The Best Backpacking in Vail

Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...

The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness.  What this trip may lack in overall miles, it more than makes up for in elevation gain, scrambling, boulder hopping, and overall hard miles on the trail.  Every trip I have had the pleasure of taking into the Gore Range has...

Two Elk National Recreation Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Minturn, Colorado.

Mount Powell from Piney Lake is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Vail, Colorado.

Knee Knocker Saddle via Upper Piney River Trail and Mount Powell Summit Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Alma, Colorado.

Cross Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Minturn, Colorado.

Notch Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Red Cliff, Colorado.

Mount of the Holy Cross Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Red Cliff, Colorado.

The Halo Ridge is by no means the easiest route to the summit of Mt. Holy Cross, but it is definitely the most interesting and scenic. You'll begin at the Half Moon (Tigiwon) trailhead, but instead of the popular Halfmoon Trail, you will start on the Fall Creek Trail as it leaves the campground.T...

Fall Creek Pass Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Minturn, Colorado.

The hike to this beautiful lake is a moderate 5.4 miles round-trip, and about 1000 ft. elevation gain/loss. It can be done in a half day, or even as an overnight backpack. This hike starts at the Rock Creek Trailhead 7 miles north of Silverthorne. Although the drive is rough, it can be done in a...

Starting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles.You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few moderate...

Upper Slate Lake via Rock Creek Trailhead is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Silverthorne, Colorado.

Holy Cross Wilderness - Eagle Ranger District Wilderness Area Trail is a point-to-point trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Fowler-Hilliard hut sits at 11,500 ft on a forested ridge of Resolution Mountain, with easy access to intermediate and expert backcountry skiing right out the door. This newer hut was built in 2010 after the original hut burned down from a lightning strike. The hut comes stocked with padded mattr...

Fowler-Hilliard via Pando Trailhead is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Minturn, Colorado.