Location: Vail
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Things to do in Vail, Colorado (CO): The Best Hiking Trails
North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favorite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.
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1. Fancy Pass Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Named after a miner from the 1800's, this trail offers hikers spectacular vistas.
2. Missouri Lake Trail
3. Piney River Trail (Upper)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By abradrichardson - Beaver Creek, United States
As others have said, the drive from the VAIL area takes about forty-five minutes to an hour on a bumpy road. Recommend driving in a SUV. Signage is not great, so pay attention to the few road signs you see to Piney Lake. Once there, try to go to the second parking place, as it gets you slightly closer. We primarily went for the hike, so we didn't spend much time at the restaurant or gift shop. Restrooms are available. We found the hike to be moderate, certainly not easy as some have suggested. The 6 mile round-trip hike starts at 9,400 feet and goes up to over 10,000 at the waterfalls. We saw several people that were struggling to get up and down. If you are not in good shape, then I would not recommend it. I also recommend wearing hiking shoes over tennis shoes as there lots of rocks, roots, small creeks, etc. If you are in good shape, then this is a great hike. The hike takes about an hour and a half to get to the top, starting relatively flat and in the sun. About a mile into the hike, you begin an incline, then the last half mile you descend to the falls (which is an incline on the way back and is where we saw most people struggling). Once you get to the falls, I suggest first going to the left which is a nice area in the trees. Next go to the right, which is more of the intense falls. For the best view, carefully climb down the falls about 50 feet to look back up at the drop off. Some people we talked to went further down the falls, but we decided it was not worth the effort to go any further. Take sun screen, water, and an energy bar, and enjoy the hike.
4. Gore Creek Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By MountainMan-Kim - Copper Mountain, United States
Gore Lake lies within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Approach from the Gore Creek Trailhead east of Vail on Bighorn Road near Gore Creek Campground. The hike is approximately 7 miles and 3,000-vertical feet, one-way, and is completed as both a day hike and overnight backpacking experience. Wilderness rules apply: dogs on leash (at all times); pack-in and pack-out; no campfires (none); campsite at least 100 feet from waterways. The trail follows Gore Creek east toward Red-Buffalo Pass. At 4 miles, there is a junction of Gore Creek Trail and the Gore Lake Trail. Turn left and continue 2 miles up a steep, well-worn trail to the shore of Gore Lake. Circle the lake for another 1 mile to high, flat, dispersed campsite locations. Be prepared for visits by mountain goats, marmots, and other wildlife (secure food and dogs).
5. Booth Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Six-mile hiking trail climbs 3,000 feet in elevation as it passes varied scenery including lakes, waterfalls and aspen forests.
Reviewed By IsinaA - Miami Beach, United States
It was my second trail experience in my like, and I liked it very much. The view is amazing right from the beginning, even though is summer it was not too crowded. All hikers wore masks and were very respectful trying to do social distancing where the trail was narrow. You should take water, sunscreen and if you are a beginner hiker like me, be ready to stop and catch your breath more than once or twice. The road is very steep near the waterfall, but it is worth it. Enjoy the hiking!
6. Minturn Mile
7. Shrine Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Magictravelnow - Dallas, United States
Lovely walkable hike with magnificent views and wild flowers. You could just stand in one place for hours it is so gorgeous. If you want a short hike or a long hike it is perfect to capture one of the prettiest views I have seen in the Vail area.
8. Lost Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
9. Pitkin Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
