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Trekking Guide to Snowshoe & Hiking Trails in the Vail Area

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snowshoeing-in-vail-2Ski season is around the corner. We in Vail will be able to start our quest for epic powder in less than a month. But, there are so many more things to do in Vail than just ski.

While the Antlers at Vail may be your lodging choice in Vail, we like to think that we are so much more than a hotel. We like to think that we make your condo at the Antlers your home away from home, and that we welcome you as a part of our family. And, that includes sharing our favorite Vail activities, and in this case, trails. Below is a summary of some of our favorite snowshoe and hiking trails. But, we have many more to share, so if you are looking for something different just ask our front desk.

Antlers at Vail Trekking Guide: Our Favorite Snowshoe and Hiking Trails

The Antlers at Vail provides a multitude of complimentary amenities for guests including FREE snowshoe rentals and hiking poles! We have selected a few of our favorite trails below to share with you. Please ask the front desk for additional suggestions or a detailed Vail Mountain trail map.

Self-Guided Snowshoe Tours:

Old Vail Pass- East Vail
Length: 4.16 MI one way (6.7KM)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 1,015 FT
Trail Use: Light to moderate
Access from Vail: Exit I-70 at East Vail (Exit 180) and drive 1.9MI East to the end of the plowed South Frontage Rd, just past Main Gore Drive.
Considerations: This was the route that Old Hwy 6 took over Vail Pass before I-70 was built. Before that, this route was used by the Ute Indians. Today, be aware that the snow may be thin during the early winter and spring months due to the pavement below the snow.
Directions: Snowshoe 0.4 MI toward the bike path gate. (Snow may be thin under the highway bridge). Go past the Gore Creek trailhead and campground but don’t tour the drainage due to avalanche danger. The old Vail Pass route is a good mid-winter trail that is gradual and scenic.

Meadow Grouse Loop- Minturn
Length: 6.45 MI loop (10.38KM)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Use: Moderate
Access from Vail: Travel West on I-70 to Exit 171 for Minturn (Hwy 24) and turn right at the stop sign (South). Continue underneath the interstate and on the right turn into the Forest Service parking lot. The trail begins at the south end of the parking lot near the white house.
Trail Highlights: Start at Meadow Mountain, follow the trail up for about 0.8 miles to the Grouse Creek connector on the left. Follow the trail southeast to the West Grouse Creek trail, turn right. You will soon reach a junction where the Grouse Lake Trail goes left, but stay right on the West Grouse Creek Trail. The trail stays left of the creek- note the ridge across the creek. It will remain steep until you approach a junction with a logging road. The creek, which is well below until this point, becomes nearly level with the trail. Watch carefully here for the snow-covered road. Turn right onto the road and you will soon find yourself on the Old Meadow Mountain Ski Area runs. You have the choice for following the Meadow Mountain Trail back down to the connector you took earlier or following the old ski runs back down to the base.

Guided Snowshoe Tours: (A safe way to get familiar with terrain.)

Nature Discovery Center (2pm daily)
Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an introductory educational snowshoe through the forest atop Vail Mountain. Learn about winter ecology and animal adaptations as you gaze at majestic mountain views. Call 970-754-4675 for details.

Walking Mountains Science Center (Monday – Saturday at 2pm)
Join the science center for a gentle educational hike through aspen and riparian communities. Walks will be conducted on snowshoes as necessary due to snow levels. Call 970-827-9725 for details.

The Vail Nordic Center is located on the Vail Golf Course and offers easy, intermediate, and difficult terrain. Daily groups leave at 10am. Call 970-754-3200 extension 4 for details.

*All the Vail Mountain ski terrain is open for snowshoeing. For safety reasons, please go before or after lift operation hours.

Hiking Trails

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.
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
Bad Simba Black: Steep side trail formerly part of Lionshead Loop – .75 miles (1.2 km)

Other Area Hiking Trails

North Trail (Beginner)
This version of the North Trail begins at the Red Sandstone trailhead on Red Sandstone Rd. From the trailhead, ride west above Vail up countless switchbacks. After 2.0 miles riders will come to an intersection with Buffehr Creek trail. Stay left and continue down a loose and rocky descent. Reaching the bottom, riders will cross Buffehr Creek and traverse around some beaver ponds to an intersection. Follow the signs to continue on the North Trail. The trail begins to climb again with more switchbacks and great views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges. Eventually, the trail will start to contour and the ride becomes quite enjoyable as it passes through lush aspen groves. In the height of summer, the wildflowers through this section are very impressive. The trail will start to descend towards the Davos trailhead. Stay on the main trail and ride to an intersection with the Davos Hill Climb. Turn right and ride the dirt road (FS 781) 0.42 miles to a gate. Go through the gate to access the last singletrack section of the ride. Descend through the trees to the Trappers Run trailhead. From here, ride the North Frontage Road all the way back to Red Sandstone Rd and the start of the ride.
DIRECTIONS: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 173 West Vail. Take the roundabout east past Safeway and City Market to Red Sandstone Rd. Turn left and drive 0.35 miles to the Red Sandstone trailhead.

