Hiking

Grab your hiking boots, backpacks and reusable water bottles and head out to the many trails in the Vail Valley! The following are some of our favorites:

Booth Falls and Lake

You can either choose to hike about 1 ½ hours to the gleaming falls or continue another 2 hours to the lake! After about 2 miles, you’ll come to a 60-foot waterfall. Difficulty: The hike to the waterfall is rated moderate and continuing to the lake is rated more difficult.

Pitkin Lake

The trail is steep but the reward is the chance to hike amongst waterfalls, streams, glacier-carved granite and wildflowers. Difficulty: Most difficult.

Piney Lake

At the foot of the Gore Range, this is a much-beloved local’s favorite, and it’s particularly fun for families. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Vail Mountain

These trails are open during the summer months. You can hike from the bottom of the Lionshead or Vail Village gondolas or pay for a “scenic ride pass” and venture out on one of the trails at the top. If you decide to hike from the bottom of the gondola the ride back down is complimentary. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Lions Head Rock Trail

This trail goes through a pine forest to an open panoramic view of the Grouse, Beaver Creek, and Sawatch Range mountains. This hike was known for a rock that looked like the head of a lion, but unfortunately in 2014, the 30-foot rock face boulder broke off and careened down the hill! Difficulty: More difficult

Beaver Lake

For an easy family-friendly beginning, the Five Senses Trail in Beaver Creek is a nice way to go. This section is mostly flat and showcases different plants and flowers with informative plaques along the route. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate