7 Best Hiking Trails In Vail Co

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Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail’s landscape offers a breathtaking stop for hiking lovers. The aspen groves and evergreens create a background that changes with the seasons. This background gives you a stunning backdrop for the best hiking trails in Vail Co. Each trail promises an adventure.

The hiking trails near Vail Co unveil majestic peaks reaching for the sky. You will also see meadows strewn with wildflowers dancing in the alpine winds.

Best Hiking Trails In Vail Co

Vail is as an alpine sanctuary known for its scenic views and hikes. The town’s origins began in the 1960s. Sprouting from a ski lovers’ idea, the town soon became a premier mountain resort.

Today, as you hike the network of paths that wind through the lush landscapes, each step connects you to Vail’s past.

Vail Co Overview

The city offers a blend of natural beauty and upscale services. Vail Village’s quaint cobblestone streets remind you of Europe. Here, the great outdoors meets luxury.

Vail’s history began in the early 1960s when a visionary group saw the potential for a world class resort in the White River National Forest. They were drawn to the area’s natural beauty.

The group loved the area’s beauty that included powdery snow and vast, open bowls. When filled with snow, the bowls seemed tailor made for alpine skiing. Vail opened in 1962.

The city was named in honor of Charles Vail. He was an engineer who carved the path for Highway 6 through the valley in 1940. This highway later became part of Interstate 70.

Hiking Trails In Vail Co

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Vail’s network of trails calls to hikers with lush landscapes and alpine vistas. Scattered across the mountainous terrain, a diverse array of trails unfolds. The best hiking trails in Vail Co offer a hiking sanctuary for all hiker levels. Trails take you from green valleys to rugged ridgelines.

Vail Trails: Overview

Vail’s trails provide a complete overview of the region’s breathtaking beauty. The trails offer a wide range of hiking choices for novices and seasoned hikers alike.

Trails span lush meadows and wind through fragrant evergreen forests. The trails also offer sweeping views. The well kept trails help balance recreation and the ecology.

For more information about the best hiking trails in Vail Co, see the AllTrails app. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.

Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass for access to the White River National Forest near Vail and to more U.S. Forest lands. The pass includes entry to all U.S. forests, parks, monuments, and more.

Vail Trails: History

The best hiking trails in Vail Co history begins with the native Ute tribe. The tribe carved out paths through the White River National Forest for hunting and travel.

As pioneers settled in the area, these primitive paths expanded for mining and commerce. In the 1960s, with the birth of Vail Ski Resort, the surrounding trails became popular. Trails were further developed for the growing number of hikers who came to the area.

Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace Principles support minimal trail impact. Leave No Trace promotes harmony with nature.

Trails To Hike

1. Bowman’s Shortcut Trail – sweeping views
2. Eagles Nest Ridge Route – a challenging incline to breathtaking views
3. Lost Lake Trail – enchanting lake where alpine waters mirror the mountains
4. Meadows Loop – invites explorers to wander through wildflower strewn fields
5. Red & White Mountain – a rugged hike
6. Strawberry Lane – weaves through peaceful forests
7. Upper Piney River Falls Trail – ends in a majestic waterfall, a hidden gem

Bowman’s Shortcut Trail

Bowman’s Shortcut Trail offers an escape into a serene alpine setting.

It begins with an ascent that winds through lush evergreen forests. The trail opens to sweeping Gore Mountains’ views. It offers a blend of rugged terrain and delicate wildflower displays. The trail invites both novice and experienced hikers.

Along the trail, enjoy chirping mountain birds and rustling leaves. Bowman’s Shortcut Trail promises a peaceful hike since you will see few hikers along this trail.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,026 feet
• Dogs: Yes

Eagles Nest Ridge Route

The majestic Eagles Nest Ridge Route in Vail calls you to new heights. This trail, carved into the side of a mountain, offers an enchanting journey in the clouds.

The Eagles Nest Ridge Route challenges hikers with its elevation shifts. The trail also rewards them with glimpses of alpine splendor and serene mountaintops.

This trail testifies to Vail’s natural grandeur.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 6.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,430 feet
• Dogs: No

Lost Lake Trail – Hiking Trails In Vail Co

Allow the splendor of Vail’s Lost Lake Trail to thrill you. This trail offers you a hike that immerses you in aspen groves and conifer tree stands.

The path curves gently upward and takes hikers to the serene, alpine gem that is Lost Lake. Along this trail, leaves whisper and creeks murmur to make natural music.

The scent of pine provides a fragrant backdrop to your hiking adventure. The lake reflects the surrounding peaks for your pleasure.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 7.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 941 feet
• Dogs: Yes

Meadows Loop

You will love the Meadows Loop, a trail that is a tapestry of alpine splendor. A lush, green expanse of wildflower meadows greets you as you hike. The trail has a gentle roll through aspen groves and more conifer tree stands.

While accessible, the trail shows you the peaceful spirit of nature’s untouched beauty.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Loop
• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 508 feet
• Dogs: Yes

Red & White Mountain

Vail’s Red & White Mountain stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur.

The ascent weaves through a curtain of alpine plants with the scent of pine perfume in the air. At the the top, a breathtaking view unfolds. A spectacular view of peaks and valleys painted with summer’s vibrant greens or winter’s brilliant whites waits for you.

Red & White Mountain is more than a destination. It’s an experience you will always cherish.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Point to point
• Distance: 11.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,118 feet
• Dogs: On leash

Strawberry Lane – Hiking Trails In Vail Co

Strawberry Lane, a pathway that promises an enchanting escape within Vail’s majestic terrain. This trail offers a pleasant stroll that is as refreshing as it is scenic.

In the morning’s golden hours, the sun sprinkles light through the leaves. The light spreads a carpet of shadows and sunbeams on the forest floor. During autumn, the path is a corridor of gold leaves.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 2.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 682 feet
• Dogs: No

Upper Piney River Falls Trail

The Upper Piney River Falls Trail is an exquisite path that twists through the White River National Forest‘s lush embrace.

This trail has a stunning display of alpine scenery. As the path unfolds, the air fills with the sound of cascading waters. The trail ends with the breathtaking Piney Falls.

The forest canopy opens to also reveal the Gore Range’s grand vistas. The trail invites you to hike the gentle hills filled with wildflower covered meadows.

Things To Know

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail type: Out & back
• Distance: 5.9 feet
• Elevation gain: 688 feet
• Dogs: on leash

Conclusion – Hiking Trails In Vail Co

Vail’s outdoor hiking trails offer a patchwork of natural splendor. The best hiking trails in Vail Co paint a unique portrait of Colorado’s grandeur. From whispering aspen trees to rugged peaks, these hikes let you escape to a world where nature takes center stage.

The crisp air and gentle murmuring mountain streams invites hikers to go deeper into the wild.

Hiking these trails reminds you of the delicate balance between humans and nature. With every step, the awe inspiring views make you want to share them with future hikers.

If you need hiking gear, Amazon has some very good gear and economical prices.

You will enjoy AllTrails Pro’s benefits including offline maps.

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