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

Kinnickinnick Trail

1.4 miles (one way)

Beginner

High

10,203 ft.

10,954 ft.

758 ft.

autumn landscape with chairlift
Couple hiking uphill
Grassy area along trail
cascading rocks on deluge 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 stretch winds uphill, intersecting several ski runs amidst blooming meadows. Despite occasional steep segments early on, the trail mellows out after crossing several small mountain streams. Venture into the forest for some shade and enjoy scrambling over scattered rock formations. The trail gradually gains elevation with gentle switchbacks, leading to a junction with the midpoint of the Sunlight Trail, marking the end of your journey.

Kinnickinnick 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

An adult and two children in helmets ride mountain bikes down a paved path in Vail. A brown footbridge is seen behind them.

Gore Valley Trail West (Lionshead Village to Dowd Junction)

Gore Valley Trail is a picturesque, mixed-use paved path stretching from Dowd Junction to East Vail, predominantly following the serene Gore Creek. This 12-mile trail includes dedicated pathways as well
Details
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
Details
Pine trees along Two Elk trail

Two Elk Trail

CLOSED May 6 through June 20 The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vail’s Back Bowls. The trail passes three chairlifts
Details
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
Details

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
Details
Lost Lake Trail Gallery

Sunlight Trail

Pack a picnic for Parker Deck and enjoy taking in panoramic views into Sundown Bowl along Sunlight Trail. Follow clear signage for Sunlight as you traverse through forested slopes, passing
Details
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
Details
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
Details
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.
Details