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Active Hiking in Vail
Shrine Pass
A person and a dog pause on a trail in Vail surrounded by a meadow filled with gold and green foliage.

Grand Escape Trail

Distance
1.4 miles (one way)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Crowds
High
Beginning Elevation
9,686 ft.
Ending Elevation
10,329 ft.
Elevation Gain
643 ft.
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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 Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for native wild flowers and wild life all along the way.

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.

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