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Game Creek Trail

4.2 miles Point-to-Point

Intermediate

Low

7,931 ft.

10,196 ft.

2,268 ft.

Panoramic photo of the view from the top of a mountain with two girls in the foreground and sky and aspens in the background.
Panoramic photo of the view from the top of a mountain with two girls in the foreground and sky and aspens in the background.
Yellow grass and aspen trees turning yellow in the foreground with a distant view of mountains and the sky in the backgroun
This dirt trail leading into the distance with fall foliage surrounding it.
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 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 and descends into the serene Game Creek Bowl and ends in Mintrun. Alternatively, you can hike from the Minturn trailhead and end on top of Vail mountain with a free ride down the gondola (during operating hours). It’s known for its lush meadows, aspen groves, and opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and marmots. The trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for hikers of varying experience levels. In the summer, it’s a great spot for wildflower viewing, and in the fall, the aspen trees provide a vibrant display of autumn colors.

Game Creek 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 Resorts. Please adhere to any posted signs. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are in Vail Resort and around other forest users, other dogs, or are in bear country.

Explore Other Hikes

autumn landscape with chairlift

Kinnickinnick Trail

From the top of Gondola One at Mid-Vail, towards the 10th Restaurant, there will be a a skinny path uphill to the Kinnickinnick Trailhead alongside Meadows Loop Trail. The initial
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Gore Lake

Gore Creek Trail

The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. There are some short steep sections along the way. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change
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Meadow mountain trail sign with distances to Everkrisp, Half Nelson, Full Nelson and Whiskey Creek

Meadow Mountain Trail

The Meadow Mountain trail follows an old logging road above Dowd Junction. Popular year-round, the trail is family and dog friendly. It climbs through meadows that were once home to
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Ptarmigan Loop

If you’re a fan of wildflowers and stunning vistas, Ptarmigan Loop trail is a must-visit. Starting from the end of Ridge Route and the peak of the Game Creek ski
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Dirt trail among aspen trees and grasses with mountain views

Buffehr Creek Trail

CLOSED April 15 to June 20 From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the
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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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Three women walking in a grassy meadow with mountains in the background in Vail, Colorado.

Ridge Route Trail

Finding this popular trail can be a bit tricky for first-timers. From the Eagles Nest gondola area head south towards signs for Game Creek. Shortly after, at a junction where
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Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone Gallery 1

North Trail (Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone)

Closed April 15-June 20 From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the left takes
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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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