Booth Lake Trail Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A fairly steep trail featuring some of the best views of the Vail Valley.

Trailhead parking is closed starting June 2021, please park at the Town of Vail's parking structure and take the FREE bus, which leaves every 30 minutes ( vailgov.com/bus-schedules#1…).

This is a pilot program to address the negative impacts of overcrowding on the Eagles Nest Wilderness such as a build-up of waste, trail erosion, and other safety concerns (speeding, illegal parking, emergency vehicle access, etc.) that impact nearby residents and visitors as well.

Dogs must be on leash in Eagles Nest Wilderness, and dogs are not allowed on the bus. If you do hike with your dog, please pick up its waste.

Backpackers can park for free at the Gore Creek or Red Sandstone parking garage and take the bus to the Booth Lake trail. The alternative is to pay $35 to park overnight in the Vail parking structure and use the free bus to reach the trailhead.

The trail is steep, and there are enough vistas that you'll want to take a little extra time enjoying yourself on this one. Winding through lush aspen groves, and passing stout spruces, you'll find plenty of photo opportunities. The views of the Vail Valley are unparalleled, and you'll also be able to sneak peeks at the Gore Range.

About 2 miles or so into this trail, you'll hit the 60' Booth Falls, arguably one of the most scenic points on the trail. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine, clear water before passing on your way up to Booth Lake. The majority of hikers turn around at the waterfall, and your hike will be much quieter above this point.

Pass through many meadows, often filled with wildflowers for 2 more miles to Booth Lake. The lake is well above tree line and circled with cool craggy peaks. Explore around the lake, then return the way you came.

The trail winds through mixed spruce and aspen forests, and you're likely to see squirrels, birds and other small woodland critters. It's not a bad idea to bring a bear bell, as scat is often present on the trail.