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Family hiking through aspens
A scenic mountain road with beautiful purple flowers and breathtaking mountains in the background, perfect for exploring during your visit to Vail.
autumn landscape with chairlift
Berry Picker Trail Runner

Berry Picker Trail

Distance
3.1 miles (one way)
Difficulty
Advanced
Crowds
Moderate
Beginning Elevation
8,120 ft
Ending Elevation
10,300 ft
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
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The well-known and loved Berry Picker Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning alpine scenery. Beginning at the base of the Lionshead gondola, the trail winds its way up the east side of the Bwana ski run before delving into the tranquil woods. Despite its initially challenging start, hikers are rewarded with captivating views of the Gore Range as they ascend through rooted and rocky terrain, crossing streams and encountering vibrant wildflowers along the way. Be mindful of trail junctions with service roads and downhill bike routes. At the summit, soak in the breathtaking vistas before deciding whether to trek back down the same path or enjoy a scenic gondola ride back to the base.

Care for Colorado: Leave No Trace

Exploring Vail goes hand in hand with caring for our beautiful natural environment. Here’s how you can do your part!

Stay on the Trail

No shortcuts — going off trail compromises trail construction, kills the vegetation, increases soil erosion and may result in reduced water quality.

Pack Out Trash

Stash it until you can trash it — anything you bring with you, you must pack back out. Trash can hurt wildlife and contaminate water ways.

Dog Do's and Don'ts

Do pick up the doo — pack out all dog poop. Don’t let dogs off leash to protect them from wildlife and protect wildlife from them.

Respect Wildlife

Give them space — observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals as it can alter their behavior.

Plan Ahead

Take the trail less traveled — there are more than 100 miles of hiking trails in the Vail area! Use the trail guide to discover area trails and, whenever possible, ride a bike or take a free Town of Vail bus to the trailhead.

Find More Leave No Trace Tips

Dogs & Leashes

Dogs are allowed in the White River National Forest, but may not be on permitted in certain areas of Vail Mountain Resort. Please adhere to any posted signs. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash here and are around other forest users, other dogs or are in bear country.

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A family of four hikes amongst wildflowers with evergreens and mountains behind them in Vail.

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