holy Cross.
Located on an elevation of over eleven thousand feet above the sea level, Shrine Ridge is a gorgeous spot for those in search of challenges and serenity. It is a perfect trail for those who want to take a glimpse of the natural beauty of Vail, Colorado because of the trail’s breathtaking view and environment.
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrine Ridge Trail | 4.3 miles | 1,000 feet | 2-3 hours |
Berry Picker Trail
Berry Picker Trail in Vail, Colorado is mild, scenic trail that takes you through beautiful meadows with wildflowers and through the woods to give you a peaceful walk away from the crowded town. Beginning at the base of Vail Mountain this trail is relatively easy and gradually climbs through the trees with spectacular views of the valley and other mountain ranges.
Suitable especially for those who want to have a nice walk and appreciate the nature, the trail is called Berry Picker Trail for a reason – here you can see a lot of beautiful landscapes as well as the possibility to meet some wild animals. Whether you are heading up to Adventure Ridge or just out for a walk, this trail is a welcome respite into the wilds of Vail. (Discover Vail).
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berry Picker Trail | 3.1 miles | 2,200 feet | 2-3 hours |
Moderate to Challenging Trails
Looking for a bit more adventure? Vail, Colorado has some killer hiking trails that will get your heart pumping and your eyes feasting on stunning views. Let’s check out a few that are sure to give you a good workout.
Gore Lake Trail
The Gore Lake Trail is a relatively lesser-known trail in Colorado’s challenging Gore Range, and takes the hiker through one of the most untouched alpine meadows of the state. This rugged trail takes the hiker through thick woods, over stream, and up to the beautiful sub-alpine Gore Lake located below formidable granite walls.
The Gore Lake Trail is a wonderful trail for the individuals in search of serenity and challenging hikes for they will be treated to gorgeous views. This trail can be enticing for the beautiful lake or the scenery of the hike and guarantees an amazing trip through the wilderness of Colorado.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Distance | 12.5 miles |
| Elevation Gain | ~3,000 feet |
| Average Time | 6-8 hours |
Strawberry Lane to Cabin Trail
The Strawberry Lane to Cabin Trail in Vail, Colorado, is a wonderful and easy trail that provides a great combination of scenary and historical structures. This trail goes through beautiful groves of aspen trees and pine trees, and is a great escape from the bustling Vail Village.
Best for family and tourists, this trail goes to a lovely historic cabin and has beautiful vistas of the nearby mountains. It is an ideal trail for walkers, joggers, bikers and anyone in search of a peaceful walk with natural landscape as the Strawberry Lane to Cabin Trail has to offer about Vail.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.4 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 2,317 feet |
Ridge Route to Ptarmigan Loop
The Ridge Route to Ptarmigan Loop in Vail, Colorado, gives one excellent hike that captures the very beauty of the alpine region. This trail is quite long, and it begins at the top of Vail Mountain; it encompasses beautiful vistas as well as meadows that are quiet and peaceful in a high altitude terrain.
Perfect for hikers who want a bit of a workout and a lot of views, the loop follows ridges with expansive views of other mountains, then drops down into woodlands and meadows. It is a great way to get the scenic views of Vail and to simply have a peaceful hike, the Ridge Route to Ptarmigan Loop is a great choice.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Distance to Ptarmigan Loop | 1.4 miles |
| Distance to Ptarmigan Point | Additional 1.2 miles |
| Elevation | 10,977 feet |
These trails offer a mix of challenges and rewards, making them some of the best Vail Colorado hiking trails for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. Curious about other activities in Vail? Check out what to do in Vail Colorado in summer. And if you’re a high-altitude hiker, knowing what is the elevation of Vail Colorado can be super helpful before you head out.
Vail Outdoor Fun
Vail, Colorado, isn’t just about hiking trails. This town is packed with outdoor activities for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola
The Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola are two of the most popular lifts in Vail that allows you to have some fun. These gondolas are not only scenic rides but they open up to a number of mountain biking tracks, from beginner to pro. Located at the summit of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, the Eagle’s Nest boasts of fun activities that can be enjoyed by children, some of which include; the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing hills, ziplines, climbing walls, and mini-golf. (Discover Vail).
| Gondola | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Gondola One | Scenic views, mountain biking |
| Eagle Bahn Gondola | Eagle’s Nest activities, mountain coasters, ziplines |
Year-Round Fun
Vail changes with the seasons, offering a mix of outdoor activities all year. In spring, you can ski in warmer weather and enjoy lively après-ski scenes. Public art strolls and visits to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are also a hit. Summer brings whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, and golfing at the Vail Golf Club. Epic Discovery at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola features mountain coasters, climbing walls, and mountaintop yoga sessions.
| Season | Activities |
|---|---|
| Spring | Skiing, après-ski, public art strolls, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens |
| Summer | Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, golfing, Epic Discovery |
Seasonal Fun in Vail
Each season in Vail brings its own unique activities. Fall is perfect for leaf peeping and hiking, with stunning views of colorful foliage. Winter is famous for its top-notch skiing, with over 200 inches of snow each year. Besides skiing and snowboarding, winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, and ice skating. A winter highlight is the Vail Winterfest in January, featuring glowing ice sculptures along the Gore Creek Promenade (Discover Vail).
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Fall | Leaf peeping, hiking |
| Winter | Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, ice skating, Vail Winterfest |
For more summer fun, check out our guide on what to do in Vail Colorado in summer. Want to know when it snows? See when does it snow in Vail Colorado. Curious about Vail’s altitude? Find out what is the elevation of Vail Colorado.
