Vail, Colorado

Looking for the best hiking in Vail? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Vail. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Vail

  • Grand Lake, Colorado

    Camp at Stillwater Pass

    4.6
    Some of my best nights in Colorado were spent in Stillwater Pass. There are numerous campsites with remade fire pits. I found this site when the Timber Creek Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park was full and I did not want to head back to Denver. There is a photo of a white plastic horse a...
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  • Garfield County, United States

    Hike the Devil's Causeway Loop

    5.0
    10.5 mi / 1550 ft gain
    Crossing the Devil's Causeway is a rite of passage for Colorado hikers. The dramatic exposure will terrify some and exhilarate others, but the loop offers much more than the short rocky expanse that's the draw for most people.The Approach: From the trailhead at Stillwater Reservoir, the East Fork...
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  • Pitkin County, Colorado

    Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells

    4.8
    25.99 mi / 7566 ft gain
    Updates will be posted here.  The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail unti...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Explore the Maroon Bells & Snowmass Wilderness

    5.0
    The beautiful and iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is home to some of the most amazing scenery and adventures to be had in all of Colorado. It is world-famous for the Maroon Bells, two challenging 14ers just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The third 14er, Pyramid Peak is also considered a clas...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Car Camp at Maroon Lake

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Maybe you've seen the photos a million times before - it's for good reason. Maroon Bells is just stunning. Watching the first rays of sunlight scratch the very top of Maroon Bells and slowly crawl their way down the massive slabs of granite is simply a must for the checklist. Taking in the sunris...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Relax at Maroon Lake

    4.9
    The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely you were there with 800+ of your closest friends.If ...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    North Maroon Peak

    8.08 mi / 4298 ft gain
    Start your hike at the parking lot/trailhead at the end of Maroon Creek Rd. Keep in mind that the road is closed from about 9am-8pm to traffic and is only accessible by shuttle bus during that time. You'll be wanting to get a very early start anyways, so it shouldn't be an issue. Your path begin...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Backpack to Snowmass Creek in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

    13 mi
    For beginner backpackers or just those who can't take off 3-4 days to do the Four Pass Loop, there's still options near the iconic Maroon Bells.  If you are planning to do an overnight at the Bells, you need to get there early or late - before 7:30 am or after 5 pm. The overnight lot fills quickl...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    The Maroon Bells Traverse

    14 mi / 5000 ft gain
    I do not want to encourage those who are not capable mentally or physically to go on this hike, that is how accidents happen. Confidence is a must. This route is loose, long, chossy and complicated. The exposure and shear milage covered make for a heck of a day! That being said, I suggest you do ...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

    4.6
    3.77 mi / 722 ft gain
    The crater lake trail begins at Maroon Lake and quickly breaks off from the scenic trail at .3 miles. Be sure to follow the signs to crater lake, which will be heading higher into the valley. The trail passes through a beautiful Aspen grove most of the way with wonderful views of 14ers, the Maroo...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak

    5.0
    12.71 mi / 5125 ft gain
    There are many different places to start the trek up to Castle and Conundrum. The first step, however, is always go to the end of Castle Creek Road just outside of Aspen, CO. When the paved road ends, there is parking available right off the road for those who don't wish to drive further. Howe...
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  • Bailey, Colorado

    Payne Creek Trail via Brookside McCurdy Trailhead

    4.5
    17.98 mi / 3773 ft gain
    Day 1: Park at the Payne Creek/Brookside Trailhead (8,040 ft.) right outside Bailey. You'll go on the trail for about a mile before the trail parts to Craig Meadows or Craig Park. If you start this in the nighttime, it's best to camp before you part ways on the trail as it's a little more spaciou...
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