Son of Middle Creek Trail
Distance
4.1 miles (one way)Difficulty
IntermediateCrowds
ModerateCLOSED 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. After a mile, it crosses a bridge over Middle Creek in a cool spruce/fir forest. This is a great destination for families. The trail continues climbing after the bridge to its junction with the North Trail at 2 miles, then gradually meanders through a lodgepole pine forest for another 1.5 miles to its terminus at Lost Lake Road.
Trail Adopted By: RA Nelson, Town of Vail Employees
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 I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail and cross under I-70 to the north side of the high-way. At the roundabout, take the Spraddle Creek Road exit. The parking lot for Son of Middle Creek trail is 100 yards ahead on the left.
Dogs & Leashes
On all trails that enter the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as well as on the North Trail, DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE ON A PHYSICAL LEASH. If you would like to hike with your dog off leash, there are several areas you can go, such as any trail, aside from the North Trail, that does not enter the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as well as dog parks within the Town of Vail. Remember that, no matter where you are, when in public, your dog needs to be under verbal control. Also, if you use a provided dog waste bag, please remember to carry it out with you. The bags are not biodegradable.
