Hiking in the Gore Range
6 trails in this Colorado region — with elevation, distance, and seasonal recommendations.
Booth Falls
A beautiful waterfall hike through aspen and conifer forests leading to a 60-foot cascade. Popular among Vail visitors for its accessibility and scenery.
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Short hike from the Buffalo Cabin Trailhead through pine forest to Lily Pad Lake. Family-friendly, with views of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range from the trail. Spring snowmelt brings wildflowers.
Eccles Pass Trail
Steep climb in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to Eccles Pass at 11,800 feet. The Eagles Nest area provides excellent backcountry hiking with Tenmile Range views from the pass. Backpack-friendly with camps in the upper basins.
Lower Cataract Lake Trail
Loop around Lower Cataract Lake at the base of the Gore Range. Cataract Falls drops directly into the lake. Family-friendly and accessible. Boating allowed on the lake.
Surprise Lake Trail
From the Surprise Trailhead, climb through aspen and conifer forest to Surprise Lake in the Gore Range. Quieter than the Eagles Nest popular trails. Backpacker camps in the upper basin.
Buffalo Mountain Trail
Steep climb from Lily Pad Lake area to the summit of Buffalo Mountain at 12,777 feet. The Gore Range's most accessible big summit, with full panorama of Lake Dillon, the Tenmile Range, and the Gore Range itself.