Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by foxintheforest

Vail is my absolute favorite place in all of Colorado to test my skills as a hiker. In fact, the best Vail hikes are all pretty difficult.

One of the most incredible mountain ranges in the state is home to some of the most scenic Vail hiking trails. There are countless things to do in Vail, but hiking has to be at the top of the list – especially if you’re like me and you’re up for a bit of type 2 fun!

Despite its resort-y nature, Vail is a must-see destination for hikers.

I’m really not kidding. Between the Eagles Nest Wilderness and Holy Cross Wilderness, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The Gore Range holds utterly jaw-dropping scenery if you have the gusto to make it to the heart of the range. I’ve literally hiked every single named trail (and plenty of bushwacking with just a map and an inkling) in this range.

I’m the literal pro at all things Vail hiking trails and I’m going to give you alllll of the good stuff.

I’ve hiked here in every season for the past 12 years. I don’t live that far from Vail and you’ll constantly find me out here testing my skills.

Although I do tend to stick to the harder stuff here, I also come here to hike with my daughter, so I’ve got a wide range of hikes that suit any ability on this list.

My mission is to empower you to get out there like the badass you are. So you can go further, hike harder, and see the remote beauty that Vail has to offer. 

The Best Easy Hikes in Vail

If you just need a quick breath of fresh air or are bringing kids or out-of-towners along, these hikes offer a lot of payoff for a little effort.

I’ve done each of these trails with my little in tow and I find them to be great adventures for those who want to get some views, but aren’t ready to tackle the strenuous adventures in the Gore Range.

1. Eagle’s Loop

Sometimes we will just stop on our way somewhere else to hike this very quick trail. It’s an easy stop and a great way to stretch your legs!

This trail is a quick & easy way to see some of the best scenery Vail has to offer! Eagle’s Loop starts near the gondola at the Eagle’s Nest observation platform and continues in a loop of less than a mile, featuring views of Mount Holy Cross and the Gore Range.

• Distance: 0.7-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 41 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated Time: 30 min

2. Fireweed Loop

I’ve done this hike a couple of times a few years ago pre-kid. I really loved wandering around here when the wildflowers are blooming. It’s so stunning and such a refreshing wander.

Heading from the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Gondola One, the Fireweed Loop combines Upper Fireweed and Lower Fireweed into one of the easiest Vail hikes for acclimating to the altitude.

You’ll discover plenty of Colorado wildflowers in the spring, and in early fall the trail’s namesake Fireweed flower is in full bloom.

• Distance: 2-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 168 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated Time: 1 hour

3. Strawberry Lane

Strawberry lane is really popular and quite step, but in the fall the aspen groves twinkle with color. I would advise getting here really early if the aspens are turning – we’ve sat in 3 hours of traffic back when we lived in Denver – you’ve been warned!

The Strawberry Lane trail starts steeply from Gondola One and winds through lovely aspen groves. You’ll have to make a few easy stream crossings as you head uphill. Once you reach the top, you can hike back down or take the gondola.

• Distance: 2.7-mile round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 717 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated Time: 1.5 hours

The Best Moderate Vail Hikes

Moderate hikes in Vail can be a little hard to come by in my experience. This is largely because everything in the area is so steep and the Vail Valley is pretty narrow. But here are a couple worth checking out.

Many of the best moderate Vail hikes are either long or steep, but not necessarily both. You can pick whatever suits your mood, whether that’s a quick, but intense workout or a long scenic trail.

4. Ridge Route

Another popular one that I really enjoyed was the Ridge Route. Just pay attention to the signage because we got a little lost at the start!

With fantastic views of the Holy Cross Wilderness and Mount Holy Cross, the Ridge Route is one of the most popular hikes in Vail for good reason.

The trail starts near the Eagle Bahn Gondola and can be a little confusing at first, but is clearly signed once it branches off the dirt road. If you want a longer hike, you can continue on the Ptarmigan Loop.

• Distance: 2.8 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 664 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 1.5 hours

Local Tip: Get an early start or head up to watch the sunset on this uber-scenic hike. Don’t forget your headlamp.

5. Shrine Ridge

I often suggest this hike as a good test to see if you’re acclimated when coming from out of town. The views of Mt Holy Cross are my favorite!

