North Trail - Western Section

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Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Access the start of this trail from the North Trail - Middle Section or up the short and easy Buffehr Creek Connector. The North Trail - Western Section is also called Trappers Run.

Start up an easy, smooth, gradual ascent up deep aspen forest. It's thick and lush here with lots of wildflowers, and you can't hear the highways, which is a nice bonus. It's a good climb, but relatively easy for this area.

Arrive at the top of the climb to a meadow with expansive views from the Gore Range all the way to the Holy Cross Wilderness. This is one of the better views in the entire Vail Valley.

Start downhill with well over a mile of gradual descending through beautiful aspen forests. The trail then gets quite steep for about a half mile and a little looser.

Arrive at a dirt road. If you're tired, there's a quick escape to West Vail to the left, but to get some more singletrack, go right. Follow this road into and out of a creek and find the last bit of the North Trail singletrack on your left after half a mile. This last section has some smooth, pretty easy switchbacks down to the valley floor.

Definitely a highlight in the area.