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

  • Leadville, Colorado

    Decalibron Loop (CLOSED)

    4.8
    7.5 mi / 3000 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Start your hike at the Kite Lake trailhead, where you can find overnight camping for a small fee, or park a bit down the ro...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mt. Democrat (CLOSED)

    4.8
    4 mi / 2150 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would ...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)

    4.0
    8 mi / 3500 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Winter Climb of North Star Mountain

    4.0
    8 mi / 2400 ft gain
    From the west parking lot at the top of Hoosier Pass, take the 4x4 road as it climbs through a forest west of the pass. Before long, the trees thin and you'll stay on the road through treeline and reach a gate at just over 12,000 feet.Stay right at the gate and continue on this old mining road as...
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  • Turquoise Lake, Colorado

    Escape to Turquoise Lake

    5.0
    Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...
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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Hiking Mount Sniktau

    5.0
    4 mi
    Mount Sniktau is a great beginner 13er. This hike offers a fun ridge walk with amazing views! Make sure you come prepared, the wind can be pretty relentless. Parking is limited so make sure you arrive early.This hike will get your blood pumping from the moment you exit your vehicle. You will cli...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Overnight at the Emma and Marceline Yurts, Leadville

    11 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Drive past the main downtown of Leadville and then head into the mountains south of town, following Mt. Sherman Road to the Yurt parking along a ridge before you come to the Black Cloud Mine. There are signs that say "Yurt Parking". Follow the road a little further down to a jeep road just before...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Boreas Pass Road

    5.0
    9 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Boreas pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains that sits on the Continental Divide at 11,481'. Forest Service Road 33 goes over the pass and has numerous campsites all along its length, with several near the summit that feature breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and the Breckenri...
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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Off-Road to Glacier Mountain

    5.0
    7.4 mi / 2100 ft gain
    The trail begins just past historical Main Street Montezuma. You will see a sign on your right for St. Johns road. This road is officially marked as 275 on a map. The original road lead to St. Johns but not much of the town remains.You will cross the Snake River almost immediately after you turn ...
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  • Montezuma, Colorado

    Morgan Peak

    8.76 mi / 2612 ft gain
    How you get to Morgan Peak and the other 13ers in the area depends on if you have a 4-wheel drive with good clearance or not. If so, drive the rough Santa Fe road from the small town of Montezuma (just outside Keystone). The road is also known as Forest Service 264 and is a left at the stop sign ...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Mount Guyot Snow Climb

    5 mi / 2500 ft gain
    From Jefferson follow 35 north to 54 and drive up 54 as far as possible ending a few miles before Georgia pass.  Depending on the snowpack and drifts on the unplowed road, you could hike as few as 5 miles round trip or as many as 10. If the snow blocks you from driving past Michigan Creek Campgro...
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Herman Gulch Trail

    5.0
    6.27 mi / 1696 ft gain
    The Herman Gulch Trail, located near Silver Plume, Colorado, is a popular 6.3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a stunning alpine lake, offering hikers breathtaking views of wildflower-filled meadows and towering peaks of the Continental Divide.  Trail Overview • Elevation: The trailhe...
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  • Meredith, Colorado

    Hike to Chapman Lake

    1.6 mi
    From downtown Basalt, drive up the Fryingpan River Road 28 miles and turn right on CR #504, also known as Elliot Way, just before Norrie Colony. Drive across the river and up the switchbacks for approximately 3 miles. Take the left fork, continue 1 mile and take the right fork approximately 1/2 m...
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  • Parshall, Colorado

    Camp at Jones Pass

    4.5
    To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. There are road signs once you get off I-70 that will help you the rest of the way that say Jones Pass. Once you hit the dirt road and pass the Jones Pass Tr...
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  • Fairplay, Colorado

    French Pass Trail

    5.0
    6.87 mi / 1736 ft gain
    French Pass Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jefferson, Colorado.
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  • Fraser, Colorado

    Summit Byers Peak

    8.8 mi / 2774 ft gain
    The drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary.  Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...
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