If you search on AllTrails for moderate hikes in this area of Colorado, you’ll see dozens of results. There’s no shortage of beautiful spots with amazing views, and you could spend hours reading through reviews. To help you narrow down your choices, here are my seven favorite trails in the area.
Remember, if you’re coming from a town that sits at a lower altitude above sea level, these hikes may feel more challenging than moderate. Take it slow, bring plenty of water, be sure you have quality hiking boots and socks.
If shorter and flatter trails are more your speed, check out this post for five easy hikes near Frisco that still offer beautiful views of the mountains, forests, and lakes in this area.
Wheeler Lakes Trail
Frisco, Colorado; 6.9 miles; 1,246ft elevation gain
A steady climb through an aspen forest followed by a pine forest leads to two small but scenic alpine lakes with a backdrop of evergreen trees. Pack a lunch and a picnic blanket for a relaxing afternoon.
The parking area is on I-70W about a mile from Wheeler Junction (look for “Scenic Area and Parking on Google Maps, or get exact GPS coordinates from AllTrails). However, if you can get a ride, take exit 195 towards Copper Mountain from I-70W and have your driver drop you off after the exit ramp. This cuts off the two least exciting miles of the hike along the highway.
Booth Falls Trail
Vail, Colorado; 4.2 miles round trip; 1,358ft elevation gain
Hike though an aspen grove and a vast meadow filled with wildflowers in the summer to a beautiful waterfall. This hike is short but steep in certain sections, so be sure to plan enough time to climb down to the falls once you arrive at the end of the trail.
Go in September to enjoy one of the brightest displays of aspen trees in the area, but be aware the waterfall will not be nearly as impressive as it is in the summer after the snowmelt. Whenever you visit, be sure to arrive early even on a weekday, as parking at the trailhead is extremely limited.
Beaver Lake Trail
Beaver Creek, Colorado; 6.3 miles round trip; 1,689ft elevation gain
A fairly steep, steady climb on Beaver Lake Trail leads up to a picturesque lake perfect for fishing or just soaking in the views. There’s very limited parking at the trailhead, so plan to park in the Ford parking garage in the Beaver Creek village and walk half a mile up Elk Creek Road before beginning the hike.
If you plan to ride the Centennial Express gondola from the village for panoramic views over the mountains ($42 per person in 2020), take the Royal Elk Trail over to Beaver Lake instead (4.7miles round trip; 1,187ft elevation gain).
Upper Piney Falls Trail at Piney River Ranch
Vail, Colorado; 5.9 miles round trip; 731ft elevation gain
After a 45-minute drive along a gravel road, you’ll arrive at up the most beautiful lake surrounded by a gorgeous green meadow. If you’re up for more than just a hike, rent a canoe and explore the lake (keep an eye out for moose), grab lunch at the café, and then take the trail through the aspens to the waterfall.
There are also a limited number of cabins for a peaceful overnight stay. Be aware the road to Piney River Ranch is only open in summer and early fall. Check opening dates here.
Wilder Gulch Trail
Frisco, Colorado; 7.3 miles; 1,289ft elevation gain
Less crowded than many of the other trails in the area, take a peaceful hike through a meadow filled with green grasses and colorful wildflowers (in the summer). Park in the upper lot of the Vail Pass Rest area, as the lower lot has a time limit.
You won’t get a lot of shade, but you will get gorgeous views of the mountains and forest. Be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots, as you’ll encounter stream crossings (some of which may be too high to cross without getting your feet wet until late summer).
While the official trail ends at the intersection of Forest Service Road 708, panoramic views await you at the top of Ptarmigan Hill if you’ve got any energy remaining. Turn left onto 708 and hike to the weather station at the top – the trail is fairly steep, but the views are worth the effort.
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