Best trails in Vail, Colorado

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.Show more

The first few miles undulate gently through meadows with good spots for lunch, relaxation, and great views. The trail climbs through aspen and mixed conifer forest, crossing numerous little creeks before switchbacking downhill. This trail is located about a 45 mins drive up a 2 lane dirt road with lots of rocks and bumps. Once you get up to the ranch you see the beautiful lake. The hike starts at the lake and is 3 miles in one way. Once you hit the conifer Forrest you have about 30 mins hike until you get to the waterfalls. Enjoy the breathtaking views!Show more

The Booth Lake 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/pitkin-lake-trail or https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/deluge-lake-trail 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. Booth Lake is a beautiful lake tucked away in an alpine cirque with fantastic wildflowers. The trail climbs through forest and meadows past Booth Falls, a 60-foot waterfall. Bring your own water as the creek is not always near the trail. The lake is near treeline - arrive early to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Hunters may use this area during hunting season. The trail is neither marked nor maintained for winter and crosses several avalanche paths.Show more

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. Show more

This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead. Hunters may be in this area during hunting season. Be aware that this trail is neither marked nor maintained for winter use, and it crosses several avalanche paths. Campfires are prohibited at Gore Lake because of a lack of dead/downed timber, and to protect the sensitive alpine vegetation. Mountain goats are prevalent at Gore Lake. Please keep your distance, keep your pets leashed, and do not approach or feed them. From the trailhead you rise in elevation pretty quick, so be ready to start with a climb. After about a mile you get to a more moderate incline all the way to "the graves" which is around 4 miles total. You are in and out of the trees that first 4 miles with good views. Once you get to the graves you follow the signs and take a hard left towards Gore Lake. The next 1.8 miles are steep. This section is why this trail has a hard rating. Keep pushing and get to the lake! It's worth it. Show more

If you do this hike while the gondola is running, you can choose to skip either the uphill or downhill portions of the hike by taking the gondola. However, the hike is an enjoyable out and back as well.Show more

Please note there is a stretch of private property to get to trailhead after parking outside of the Piney Trails Ranch.Show more

This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead.Show more

This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wilderness regulations exist and are posted at the trailhead.Show more