At-A-Glance
Season:
Summer
Months:
June - Sept
Vail Lakes and Waterfalls
Shimmering surfaces and thundering cascades beckon on sunny days in the summer and fall. While it may take some effort to reach many of the waterfalls and lakes near Vail, Colorado, you’ll be rewarded with stunning surroundings. Luckily, there are also locations that are easier to get to and offer other recreational opportunities. From hikes and views to paddling and fishing, these Colorado lakes and waterfalls are worth a visit.
Find top Vail hikes with waterfalls and lakes
Piney Lake
The Gore Range serves as the majestic backdrop to this glimmering lake that’s roughly 12 miles north of Vail Village. It takes a somewhat slow-going drive on a dirt road to get there, but unmatched beauty awaits. The lake is home to Piney River Ranch, a hub for activities like stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and fishing. Can’t get enough of that fresh mountain air? Book an overnight stay in one of the rustic cabins or glamping tents. Piney Lake is also the starting point for the hike to Upper Piney Lake and Upper Piney River Falls.
Upper Piney River Falls & Upper Piney Lake
Head into the Eagles Nest Wilderness amid aspen groves that are ideal for fall leaf peeping. The lower part of the trail on the moderate-to-difficult hike is also popular for horseback riding, and you can fish along the Piney River, too. You’ll encounter the breathtaking waterfall 3 miles in, tumbling through large rocks. The trail continues 4 more miles to Upper Piney Lake, but becomes steep and rigorous in the last mile or so.
Lost Lake
Soak up the tranquility of these placid waters with a quiet picnic on the shore. The Lost Lake Trail leading here (take Red Sandstone Road #700 to get to the trailhead) is especially picturesque in the fall, when groves of aspens light up in shades of gold. The area is also popular for mountain biking, horseback riding, OHVs and camping. Explore the best hikes in Vail in the fall
Pitkin Falls & Pitkin Lake
Nestled beneath the gray granite of towering peaks, Pitkin Lake is a dramatic destination at the end of a 5-mile trail. There’s also plenty to enjoy on the trek as it follows a creek and passes through meadows and spruce-fir forests. The highlight is Pitkin Falls — one of two rushing waterfalls on the trail — and its refreshing mist.
Deluge Lake
It’s hard to beat the views of the Sawatch Range, including Mount of the Holy Cross, from Deluge Lake. Boulder fields and summer wildflowers abound on the difficult Deluge Lake Trail that enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Bird-watchers also favor the trail, but you might spot other Colorado wildlife like mountain goats, marmots and moose.
Gore Lake
Gore Creek guides the way for much of the climb to turquoise Gore Lake, along an approximately 14-mile out-and-back trail. Summertime is especially vibrant as wildflowers bloom in the high-mountain scenery. Tucked deep into the wilderness, it’s prime for backpacking and camping amid pine stands and alpine tundra. Get a guide to wildflowers you’ll see in Vail
Booth Creek Falls & Booth Lake
Colorado waterfalls make for delightful hiking experiences, but Booth Creek Falls’ popularity has led to some overcrowding. If you’re determined to admire the roaring 60-foot cascade or glassy Booth Lake sitting at 11,500 feet, try for an off-peak time and be sure to take the bus to the trailhead. Get tips for ditching your car in Vail.
Black Lakes
Stocked two times per year with rainbow trout, this pair of lakes near Vail Pass is a great spot for fishing. Pull off I-70 for a picnic or take advantage of the paved Tenmile Canyon National Recreation Trail for a bike ride, which starts at Gore Creek Campground in East Vail and passes through the Black Lakes area.
Nottingham Lake
West of Vail, you’ll find one of the few swimmable lakes in the Vail Valley at Nottingham Lake’s designated area, complete with a beach. If you’re not up for getting in the water, rent a pedal boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to enjoy the sparkling oasis. Or, cast a line to reel in trout from the pier or along the shore.
East Vail Falls
One of the easiest glimpses of a waterfall you’ll get is East Vail Falls from I-70, but you’ll have a better look and photo op from Lupine Drive in the nearby neighborhood. It’s also possible to hike to the falls, but only recommended for experienced hikers with the right footwear.
Bighorn Falls
The seasonal Bighorn Falls are viewable from a distance on the Bighorn Creek Trail, immersed in stands of aspen and pine. As you make your way up the path, you can also encounter beaver ponds, an old mining cabin and some of the best views of the Grand Traverse mountain ridge.
Discover More Vail Adventures
Looking for more things to do while you’re in Vail? Check out these resources:
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.
