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A fairly steep trail featuring some of the best views of the Vail Valley.


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Map Key

4.5

Miles

7.2

KM

66%

Runnable

11,481' 3,499 m

High

8,432' 2,570 m

Low

3,048' 929 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a very popular trail at certain times of the season. Please consider running other trails, as this trail is likely to be very busy.

Need to Know

Trailhead parking is closed starting June 2021, please park at the Town of Vail's parking structure and take the FREE bus, which leaves every 30 minutes ( vailgov.com/bus-schedules#1…).

This is a pilot program to address the negative impacts of overcrowding on the Eagles Nest Wilderness such as a build-up of waste, trail erosion, and other safety concerns (speeding, illegal parking, emergency vehicle access, etc.) that impact nearby residents and visitors as well.

Dogs must be on leash in Eagles Nest Wilderness, and dogs are not allowed on the bus. If you do hike with your dog, please pick up its waste.

Backpackers can park for free at the Gore Creek or Red Sandstone parking garage and take the bus to the Booth Lake trail. The alternative is to pay $35 to park overnight in the Vail parking structure and use the free bus to reach the trailhead.

Description

The trail is steep, and there are enough vistas that you'll want to take a little extra time enjoying yourself on this one. Winding through lush aspen groves, and passing stout spruces, you'll find plenty of photo opportunities. The views of the Vail Valley are unparalleled, and you'll also be able to sneak peeks at the Gore Range.

About 2 miles or so into this trail, you'll hit the 60' Booth Falls, arguably one of the most scenic points on the trail. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your way up to Booth Lake. The majority of hikers turn around at the waterfall, and your run will be much quieter above this point.

Pass through many meadows, often filled with wildflowers for 2 more miles to Booth Lake. The lake is well above tree line and circled with cool craggy peaks. Explore around the lake, then return the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

The trail winds through mixed spruce and aspen forests, and you're likely to see squirrels, birds and other small woodland critters. It's not a bad idea to bring a bear bell, as scat is often present on the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian with improvements by Hope Roeser

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 10 votes

#2

in Vail

#586

Overall
  4.8 from 10 votes
5 Star
80%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Vail

#108

in Colorado

#586

Overall
17 Views Last Month
3,388 Since Jan 21, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
9%
45%
45%
0%

Photos

Unbelievable fall colors
Oct 4, 2019 near Vail, CO
Amazing day in the Gore Range
Apr 28, 2018 near Vail, CO
Overlook near the falls.
Oct 10, 2017 near Vail, CO
On top of the waterfall.
Oct 10, 2017 near Vail, CO
Looking back up the creek from the falls.
Oct 23, 2018 near Vail, CO
Looking out across the top of the falls.
Oct 23, 2018 near Vail, CO

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