Best Hiking Trails in Vail Valley, CO

As you read about hiking in Vail, you’ll learn:

When you should plan a hiking trip.
Which hiking trails are best for different people.
What makes each trail special.

Every year, many people flock to Vail, Colorado, to take advantage of the many skiing and snowboarding opportunities. However, these aren’t the only recreational activities available in the area. The Vail Valley is also home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the nation. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just want a relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Colorado Rockies, you are sure to find a trail that fits your individual needs.

When Is the Best Time To Hike In Vail?

There is never a bad time to visit Vail for a hiking excursion. Regardless of which season you choose to visit, you will be rewarded with gorgeous scenery. During the winter, you may run into skiers and snowboarders, but you will get to experience beautiful snow-covered trails and maybe even snow-dusted mountaintops. You can hike through beautiful fields covered in wildflowers if you visit during the spring, and during the summer, you have mild temperatures that make hiking enjoyable. During the fall, you’ll get to view beautiful foliage as the leaves start to change colors. Vail Hikes are truly a unique experience.

Each season has something different to offer, so if you are planning a trip to Vail to do some hiking, it is important to know what you want to get out of a hike. The most popular times of the year for hiking excursions in Vail are from December to March and June to September. If you don’t want to share the trails with skiers and snowboarders, you may be better off visiting during the summer months.

Hiking Trails near vail To Choose From

Vail has many miles of hiking trails for your enjoyment. Hiking in Vail is an awesome outdoor experience. There are trails that are suitable for families and trails that experienced hikers should only tackle, so there is something for every preference and skill level. It is important to know which type of trail you are ready to tackle so that you can properly prepare and make sure you have the right equipment. For most hikes, you may just need a few snacks and some water, but if you are planning a longer hike, you may need to pack a couple of meals in a backpack along with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Researching the available trails can help you choose the one that best meets your needs.

Family-Friendly Vail Hikes

The best family hikes are the ones that can be customized to meet your family’s individual needs. If you’re hiking with kids, you never know when they’ll get tired and need to stop, and if you want to avoid carrying them for several miles, it’s best to choose a trail with numerous bailout points. This way, you can leave the hike if everyone is worn out after a couple of miles instead of forcing your family to complete a long hike.

When choosing a trail for a family hike, you also want to pick one with easy terrain. Trails that take you through lovely valleys filled with flowers are a lot easier to tackle than trails that take you up steep mountain slopes.

When you consider all of this, the Village Loop is one of the best trails for a family hike. You start the trail at Beaver Creek Village, and if you complete the entire trail, you’ll have made a six-mile loop that passes popular landmarks such as Allie’s Way and Aspen Glade. If your family is more adventurous, you can tackle more ambitious milestones such as the Overlook Trail. There are many places where you can exit the trail, so your hike can last anywhere from one to six miles depending upon your family’s needs.

Easy Vail Hikes For Beginners

Not all hiking trails in Vail require a lot of stamina or experience. Whether you’re an amateur hiker or you just want to take a break from challenging trails, you can find plenty of easy trails in the area. North Trail is a great option if you’re looking for a short hike. This 2.5-mile trail leads to an overlook with amazing views of the mountains.

Eagle Lake is another great trail for an easy hike. With an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet, this trail isn’t super steep and leads to a beautiful mountain lake. You’ll be in and out in 5.4 miles, so this short, easy hike is a great choice for beginners.

You can also choose to take Firewood’s Loop if you’re looking for an easy trail. It’s a great choice for any season because during the spring, you’ll get to view gorgeous fields full of wildflowers, and during the fall, you can hike under a canopy of color-changing foliage.

The Best Moderate Vail Hikes

Moderate trails in Vail have more challenging terrain than some of the easier trails. Instead of flat ground through fields, these trails often take you up steep mountain inclines and over rocky terrain. These more strenuous hikes require more fuel, so you’ll need a durable backpack to carry plenty of water and snacks so you can strengthen your body for the excursion. Some of the best moderate hiking trails include the ones listed below.

Piney River Falls: This six-mile trail circles Piney River Lake and carries you up steep mountain paths to an overlook that rewards you with stunning scenery.
Overlook Trail: This 2,000-foot extension of the Village Loop takes you up a steep mountain incline. Be prepared for some switchbacks to ease the ascent, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous view. If you aren’t up for hiking back down the mountain, catch the chairlift for a quick and easy ride back down to the trailhead.
Whitney Lake: This trail takes three miles uphill through beautiful groves of conifer and aspen trees. You’ll have to cross Whitney Creek, but the lake at the top of the trail is beautiful and peaceful.

Find the Hiking Gear You Need at Ptarmigan Sports

Regardless of which trails you choose to tackle, you need the right equipment for a successful excursion. Ptarmigan Sports carries all of the high-quality gear you need from brands you love and trust. Whether you are looking for lightweight clothing to keep you comfortable on the trail or you want a durable backpack to carry all of your water and snacks, you can find what you are looking for in our vast inventory. As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we have tested most of our products personally and are happy to recommend which ones will be best for your excursion.

Ptarmigan Sports is one of the many shops located at the Riverwalk in Edwards, Colorado. Just take exit 163 when you are on Highway 70, and you will find yourself in the center of Vail Valley. Our location on Main Street makes our shop easy to find, so you can easily get all the gear you need for a hiking adventure. If you want to find the best selection of high-quality hiking gear available, visit our store today or browse our inventory online.