Best Hikes Near Vail, Colorado
Vail sits inside the White River National Forest, with trails running into the Gore Range and the Eagles Nest Wilderness on the north side of the valley and the Sawatch and the Holy Cross Wilderness on the south.
Pitkin Lake Trail
A challenging hike in the Eagles Nest Wilderness climbing nearly 3,000 feet to a stunning alpine lake. The trail offers dazzling views of East Vail and the surrounding peaks, with the final approach through open alpine terrain.
Gore Lake Trail
A long and rewarding hike through the Eagles Nest Wilderness to a remote alpine lake beneath the dramatic Gore Range. Stunning fall colors, rocky terrain, and wildlife sightings make this a Vail-area classic for experienced hikers.
Notch Mountain Trail
Climb to the summit of Notch Mountain in the Holy Cross Wilderness for one of Colorado's most iconic views: the cross-shaped snow couloir on Mount of the Holy Cross. A historic stone shelter sits at the top.
Upper Piney River Falls Trail
A scenic, family-friendly trail following the Piney River past Piney Lake through open wildflower meadows, aspen stands, and pine forests. The waterfall at the end is a refreshing reward with views of the Gore Range.
Lake Constantine Trail
From the Half Moon Trailhead near the Mount of the Holy Cross, climb to Lake Constantine. The lake sits at 11,400 feet below Notch Mountain. Famous alpine lake in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
Berry Creek Trail
Local Vail Valley trail from Edwards climbing through pine and aspen forest along Berry Creek. Popular with mountain bikers in summer; quieter for hikers in shoulder seasons. Connector to the broader USFS trail system above Vail.
Mount of the Holy Cross (North Ridge)
Named for the cross-shaped snow couloir visible in spring. Standard route crosses Half Moon Pass (twice: once on the way in, once on the way out), making this one of the harder 14er days for the distance.
Hiking in Vail: what to know
Vail's hiking divides between Vail Mountain itself (gondola-accessible, easy summer trails), the lower Gore Range (Booth Falls, Pitkin Lake, Gore Creek Trail), and the bigger Eagles Nest Wilderness destinations (Red Buffalo Pass, Slate Lake, Upper Piney Lake).
The Booth Falls / Booth Lake corridor is the most popular local hike. Booth Falls is about 2 miles in; Booth Lake is another 2 miles past the falls. The trailhead lot is small and fills early; the town shuttle stops within walking distance.
For the bigger backcountry days, Pitkin Lake Trail (about 10 miles round trip, 3,000 feet of gain) and Gore Creek Trail to Red Buffalo Pass (14 miles round trip) are the area classics. Both require an early start and full backcountry preparation.
Vail Mountain accesses some of the easier hiking via the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead Village. Ride up, hike around the top, and ride down. The Berry Picker Trail descends 2,200 feet from the top of the mountain to town if you want a one-way option.
Edwards (15 minutes west of Vail) has Berry Creek Trail and a network of mountain-bike-shared trails for less crowded local hiking.
Holy Cross Wilderness, south of Vail, contains Notch Mountain Trail (with the famous view of Mount of the Holy Cross) and the Missouri Lakes/Fancy Lakes Loop. Trailheads are 45 minutes from Vail on gravel roads that passenger cars manage when dry; Tigiwon Road is closed to vehicles every year from May 1 through June 20.
Vail Pass (10,662 feet) is a popular winter snowshoeing destination with parking right off I-70. The Vail Pass Recreation Area requires a permit in winter.
Like Aspen, Vail in summer means starting early. The afternoon thunderstorms are real. Plan to be at the trailhead by 6 AM for anything above treeline.