Booth Creek Falls (intermediate)
Booth Falls trail climbs north through at a steep start and levels off through clover-scented woodlands. The trail emerges into a meadow full of wildflowers. The trek to the falls is steep but quick, sloping along a creek. The falls is a refreshing stop before heading toward the lake. Hikers will climb northeast into a deep forest where the creek reappears along the trail. As hikers move further into a meadow, look for the trail fork, just above 10,200 feet, where a path to the left takes hikers into the Piney Lakes region through the Piney Creek Trail. The trees will begin to thin and the terrain continually changes. The final climb to the lake is ruthless and difficult because of a rocky, washed-out path. But when hikers finally arrive at the lake, the views are heaven on earth.
DIRECTIONS: Drive about 0.9 miles west from Interstate 70 East Vail Exit 180 to the Booth Falls Road. Turn right and proceed to the end of the road to park near the fence.

Lionshead Rock hike, Minturn Colorado

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An often forgotten about hike is the Lionshead Rock hike out of Minturn Colorado.  It is a short 15 minute drive from the Antlers at Vail condominiums.  Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 171 at Dowd Junction and then head south on Highway 24 for a few miles until you arrive in the town of Minturn.  Take a left right away upon arriving into town and go across the bridge by the Saloon.  As you pass the Saloon, hang a right swinging around the building and go across the railraod tracks to Taylor Street.  Head north on Taylor street passing a number of homes (and junky cars, fridges, old snowmobiles, sinks, dishwashers, chairs, dogs, etc) until you arrive at the far end (dead end).  Find a parking spot and head to the Game Creek trail (to the East) and start going up the trail.  As you go up and past the river for about a 1/2 mile you’ll hang a RIGHT onto the trail which will take you to the Lionshead Rock.  It is about a 2 mile climb one way from the trail head.


View Lionshead Rock hike Minturn in a larger map

View from Lionshead rock looking down towards the town of Minturn

Crazy squirrel

Hiking Mt Sherman 2011

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Mt Sherman Hike (14,036′)
A decent short 14er for those who want to notch the first one on their belts. It takes about 4 hours to reach the top and return. The land may seem brown and lifeless compared to some other 14ers however; it is rich in mining history as can be seen from the scattered mining structures all around the area. This was one I could see from the ridgeline very near to the top of Sherman.

When my fellow Antlers employee Dan and I hiked it on June 27th, it still had snow fields to cross at the start of the hike. However, we got through easy enough without too much post holing (and a slight deviation from the trail that turned into a lot more work than expected… DANNNN). Still, the rest of the trail was clear and easy going once we started gaining elevation. The most exhilarating thing about this hike was the wind that day. Sherman is very very exposed so a windbreaker/rain jacket is a MUST or you will risk being exposed to the elements that make hiking very uncomfortable.

A little bit windy up there

Only 40 a minute drive away from the Antlers here in Vail it was definitely a great day hike and a good first 14er for any moderate hiker looking to reach the next level. Make sure to add to the wind walls when you reach the top and sign the registry!!!

After we added another foot or so it still wasn't very helpful

Gore Lake and Deluge Lake Trail Hiking in Vail

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Just recently I took a hike up to Deluge lake with a few of my friends around town.  It was a really awesome hike with plenty of great views.  Early on I was a bit nervous because it took almost 45 minutes to really lose site of the highway (which when you’re hiking is not the view you expect).  However, once we rounded a mountain side and started up the valley towards the lake I knew that the hike was well worth it.  It was the kind of mountain valley you would see in a movie with green fields, white rocks, and Deluge Creek running down the middle.  Although it was a more difficult hike, it was well worth the trip in the end.  Definitely wait until July or later to do this trail as when we tried in early June we were stopped about halfway by the 4ft of remaining snow.


View Deluge Lake and Gore Creek Hiking Trails in a larger map

This is a map of the Gore Creek and Deluge Lake trails which leave from the same trailhead right in our backyard of East Vail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gore Creek


View of the Gore Range. This is looking NORTH towards Gore Lake and Deluge Lake trails.

 

Bighorn Cabin

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Greetings hikers!

Bighorn cabin is a private property (although left open as a storm shelter) located at about 10800 feet in the Gore Range Wilderness. A good moderate hike and definitely one of the least steep in the area it is great for those looking to head into the mountains and photograph wildflowers, see some wildlife, and enjoy the great outdoors. The trail used to be a part of an old wagon trail so be sure to look for signs on the sides of the trail to be a part of the old homesteaders travels. You will reach some rock fields, to be sure of the way make sure to look for cairns (rocks stacked up like a tower). Not far from the Antlers in Vail this is a great hike accessible to all. One thing to remember is that parking there is limited so going early or taking the bus is recommended. Also, for the aggressive hiker this is a good way to reach the Grand Traverse which is a long ridge at the height of 12000 ft designed for mountain bikers and expert hikers.

