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Berry Picker Trail

3.1 miles (one way)

Advanced

Moderate

8,120 ft

10,300 ft

2,200 ft

Family hiking through aspens
A scenic mountain road with beautiful purple flowers and breathtaking mountains in the background, perfect for exploring during your visit to Vail.
autumn landscape with chairlift
Berry Picker Trail Runner

The well-known and loved Berry Picker Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning alpine scenery. Beginning at the base of the Lionshead gondola, the trail winds its way up the east side of the Bwana ski run before delving into the tranquil woods. Despite its initially challenging start, hikers are rewarded with captivating views of the Gore Range as they ascend through rooted and rocky terrain, crossing streams and encountering vibrant wildflowers along the way. Be mindful of trail junctions with service roads and downhill bike routes. At the summit, soak in the breathtaking vistas before deciding whether to trek back down the same path or enjoy a scenic gondola ride back to the base.

Berry Picker 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.

Dogs & Leashes

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

Explore Other Hikes

bighorn creek trail

Bighorn Creek Trail

The first 1/2 mile of the trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. The trail passes beaver ponds
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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
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A silver gondola with a Vail logo on it heads up the mountain on a series of cables. Green trees and foliage blanket the terrain in the background.

Cabin Trail

Cabin Trail is a moderately steep 2 mile single track trail, which crosses a few small streams along with groves of aspen trees and an abundance of wildflowers. The trail
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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
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Grand Escape Trail

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
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Meadow mountain trail sign with distances to Everkrisp, Half Nelson, Full Nelson and Whiskey Creek

Meadow Mountain Trail

The Meadow Mountain trail follows an old logging road above Dowd Junction. Popular year-round, the trail is family and dog friendly. It climbs through meadows that were once home to
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Pitkin Lake

Pitkin Creek Trail

The first mile of the trail is strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley. Fallen trees along the trail are evidence of past avalanches. The grade levels
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Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone Gallery 1

North Trail (Buffehr Creek to Red Sandstone)

Closed April 15-June 20 From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the left takes
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lost lake

Lost Lake Trail

Lost Lake Trail offers a scenic and moderately challenging hike suitable for trail runners and mountain bikers alike. The trail starts at the Lost Lake West Trailhead and spans 6.8
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