Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Skip to content
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.
Back to Map

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.

Explore Other Hikes

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... (Read more)
Explore More >
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... (Read more)
Explore More >
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... (Read more)
Explore More >
lost lake

Lost Lake Trail

Lost Lake Trail offers a scenic and moderately challenging hike suitable for trail runners and mountain bikers alike. The trail starts at the Lost Lake West Trailhead and spans 6.8... (Read more)
Explore More >
A silver gondola with a Vail logo on it heads up the mountain on a series of cables. Green trees and foliage blanket the terrain in the background.

Cabin Trail

Cabin Trail is a moderately steep 2 mile single track trail, which crosses a few small streams along with groves of aspen trees and an abundance of wildflowers. The trail... (Read more)
Explore More >
Son of Middle Creek hillside along trail

Son of Middle Creek Trail

CLOSED April 15 – June 20 Son of Middle Creek trail ascends the hillside on the north side of I-70, offering views of Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail.... (Read more)
Explore More >
group hiking

Shrine Ridge Trail

Shrine Ridge Trail begins at the trailhead located off I-70, leading hikers through lush alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months. As you ascend, you’ll... (Read more)
Explore More >
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... (Read more)
Explore More >
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... (Read more)
Explore More >