The spectacular summit vistas make Shrine Ridge one of the best hikes in Vail. And the fact that it’s a moderate hike makes it a good choice for a quick adventure, especially if you’re visiting from out of town. The trail heads through pine meadows uphill until you hit the ridge and gain the view of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Holy Cross – a super iconic mountain with a big snowy cross on it.

• Distance: 4.3 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

6. Booth Creek Falls

So I have hiked Booth Creek Falls something like 4 times now. Sheesh! I always continue on to Booth Lake, but it’s a popular hike. Personally, I don’t really see why just Booth Creek Falls is worth it, but since it’s a rare family-friendly moderate hike, out-of-towners love it.

The hike to Booth Creek Falls really has it all – aspen groves, views of Vail Valley, glimpses of the Gore Range, and, of course, a waterfall! Near the start of the hike you’ll even pass gorgeous sandstone rock formations.

The Booth Creek Falls trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the aspens are glowing and golden. Continue onwards to Booth Lake for a real butt-busting challenge with killer scenery.

Local tip: You can no longer park at this trailhead. I’ve been coming here for years and I think this is pretty stupid, but whatever. You can only access this hike by shuttle at the Lionshead or Vail Village Parking area.

• Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,358 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

7. Upper Piney River Falls

I have some really fond memories of Upper Piney River Falls during the fall months. Crisp air, swimming moose, and a tranquil aspen grove! But in order to snag that feeling, we had to start at 5 am because this one is popular.

This trail starts near Piney Lake, and you can see the Gore Range as you make your way through a wide-open meadow and then along the river valley. After making your way through aspen groves and evergreen forest, you’ll find the cascading waterfall. There are plenty of spots on the rock near the water where you can rest and enjoy the view before heading back down.

Local tip: Getting to the trailhead requires a 45 min drive up a rutted dirt road to a public lot just before Piney River Ranch. The ranch is a great pit stop for a hearty lunch after your hike.

• Distance: 6 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 731 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 3 hours

PSST…want more? If you’re a well-seasoned mountain hiker, check out Knee Knocker Pass. An off-trail adventure that brings you up-close and personal to the dramatic Gore Range. 

8. Lost Lake

We took my daughter on her first camping trip when she was just 7 weeks old and we hiked to Lost Lake. Was front carrying a small infant for 7 miles my favorite thing in the world? Absolutely not. But I really loved this one because you get great views of the nearby Ripsaw Ridge and you get some wildflowers!

Although the Lost Lake Trail is quite close to the Upper Piney Trail, it somehow doesn’t seem to attract the same crowds as its neighbor. So if you’re looking for similarly great views in a more secluded setting, add Lost Lake to your list of best hikes in Vail. On your way to the lake, you’ll pass through lodgepole pine forests and see views of the Gore Range, Vail Mountain, and Mount Holy Cross.

• Distance: 7 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 941 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

The Best Difficult Vail Hikes

When you’re ready to ramp it up, the best difficult hikes in Vail will give you a challenge while providing a worthy reward. While all of these could be done as a day hike, some of these trails are really the best backpacking trips in Colorado.

9. Willow Lakes

Willow Lakes is a classic favorite of mine. It’s one of my top backpacking trips in all of Colorado. Again, I’ve been here multiple times – I’ve hiked all of the named trails in the Gore Range. We had to navigate up and over downed trees, sweltering heat, and all sorts of funky conditions when I last backpacked to this stunning location.

The hike to Willow Lakes is long and strenuous, but totally worth the effort once you see these three beautiful lakes surrounded by stunning peaks. While the trail can be done in a very ambitious day, it’s really best to take your time and do this as a backpacking trip. Believe me, you won’t regret spending the night up by one of these alpine lakes.

Local Tip: There is a large section of downed trees towards the end of this trail. It’s consistently uphill and totally exposed to the sun, so try to time your hike to get through this section before or after the afternoon.

• Distance: 17.4 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,424 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Estimated Time: 2 days

10. Pitkin Lake

I almost had to get rescued here once. My knees completely locked up and it was really difficult to walk. I had to take a year off of hiking due to a condition I developed.

But despite the snafu, I still love this one. Again, I’ve done this in the dead of winter (not recommended) and in the summer months (where I almost needed help).

I love it because it’s a bit quieter than the other hikes on this list.