Here is a terrain map provided by Google showing the basic route up to the cabin and some other trail heads in the area.


View Bighorn Cabin in a larger map

Enjoy!

Tyler

Grouse Lake Hiking Trail

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Grouse Lake, a beautiful 6.25 mile hike to a beautiful lake known for its fine fishing. This hike is a great one if you are up here in the summer and its too hot to do anything but you are going to anyways because… well its your vacation that’s what you do. The hike follows Grouse Creek through a balmy mossy forest with plenty of chances to cross over the creek and catch some spray. Named for the large gentle bird that is brown in summer and changes to white in the winter they are quite common in the area. A fun fact I just learned, local lore says that if you don’t look a mother grouse in the eye as you approach her, she will not run away. I suggest someone try it out and report back to me because I find that hard to believe. They are also very defensive of their chicks but are not really dangerous even when angry. I’ll see you up there!

~Tyler, your friendly neighborhood night auditor.

Here is a map showing the trail head and its location in relation to Vail and the Antlers.


View Grouse Lake in a larger map

The Hanging Lake

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Hangking Lake

The Hanging Lake is probably the best bang for your shoe leather hike in Colorado. Its just a two mile hike follow a nice stream up the side of Glenwood Canyon. When you reach the top you will be treated to a breathtaking crystal clear lake being fed by a waterfall which in turn is fed by the spouting rock. They say the average hiker will make it to the top in about an hour. It is a highly trafficked trail and so there is railings built in along dangerous areas, bridges crossing the stream, and a beautiful viewing deck built around the lake. When you arrive, make sure to take the trail to the left right at the entrance to the lake. This will take you to the spouting rock which feeds Hanging Lake Creek. Let it be known there are no dogs allowed on this trail, no fishing or swimming in the lake, and it can be a bit confusing to find the trail head since it can only be accessed by traveling on the eastbound side of the highway.

Still, when I hiked it it was incredibly fun, got some great pictures, and even made it down before the rain set in. I highly recommend this hike to anyone looking to get some easy outdoors experience. Below is a basic map (sorry Google doesn’t have the topographic of that area yet) that shows where the trail begins and the basic pathway to the lake. I hope you enjoy the hike!


View Hanging Lake in a larger map

Piney Lake Hiking

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Looking for a good short hike without getting too far from civilization? Try heading up to Piney River Ranch and checking out the trails up there. To reach Piney River Ranch from North Frontage Road in Vail, you take Red Sandstone Road to Piney lake road (or county road no.700)travel 11 miles up a gravel road (takes about 40 minutes). The ranch itself is worth a visit as (depending on the season) there are a plethora of activities offered. I highly recommend checking out the ranch’s website to see what activities are being offered before heading up there as they change frequently. On the north side of the lake theres a sign showing the Piney River trail (go right) and the Meadow Creek and Soda Lakes trails (go left!). Both offer very scenic mellow hikes. The falls are very secluded and beautiful and are a very popular photo op location. Below is an interactive google map showing the location of the trail respective to Antlers. The lines are the road up to Piney River Ranch, the Soda Lakes trail, and the Piney River trail.


View Piney Lake Trails in a larger map

Enjoy!
Tyler

Booth Falls and Booth Lake hike

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Booth Falls is one of the most popular vail hiking trails in the Vail area.  The Falls are the huge attraction as it is one of the few waterfalls in the Vail valley.  The trail is about 6 miles one way with 3,080 vertical feet of climibing to get to the lake.  Keep in mind that the Falls is only 1/2 the distance (about 3 miles one way). So if you want an easy 3 hour round trip hike, do just the falls.  The trail head is only about 3 miles from the Antlers at Vail condominiums , just down the Frontage road about 1/2 a mile past the Vail golf course.  Right after you go underneath the interstate, take the 2nd left onto  Booth Falls Road.   Drive up about 1 block and you’ll find parking for the trail.  Pack a lunch and bring your camera.


View Booth Falls and Booth Lake Vail hiking in a larger map

Enjoy the hike!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The falls

 

Pitkin Lake hiking Trail

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Pitkin lake trail in East Vail, Colorado is similiar to the popular Booth lake trail in that the final destination is a scenic mountain lake. It is about 5 miles one way and can take anywhere from 5-8 hours round trip with most people taking around 6 hours. The highest point along the pitkin trail is 11,400, which is higher than the top of Vail mountain. Total elevation gain is 3,000 vertical feet (thank you very much). It is quite steep at the beginning, so be ready. In addition, it can be deceiving for your arrival to the lake. Everytime you think you are there, you have more trail to hike and another hill to climb. The trailhead for the pitkin hiking trail is off of interstate 70, exit 180. Once you get off at exit 180 go north and take a right on the small road that heads east towards some townhomes. Trail head parking is along the street and the trailhead is on the north by the creek. It is a simple 10 minute drive from the Antlers at Vail hotel.


View Pitkin Creek Trail in a larger map

Have fun on the trail !