Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Skip to content

Grand Escape Trail

1.4 miles (one way)

Intermediate

High

9,686 ft.

10,329 ft.

643 ft.

Active Hiking in Vail
Shrine Pass
A person and a dog pause on a trail in Vail surrounded by a meadow filled with gold and green foliage.

The Grand Escape Trailhead begins at the top of Wildwood Express Lift area. This moderately challenging and well-marked trail promises breathtaking alpine scenery and panoramic views of the surrounding Gore Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for native wild flowers and wild life all along the way.

Grand Escape Trail

Care for Colorado: Leave No Trace

Exploring Vail goes hand in hand with caring for our beautiful 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 to protect them from wildlife and protect 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 more than 100 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.

Find More Leave No Trace Tips

Dogs & Leashes

Dogs are allowed in the White River National Forest, but may not be on permitted in certain areas of Vail Resorts. Please adhere to any posted signs. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are in Vail Resort and around other forest users, other dogs, or are in bear country.

Explore Other Hikes

Piney Lake near Vail glimmers in shadows with rugged mountains all around it. The sky is cloudy with just a hint of blue peeking out.

Upper Piney River Trail

Upper Piney Trail, located near Vail, Colorado, is a 6-mile out-and-back route that offers a moderately challenging hike with diverse scenery. Starting at Piney Lake, one of Vail’s most picturesque
Details
Deluge Lake

Deluge Lake Trail

The Deluge Lake Trail splits from the Gore Creek Trail about 0.1 mile from the Gore Creek trailhead. Take this left onto the narrow trail which heads north before curving
Details
Gore Valley Trail

Gore Valley Trail (Vail Village towards East Vail)

Gore Valley Trail is a picturesque, mixed-use paved path stretching from Dowd Junction to East Vail, predominantly following the serene Gore Creek. This 12-mile trail includes dedicated pathways as well
Details
Lost Lake Trail Gallery

Sunlight Trail

Pack a picnic for Parker Deck and enjoy taking in panoramic views into Sundown Bowl along Sunlight Trail. Follow clear signage for Sunlight as you traverse through forested slopes, passing
Details
group hiking

Shrine Ridge Trail

Shrine Ridge Trail begins at the trailhead located off I-70, leading hikers through lush alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months. As you ascend, you’ll
Details
Family hiking through aspens

Strawberry Lane Trail

This alternative beginning of the Berry Picker Trail starts from the Vail Village Gondola One base. Ascend steeply through aspen groves, navigating small streams—some bridged, some not. Mind your step
Details
Gore Lake

Gore Creek Trail

The first 4 miles of the trail climbs alongside Gore Creek. There are some short steep sections along the way. The trail winds through meadows and aspen groves which change
Details
Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek Hero

North Trail (Red Sandstone to Son of Middle Creek)

Closed April 15-June 20 Follow switchbacks as you climb steadily for about 1.5 miles to an intersection with the Son of Middle Creek Trail #2136. Views from here are excellent
Details
Three girls hiking on top of a mountain in the fall with yellow grass in the foreground and yellow aspens and mountains in the background.

Game Creek Trail

Game Creek Trail in Vail, Colorado, is a picturesque hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail begins near the top of Vail Mountain
Details