Pitkin Lake is amazing, not only because it provides views of the Gore Range, but also takes you to two waterfalls. You’ll even see some moraines, or very old glacial debris, along the way. Pitkin Lake itself is surrounded by granite cliffs, and you can choose to camp for the night or turn back and make it a day hike.

• Distance: 10.1 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,950 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
• Dog-friendly? Yes

Local Tip: There are lots of fish in Pitkin Lake, bring your rod and cast a line! Just remember, most trout here are too little to keep, so plan to catch and release.

11. Gore Lake

I think I’ve been to Gore Lake 4 times now. It’s certainly been a lot. My favorite part about hiking to Gore Lake is that there are lots of hidden views to explore at the lake.

Hint: circumnavigate the lake and climb the grass ramp at the far side. Or head over the ridge on the right when you first pop up into the basin!

Gore Lake is a spectacular hike with a seriously breathtaking reward when you reach the alpine bowl of the lake. Spoiler alert, this is one of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Although the hike can be a steep slog in parts, you’ll pass through pretty alpine valleys that help keep you going. I highly recommend backpacking to Gore Lake, since that will give you time to circumnavigate the lake and see take everything in.

• Distance: 12.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,890 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
• Dog-friendly? Yes

Local Tip: When you reach the lake, don’t forget to hike up the ridge on your left or right. The views from above are mesmerizing.

Safety Tips for Hiking in Vail

When it comes to hiking in Vail there are important safety tips to know. Here’s a quick rundown, but be sure to check out my guide to hiking in Colorado for a complete look at how to hike safely and responsibly.

Acclimatize! If you’re not used to the altitude, head out on an easy hike first, then tackle your tough challenge the next day.

Start EARLY! Even the most challenging hikes near Vail get crowded for the first mile or so. Start before 9 am to make the most of your hike. Not to mention, during the summer months, dangerous thunderstorms roll in. Be below the trees by noon to avoid getting struck by lightning.

Remember to leave it better than you found it.

I-70 traffic is real. Especially on weekends in the summer. Plan accordingly if you’re coming too and from Denver. Traffic starts to build at around 8 am and lasts well into the afternoon heading west. Heading east, expect traffic to build at 11 am and continue until around 5 pm.

Come prepared. Pack the 10 essentials: water, layers, snacks, fire starter, small emergency bivvy shelter, GPS/map for navigation, headlamp, first aid kit, personal locator beacon (optional), knife, bathroom kit with hand sanitizer and a small shovel, and sun protection.

Bring layers. The weather in the mountains changes in an instant. Know the forecast and check it up until you’re leaving for the trailhead (weather.gov is the best for Colorado weather). You’ll always want to carry a puffy layer, rain layer, beanie, and even gloves. Yes…I’ve even had to use gloves in summer.

Leave it better than you found it. Always pack out your toilet paper, snack wrappers, fruit peels, dog poop, and anything else you bring with you. Be a good steward and practice Leave No Trace.

Be courteous. Remember to say hello and keep your doggo on a leash. The uphill hiker has the right of way. Don’t stomp around on wildflowers or head too far off-trail unless you’re using the bathroom.

What to Pack

Staying safe means being prepared. Here’s what to bring on your hike.

What to wear:

• Sunshirt
• Noncotton socks
• Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day. 
• Non-cotton shorts for hiking
• Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
• Non-cotton shirt for hiking

What to pack:

• Hiking day pack. I love the REI Flash 22 for an affordable day pack.
• Water and snacks for the car – it’s always nice to have a treat at the end!
• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
• First Aid Kit 
• Electrolyte powder – optional but nice to have!
• A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
• Camera
• Camera clip to strap to your back
• Beanie
• Glove liners
• Fleece layer
• Puffy layer
• Hiking poles (optional)
• A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (if you plan to travel above treeline), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
• Pee funnel – optional
• Pee rag – optional.
• Headlamp
• GPS navigation
• emergency communication device
• Wind/rain layer
• Pocket knife

Additional Resources for Visiting Vail

Planning a trip to Colorado or Vail? You’ve come to the right place. With expert, local advice you’ll see Colorado like a local, not a tourist.

• Amazing Free Camping in Colorado
• The Only Colorado Road Trip Itinerary You Ever Need

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