Vail Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers

This is an excellent alternative to the Gore Creek Path which, in this area, is really just part of the road.

Find this obscure trail near the top of the beginner magic carpet, about 100 feet below the tunnel that goes under the ski run. Follow singletrack into the woods above some townhouses. There are green blazes about 7' up on many aspen trees along the trail.

You'll quickly come to "Boy Scout Bridge II," a really cool wooden structure built over a ravine in 2005. From there, continue mostly level on an old water irrigation ditch. After a quarter mile, leave the ditch and enjoy moderate ups and downs in a beautiful aspen forest. After a few switchbacks, there's a side trail down to the road (ends at the 4th hole of the golf course), or you can continue along the main trail.

Climb another rise through pretty stands of aspen and impressive wildflowers. Pass near the backyards of more condos and catch glimpses of the cliffy hillsides across the valley. The green blazes fade out here. Another spur trail leads down to a neighborhood cul de sac. This pleasant trail ends somewhat unceremoniously with a steep plunge back to street level. A signpost on Sunburst Drive marks the spot.

The only drawback to this trail is the constant hum of I-70, the bain of Vail's existence.