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

Meadows Loop Trail

2.5 miles (round trip)

Intermediate

High

10,228 ft.

10,630 ft.

402 ft.

A family of four hikes amongst wildflowers with evergreens and mountains behind them in Vail.
Dirt path through aspen trees
Woman hiking in the mountains in Vail, Colorado in the fall, surrounded by trees with golden leaves

Meadows Loop Trail offers a scenic 2.5-mile journey through alpine meadows and forests. Purchase a Scenic Gondola Ticket and ride Gondola One from the Village up to Mid-Vail. The trailhead will be on your right. Hikers, bikers, and trail runners can enjoy wildflowers, tranquil lakes, and panoramic views of Holy Cross Wilderness.

Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and eagles. With a mix of gentle paths and switchbacks, this trail suits all skill levels. Don’t miss this unforgettable exploration of Rocky Mountain beauty.

Meadows Loop 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

Getting There

Take the free in-town bus or park at the Vail Village Transportation Center. Once in Vail Village, purchase a ticket for a scenic gondola ride that takes you up to Mid-Vail. You can access the trailhead from here.

 

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. Dogs are not permitted on either Gondola from Vail Village.

Useful Links

Explore Other Hikes

Three women walking in a grassy meadow with mountains in the background in Vail, Colorado.

Ridge Route Trail

Finding this popular trail can be a bit tricky for first-timers. From the Eagles Nest gondola area head south towards signs for Game Creek. Shortly after, at a junction where
Details

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
Details
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
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
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
Details
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
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
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
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
Details