Booth Lake Trail
Distance
4.5 (one way)Difficulty
AdvancedCrowds
HighThere 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 a limited basis. Learn More
Trail Highlights: The trail climbs steeply from the trailhead through aspen groves for the first mile. Then, the trail climbs more gradually following along Booth Creek through mostly aspen groves before passing Booth Falls. Early season hikers may encounter snow patches as the trail winds through conifer forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. Above 10,000 feet the trees thin and the terrain changes offering views of the Gore Range. The last 1/4 mile to Booth Lake is steep and rocky.
To avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to prevent soil erosion, please stay on the trail at all times. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash in order to protect wildlife and the hiking experience of other trail users. This trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness – regulations are posted at the trailhead.
Details: Including directions, a map, and other information can be found on this printable Recreation Quicksheet from the Forest Service.
Please consider hiking alternative trails due to early season wildlife sensitivity through June 6. Learn More
Trail Adopted By: Vail Mountain School
Show Your Love for Vail Trails
Hiking in Vail goes hand in hand with caring for our pristine 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 – this is to protect them from wildlife and 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 over a hundred 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.
Bus to Hike
Access: No parking at the Booth Lake Trailhead. Private vehicle drop-off and pick-up only.
Please take the FREE bus from the Vail Transportation Center. The free East Vail blue line shuttle, runs every 30 minutes from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. Walk up Booth Falls Road a 1/4 mile to the trailhead. The parking closure is a pilot program to address the negative impacts of overcrowding on the Eagles Nest Wilderness such as a build-up of waste, trail erosion, and other safety concerns (speeding, illegal parking, emergency vehicle access, etc.) that impact nearby residents and guests as well.
Take the East Vail bus
- Park for free in Vail Village or Lionshead structures and take a free bus to East Vail
- Get off at the Booth Falls bus stop
- Walk up Booth Falls Road 1/4 mile
- You will see the Booth Lake Trailhead
Dogs & Leashes
On all trails that enter the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as well as on the North Trail, DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE ON A PHYSICAL LEASH. If you would like to hike with your dog off leash, there are several areas you can go, such as any trail, aside from the North Trail, that does not enter the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as well as dog parks within the Town of Vail. Remember that, no matter where you are, when in public, your dog needs to be under verbal control. Also, if you use a provided dog waste bag, please remember to carry it out with you. The bags are not biodegradable.