Welcome to ThinkVail – we hope you find this article about Vail hiking trails helpful.
The Vail Valley boasts many challenging hikes that reward those with the fortitude to summit the area’s toughest peaks. But, these difficult hikes are not to be taken lightly and do not attempt harder hikes without having ample experience or going with a local, seasoned guide that knows the routes.
This list of 8 challenging local hikes, is complete with description and directions but you can find more information about each hike on the US Forest Service Complete List of Hikes in the White River National Forest including topo maps, full description and trail closures.
Another resource when hiking in the area is The Vail Hiker, this book gives you comprehensive information on more than 50 local hikes as well as historical anecdotes and wildflowers to look for at each hike, it is a gem of a book!
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See Also: Best Vail Hiking Trails for Kids
The first trail on our list is Bighorn Creek Trail, a challenging hike that winds through a variety of trees, meadows of wildflowers with views of Bighorn Falls. The trail features beaver ponds and the remains of an old mining cabin. Enjoy breathtaking views of Vail mountain, Vail village, and the majestic Gore mountain range.
Directions: Traveling east on I-70 take exit 180, and turn right onto Bighorn Road. Proceed 0.7 mile to Columbine Drive, turn left. Continue 0.2 mile to where the road passes under the interstate through a narrow passage. Limited parking on the left side of the road. Additional overflow parking is available just before the tunnel.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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Enjoy hiking to this beautiful mountain lake sitting at timberline surrounded by lush meadows and forests of Lodgepole pine with views of Gore mountain range. This is a lovely lake for fishing and picnicking.
Directions: Go to East Vail (exit 180) and head east down Bighorn Road for approximately 2.5 miles. You will see the Gore Creek Trail #2015 trail head on the left. Park here at the trail head. Hike 4 miles to where the Gore Lake Trail splits left off Gore Creek Trail.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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A locals’ favorite, this hike boast LOTS of waterfalls and beautiful sub-alpine meadows but is prone to overuse, please tread lightly here. Please stay on the trail, carry all trash and dog waste out with you.
Directions: Head to East Vail (exit 180)and head west about 1 mile to Booth Falls Road. At Booth Falls Road, turn right and continue to the parking area at the end of the road.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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Discover seven, lovely mountain lakes tucked into beautiful, breathtaking, high alpine mountain scenery.
Directions: Head to Minturn and follow US. 24 south for 13 miles till you get to Homestake Road (#703). Turn right and continue on road past the Gold Park Campground. Continue for 8.5 more miles till you reach side road (#704). Here make a turn right and drive west/southwest for 2.3 miles. You will reach a T before Fancy Lake trail head, turn right. Go north on road (#727) in one mile you will stay right at the junction and go downhill to park in the level area next to the Jeep road.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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Missouri Lakes Trail takes you to a beautiful basin that holds 14 lakes and ponds and is surrounded by conifer stands, lush meadows, meandering streams and incredible views of Savage Peak.
Directions: Head to Minturn. Take Hwy 24 and proceed south for about 13 miles to Homestake Road (#703). Turn right and continue past the Gold Park Campground to mile 8.5. Make a right onto Missouri Creek Road (#704). Turn right and continue 3 miles on this dirt road to a T. 10,200 ft. past the T turn left and the trail head will be to the right.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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Half Moon Pass is a very strenuous hike with over 8,000 vertical feet climb, it is not for the faint of heart. However, once you reach the top you are rewarded with dizzying views of Gore and Mosquito mountain ranges as well as view of Mount of the Holy Cross and Holy Cross Ridge and a panorama view of peaks parading towards Mount Jackson. It is truly an awe-inspiring view and not one to be forgotten. From the Half Moon Trail hikers can continue on to Mt. of the Holy Cross
Directions: Head to Minturn and take Hwy 24. south about 5 miles, passing through Minturn, to Tigiwon Road #707 (immediately on right before crossing bridge over Eagle River). Take a right and continue 8 miles up this dirt road to the end. Park in the parking area at the end of the road.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
This hike offers INCREDIBLE, up-close views of Mount of the Holy Cross. Hikers also enjoy beautiful flower-filled sub alpine meadows, majestic spruce and fir stands, a beautiful boulder-strewn mountain lake, a cascading waterfall and stunning views of Holy Cross Ridge.
Directions: Head to Minturn and get on Hwy 24. Proceed south through Minturn for approx. 5 miles to Tigiwon Road #707 (on right immediately before crossing bridge over Eagle River). Make a right onto Tigiwon Road and proceed 8 miles to the end of the dirt road.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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This is the only 14’er on our list. A 14’er is a mountain that rises above 14,000 ft in elevation. There are 53 14’ers in Colorado. Mount of the Holy Cross has an elevation of 14,005 ft.
Directions: Head to Minturn and get on Hwy 24. Proceed south through Minturn for approx. 5 miles to Tigiwon Road #707 (on right immediately before crossing bridge over Eagle River). Make a right onto Tigiwon Road and proceed 8 miles to the end of the dirt road.
Click to View the US Forest Service Printable Recreation Quicksheet for this Trail
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Always PACK IT IN – PACK IT OUT!! and LEAVE NO TRACE.
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See Also: Best Lightweight Hiking Gear
What is YOUR favorite Vail hiking trail? What hike do you think is the most challenging hike you have ever been on? Please leave a comment if you have any experience or stories hiking on these trails, we would love to hear about your hike!
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I love your write up on each of these trails. And to your list of essentials... waterproof matches. Why am I so blown away by this? lol. Great write up. Notch Mountain's views sound amazing!
Thank you for your comment Eric. I am glad that you like the trail descriptions, these hikes are very demanding but so beautiful and so rewarding. I know right?, waterproof matches makes life so much easier for the rain-soaked hiker. You can also check out the List of the Top Ten Best Lightweight Essential Hiking Items for more information about what you need to bring on a hike including clothing, boots, hats, trekking poles, rain jacket, first aid kits and more. There are also links to conveniently buy the items you need. Thanks for reading!
Hi this is a really interesting read! I love how easy the directions are to follow and it’s definitely made me want to start hiking again! The safety guidelines are great also for beginners, especially regarding telling at least one person where you’re going - I definitely recommend that too if you’re ‘directionally challenged’ like me lol! Many thanks for the info, louise :)
Hi Louise, Thank you for your kind words, I do want to let you know that these are difficult hikes that are not meant for beginners. As a beginner hiker, please take a look at the article Vail Hiking Trails - The Best Tails for Kids and Beginners. These are lovely trails, perfect for beginners that you can get some experience on before doing the more demanding hikes in Vail.
I think I will have to go on one of the Vail Hiking trails. As the owner of my own camping and hiking blog, I am always looking for new treks to take. It is just too good to pass up a big challenge.
I do have a question though. Of all the ones you listed, which trail is your favorite? These all look good, but I do not think I can do all of them at once. I look forward to reading your answer.
Thank you so much and I hope you make it a great day!
Hi Alex, thanks for the comment. Yes you should come, there is amazing camping and hiking in Colorado. With the experience and knowledge that you have I would absolutely recommend hiking the 14er, Mount of the Holy Cross. This is a long, demanding, technical hike but it offers beautiful views all the way up, tons of wildflowers, pine forests, boulder fields and at the summit you have panoramic views of what seems like the whole world. It is incredible and rewarding and I highly recommend it to hikers with experience.