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Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek Hero
Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek Gallery 1
Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek Gallery 2
Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek Gallery 3
Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek Gallery 4

North Trail (Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek)

Distance
3.5 miles (one way)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Crowds
Moderate

Closed April 15-June 20

Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. Views from here are excellent as this is one of the two highest points on the entire length of the North Trail. Stay right here and descend the Son of Middle Creek trail to the Spraddle Creek trailhead on the north side of the I-70, Exit 176.

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: From Exit 176 for Vail, travel west about 1 mile on the North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road. Turn right onto Red Sandstone Road and proceed for 1.3 miles to a gate and the second of two intersections with the North Trail. This is the trailhead on the right.

Bus to Hike

Take the Sandstone bus

  • Park for free in Vail Village or Lionshead structures and take a free bus to Sandstone
  • Get off at the Vail View/Red Sandstone bus stop
  • Walk up Potato Patch Road to USFS Red Sandstone Road for 1 1/4 miles
  • You will see North Trail/Son of Middle Creek Trailhead