Whether you start at the bottom and hike to the top or take Gondola One or the Eagle Bahn Gondola up and explore the trails starting at 10,000 feet, there are miles of trails just waiting to put your hiking boots to good use.
A Few of Our Favorites:
- Berry Picker is one of the signature hikes on Vail Mountain. Starting from Lionshead, the trail climbs steeply through aspen groves, mountain forests, and meadows over the 3.2 miles and 2,200 feet in elevation gain. This is not for the faint of heart: It’s the real deal and should be hiked with proper gear and preparation. At the top, you have the option to hike back down or relax and rest on the ride down the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
- Strawberry Lane to Cabin Trail is another (less traveled) option out of Vail Village to MidVail. The 3.4 miles meanders up through aspens, with stunning views of the Gore Range and Village below. There’s a beautiful scenic bench to take a break, just shy of the 2,317 feet in elevation gain bottom to top. You again have the option to hike back down or celebrate your accomplishment with a ride down Gondola One back into the Village.
- Ridge Route to Ptarmigan Loop is an easy and accessible hike conveniently located atop Vail Mountain. Take the Eagle Bahn gondola up to Eagle’s Nest, where you will pick up the trail. The trail weaves through ski runs, wildflower meadows, and shady groves until it intersects with Ptarmigan Loop after 1.4 miles. The flat 1.2-mile Ptarmigan Loop leads hikers to Ptarmigan Point at 10,977 feet and offers stunning views of Mount of the Holy Cross, Meadow Mountain, the Gore Range, and Vail’s famous Back Bowls.
Vail Mountain Gondola Operations:
- Open daily June 16-Sept. 4, then Fridays to Sundays weekly through Oct. 1
- Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery returns with the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Eagle’s Nest Tubing Hill, Marmot Mini Kid’s Tubing Hill, kids zipline, bungee trampoline, Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, Gore Creek Mini Golf and more.
- Scenic gondola rides, gondola-accessed hiking, and bike haul will be available from both Vail and Lionshead Villages (snow melt and weather dependent). Gondolas will access mountaintop food and beverage at MidVail and Eagle’s Nest.
There are many other incredible hikes on Vail Mountain of various lengths and gains in elevation.