Booth Falls is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Vail, Colorado that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Booth Falls Trail is a very popular hike and the amount of use has resulted in trail damage and widening. Please stay on the trail, carry all trash and dog waste out with you, and leave this beautiful place better than you found it so others may continue to enjoy. You may also want to check out some of the nearby trails which are just as beautiful and will have less traffic. We suggest: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/gore-valley-trail or https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/east-vail-falls The trail can be very steep, but it is on the moderate site of hard in summer and fall. In the winter this is a challenging route which should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers. The area offers incredible views of rivers, valleys, untouched forests, and steep rocky peaks. In the fall visitors will see beautiful leaf colors. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead. Parking is very limited at this trailhead. Please consider taking the free Town of Vail bus from the Vail Village parking structure to access this trail.
There are no restrooms at the trailhead.
White River National Forest: (970)-945-2521
The trail can be very steep so this is not ideal for children. Many users have mentioned that using poles was very helpful on this trail. The parking area is small, so make sure to get there early on the weekends! Although the area is forested, the sun beams down above the treeline, so bring suncreen!
About 3 miles east of Vail, take the exit for the I-70 Frontage Road, and then take a left onto Booth Falls Road.
Did this trail mid-May of 2020, and continued to do it throughout the beginning of the summer; and it was absolutely incredible! My third time I realized there was a second trail heading up that was much more strenuous the the one I previously took. There was a rope next to a stream going up a very steep incline and it was INTENSE (both physically and emotionally). The trail is pretty much all uphill, parts of it seem easier than others though! That year there was an avalanche during the winter so as we got about 2 miles in, the path was completely blown out and we had to scramble a bit. I find that stuff exhilarating, so I enjoyed the challenge! The waterfalls were in full force due to the snowmelt and they were incredibly gorgeous. It is a bit wet and muddy, so keep that in mind. All the times I did the hike I never made it to the lake which I regret because local friends always told me how beautiful it is. My asthma never wanted to cooperate): Highly recommend! 4/5 stars because the trail was blown out and I can see how others might find it annoying or dangerous. GO DO THE DANG THING!
Great trail. Snowshoes are still handy for the current level of snow, especially for the last mile
Great trail- super beautiful. Can get buy without spikes, but easier with them. Snow boots advised but trail is decently packed down. Was really peaceful (after the first half mile where you do hear some I70 traffic. Parking was easy. Trail easy to follow. Dog friendly. Off the trail is definitely deep snow for those who want to snowshoe. Got lucky and only saw one other group. Went around 11am on MLK day.
Did it on 01/02. Good amount of snow. Bumped into only 3-4 people. Recommend micro-spikes
Thank It was lovely but not enough snow today for snowshoes. Too many rocks!! Spikes would be perfect. A bummer to see are all the beautiful aspens carved up with graffiti. . I’m source the trail is far more awesome in the other seasons! I think the Breck trails are my preferred spots.
amazing scenery! Very muddy, but how can you complain when it's such a beautiful day?!