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.

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

Son of Middle Creek hillside along trail

Son of Middle Creek Trail

CLOSED April 15 – June 20 Son of Middle Creek trail ascends the hillside on the north side of I-70, offering views of Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail.
Details
An adult and two children in helmets ride mountain bikes down a paved path in Vail. A brown footbridge is seen behind them.

Gore Valley Trail West (Lionshead Village to Dowd Junction)

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
hiking in piney lake

Lower Piney Trail

The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. At mile 1, the Wash Holland trail veers right. Stay left here. At mile 3.0, the
Details
Everkrisp trail sign in open field with grasses

Everkrisp Trail

CLOSED through June 20 The Everkrisp Trail, opened in 2019, is a 4.1-mile mixed-use trail connecting Minturn and Eagle-Vail. The trail climbs a total of 708 feet as it ascends
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
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
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
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
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