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north trail
A man riding a horse on a cliff overlooking the mountains.
Hiking in the aspens in Vail

North Trail (Cortina Lane to Buffehr Creek)

Distance
4.9 miles (one way)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Crowds
Moderate

Closed April 15-June 20

From the trailhead, walk 1/8 mile to the signed North Trail/Davos Trail junction and take a right onto the North Trail. After 1.3 miles of climbing, keep right on the North Trail. The trail continues to climb gently and then curves around into a drainage of mixed pine and aspen. The trail then reaches the section’s high point. From here the views to the south and west of Holy Cross Wilderness and the Gore Range are excellent. After winding through another drainage, the North Trail begins its descent into Buffehr Creek via a series of switchbacks. At the next signed junction, turn right to continue the descent to Buffehr Creek. Staying left takes you to Red Sandstone Road via the Buffehr Creek trail. At the bottom of the descent, turn left and follow the trail to the Buffehr Creek bridge. Turning right at the last junction allows you to loop back to Cortina Lane via Garmisch Drive.

Trail Adopted By: Vail Public Safety, Vail Recreation District, East West Partners, Town of Vail Employees, Marriott Streamside

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.

Driving Directions

Access: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Proceed north from the roundabout on the north side of I-70. Turn left at the yield sign onto Chamonix Lane. At Arosa Drive, turn right and veer right onto Davos Trail. Take the next right on to Cortina Lane, which will take you to the trailhead. There is limited parking at the end of the road. Please obey parking signage.

Bus to Hike

Take the West Vail Red bus

  • Park for free in Vail Village or Lionshead structures and take a free bus to West Vail
  • Get off at the Chamonix bus stop
  • Walk up Chamonix Lane to Arosa Drive to Cortina Lane for 1 mile
  • You will see Davos Trailhead