Hiking in Vail, Colorado
HIKING THE VAIL, Colorado TRAILS
Hiking is one of the Vail Valley's most popular summer activities. It's free, as easy or strenuous as you want to make it, and the views are unprecendented. These Vail, Colorado hiking trail maps will guide you along marked trails, or take one of the guided nature hikes with expert local guides for all ages and ability levels.
Ride the Vail chairlift or gondola up and hike around Vail Mountain or venture outside the Vail Valley to tackle one of Colorado's famous fourteeners. Even though the altitude can take some getting used to, the Vail Valley has trails for beginners, children, and elderly hikers.
Just make sure to pile on the sunscreen, bring lots of water, and pack an extra layer for when the sun goes down.
View the 2009 Vail Summer Trail Map.
VAIL MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAILS:
EAGLE'S LOOP
Green: Short ridge-top loop with great views of Mount of the Holy Cross - 1 mile (1.6 km), 15-20 minutes
LOWER FIREWEED
Green: Beautiful wooded trail between Eagle's Nest and Mid-Vail - 1 mile (1.6 km), 30-40 minutes, loop with Upper Fireweed - 2.2 miles (3.5 km), 1 - 1.5 hours
BERRYPICKER
Blue: Starting at Lower Fireweed, this intermediate trail winds down from Mid-Vail or Eagle's Nest to Vail Village or LionsHead, picnic at Minnie's Deck along the way - 4.6 miles (7.4 km), 2-3 hours.
KINNICKINNICK
Blue: A wooded trail connecting Ridge Route at Wildwood and heads to Mid-Vail - 2 miles (3.2 km), 2 hours, combine with Ridge Route - 3.4 miles (5.5 km), 3.5-4 hours
PTARMIGAN LOOP
Blue: Scenic trail through shaded woods connecting with Ridge Route at Wildwood to Ptarmigan Point and back - 1.2 miles (1.9 km), 30-40 minutes, loop with Ridge Route - 4 miles (4.2 km), 2.5-3 hours
RIDGE ROUTE
Blue: Intermediate ridge climb from Eagle's Nest to Wildwood and back with spectacular views - 2.8 miles (4.5km), 1.5-2 hours
SUNLIGHT
Blue: Beautiful trail connecting Ridge Route and Kinnickinnick at Wildwood finishing at Patrol Headquarters - 1.5 miles (2.4 km), 1 hour, length with connecting trails varies - 3.5-4.5 miles (5.6-7.2 km), 2.5-3 hours
BAD SIMBA
Black: Steep side trail formerly part of LionsHead Loop - .75 miles (1.2 km)
View Vail's mountain safety information here.