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Kinnickinnick Trail

1.4 miles (one way)

Beginner

High

10,203 ft.

10,954 ft.

758 ft.

autumn landscape with chairlift
Couple hiking uphill
Grassy area along trail
cascading rocks on deluge trail

From the top of Gondola One at Mid-Vail, towards the 10th Restaurant, there will be a a skinny path uphill to the Kinnickinnick Trailhead alongside Meadows Loop Trail.

The initial stretch winds uphill, intersecting several ski runs amidst blooming meadows. Despite occasional steep segments early on, the trail mellows out after crossing several small mountain streams. Venture into the forest for some shade and enjoy scrambling over scattered rock formations. The trail gradually gains elevation with gentle switchbacks, leading to a junction with the midpoint of the Sunlight Trail, marking the end of your journey.

Kinnickinnick 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

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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Pine trees along Two Elk trail

Two Elk Trail

CLOSED May 6 through June 20 The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vail’s Back Bowls. The trail passes three chairlifts
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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
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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
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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
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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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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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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
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Grouse Lake trail sign image

Grouse Lake Trail

Grouse Lake trail begins on a logging road but turns to singletrack after 0.3 mile. At the signed junction with West Grouse Creek trail at 1 mile, keep left. The
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