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Berry Picker Trail

3.1 miles (one way)

Advanced

Moderate

8,120 ft

10,300 ft

2,200 ft

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

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.

Berry Picker Trail

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.

Explore Other Hikes

bighorn creek trail

Bighorn Creek Trail

The first 1/2 mile of the trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. The trail passes beaver ponds
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Pitkin Lake

Pitkin Creek Trail

The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. The grade levels
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Family hiking through aspens

Strawberry Lane Trail

This alternative beginning of the Berry Picker Trail starts from the Vail Village Gondola One base. Ascend steeply through aspen groves, navigating small streams—some bridged, some not. Mind your step
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A family of four hikes amongst wildflowers with evergreens and mountains behind them in Vail.

Meadows Loop Trail

Meadows Loop Trail offers a scenic 2.5-mile journey through alpine meadows and forests. Purchase a Scenic Gondola Ticket and ride Gondola One from the Village up to Mid-Vail. The trailhead
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Booth Falls Vail

Booth Lake Trail

There is no parking at the Booth Lake Trailhead or anywhere in the surrounding neighborhood. Violators will be towed. Private vehicle drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead are allowed on
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Deluge Lake

Deluge Lake Trail

The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. Take this left onto the narrow trail which heads north before curving
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Three girls hiking on top of a mountain in the fall with yellow grass in the foreground and yellow aspens and mountains in the background.

Game Creek Trail

Game Creek Trail in Vail, Colorado, is a picturesque hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail begins near the top of Vail Mountain
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Grand Escape Trail

The Grand Escape Trailhead begins at the top of Wildwood Express Lift area. This moderately challenging and well-marked trail promises breathtaking alpine scenery and panoramic views of the surrounding Gore
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Piney Lake near Vail glimmers in shadows with rugged mountains all around it. The sky is cloudy with just a hint of blue peeking out.

Upper Piney River Trail

Upper Piney Trail, located near Vail, Colorado, is a 6-mile out-and-back route that offers a moderately challenging hike with diverse scenery. Starting at Piney Lake, one of Vail’s most picturesque
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