After seven years of living in Vail, I’ve explored nearly every trail in the area, but these are the ones I return to time and time again. Whether I’m short on time, craving a peaceful post-work hike, or just need a quick dose of fresh air and scenery, these trails always deliver. They’re close to town, under six miles, and offer the perfect balance of adventure, views, and effort.
AllTrails is my go-to app for planning hikes. Below, I’ve included the mileage and estimated hike time based on the app. For more details like elevation gain, trailhead directions, or reviews from other hikers, check out AllTrails. When planning your hike, don’t forget to factor in time for taking in the wildflowers and views. And let’s be honest, no hike is complete without an après on a patio afterward, so make sure to save some time for that too!
1. Shrine Ridge Trail
4.6 Miles | 20-Minute Drive from Vail
If I wanted big mountain views without an intense climb, Shrine Pass was my go-to. In the summer, the wildflowers are unreal, and the hike itself is mellow enough to just enjoy the scenery. The views of the Gore and Sawatch ranges are incredible. This is a hike I’d recommend timing with sunset, but be sure to pack headlamps if you plan to hike back down after the sun sets.
How to Get There: Take I-70 east to Exit 190 (Vail Pass), then turn onto Shrine Pass Road. The trailhead is a few miles up the pass from there. Trailhead will be on your left.
2. Booth Falls
4.2 Miles | 10-Minute Drive from Vail
This one’s a classic Vail hike and for good reason. The trail starts off easy through beautiful aspen groves, then quickly kicks up into a solid leg burner before rewarding you with a 60-foot waterfall. In late spring and early summer, it’s rushing with snowmelt, but even in the fall, it’s a stunning spot. This trail can get really busy, so I always tried to hit it early in the morning or on a weekday evening.
How to Get There: Take Exit 180 off I-70 to East Vail, turn onto Booth Falls Road, and follow it for about a quarter mile to the parking area.
Important Note About Parking: Parking at the trailhead is extremely limited during the week, and on weekends, it’s completely closed. The good news is that the town bus can take you to the trailhead from Vail Village. I recommend parking in the Town of Vail garage and then catching the East Vail Blue Line. Get off at the Booth Falls bus stop, then walk up Booth Falls Road for about a quarter mile. At the end of the road, you’ll find the Booth Lake Trailhead.
3. Surprise Lake via Cross Creek
5 Miles | 30-Minute Drive from Vail
Whenever I wanted a quieter, more peaceful hike, I’d head to Surprise Lake. The trail follows Cross Creek through dense forests and meadows, with a few little stream crossings along the way. It’s not as steep as some of the others, but it’s still a solid hike. When you get to the lake, it’s incredibly peaceful and I’ve hardly ever seen anyone else. This hike gets an A rating for overall peacefulness and beautiful views all along the way – think streams, lush forest, mountain views. The surprise lake at the end is nice, but this one is all about the journey there.
How to Get There: Drive west from Vail on I-70, take Exit 171 for Minturn, and continue south on Highway 24 for about 4 miles. The trailhead is on the right.
4. Mayflower Gulch
6 Miles | 35-Minute Drive from Vail
If I wanted a quick, easy hike with jaw-dropping views, Mayflower Gulch was always the move. While the drive is a bit longer than some of the others on this list, the trail itself is relatively short and not too steep and you still get those epic jagged peaks surrounding an old mining site. It’s an awesome spot to take photos, especially when there’s snow dusting the peaks in early winter. This hike is also fantastic for snowshoeing or ski touring, so if you’re in the area during winter, definitely check it out. It was always my go-to when family or friends visited because it’s mellow but still incredibly stunning at any time during the year.
How to Get There: Take I-70 east to Exit 195 (Copper Mountain). Drive south on CO-91 for about 6 miles; the trailhead is on the left. The parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends, but it’s a pretty large lot, so you’ll usually find a spot opening up.
5. Grouse Creek Loop
4.9 Miles | 10-Minute Drive from Vail
If you’re looking for a more off-the-radar hike, this is the one. Grouse Creek Loop is peaceful, shady, and full of little waterfalls, with a mix of pine forests and open meadows. It’s a little more challenging than some of the other hikes on this list, but that’s part of what makes it great. You’ll actually get some quiet time on the trail. In winter, this is a popular spot for ski touring as it’s pretty avalanche-safe. Once you finish the loop, be sure to check out Magusto’s or Minturn Saloon in Minturn, an old mining town, for a quick bite!
How to Get There: Take Exit 171 off I-70 for Minturn and continue on Highway 24 for about 2 miles. The trailhead is on the right.
6. Strawberry Lane
3.1 Miles | East Vail & Vail Village
6. Strawberry Lane
3.1 Miles | East Vail & Vail Village
Strawberry Lane is a hidden gem, offering the perfect mix of forested paths and beautiful views. The trail is short and mellow, making it an ideal choice for an easy afternoon hike. As you hike, you’ll pass through shaded aspen groves, open meadows, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quick nature escape without too much effort. And ending your hike in Vail Village is a bonus – perfect for unwinding with a cold drink on a patio!
Bonus Tip: If you are looking for more of a work out, begin by hiking up Berry Picker Trail starting in Lionshead Village and then cut across to Strawberry Lane when the trails intersect about a mile up. This steep elevation-gaining hike is a great workout, and the gradual hike down into Vail Village on Strawberry Lane provides a nice cool down.
How to Get There: From Vail, take I-70 east to Exit 176 (East Vail). Follow the signs to the Vail Golf Course. The trailhead is just past the golf course and easily accessible from the road with plenty of parking. You can also access this trail from Vail Village. While this will shorten the hike, it’s definitely doable. For this route, park in Vail Village and head towards Gondola One. Keep walking towards the mountain up the service road on the left. Eventually, you’ll come across a small footbridge and a sign for Strawberry Lane pointing you up the mountain.
These are some of my go-to hikes in Vail—quick, easy, beautiful, and always worth it. Whether you’re in the mood for a waterfall (Booth Falls), a quiet alpine lake (Surprise Lake), or epic mountain views (Mayflower Gulch), you can’t go wrong with any of these.
