Berry Picker Trail
A steep, rewarding hike in Vail offering breathtaking alpine views and a unique gondola ride option.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom, cooler temps
Berry Picker Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, rewarding hike in Vail offering breathtaking alpine views and a unique gondola ride option.
"Incredible hike! Kids loved it as well. Was a challenging hike, but our 12, 7, and 5 year olds made it round trip in less than 5 hours."
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water; the intense elevation gain requires serious hydration. :droplet:
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for stability on the steep descent. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Throughout the trail
Breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding mountains and alpine landscapes.
Wildflower Displays
Higher elevations
Abundant and vibrant wildflowers bloom, especially in July, adding color to the ascent.
Alpine Water Features
Mid-trail
Encounter small streams and mini waterfalls cascading down the mountainside.
Gondola Ride Down
Top of the trail
Enjoy a scenic and effortless descent from the mountain summit via gondola.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb: Berry Picker Trail Essentials
Gondola Perks & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water; the intense elevation gain requires serious hydration. :droplet:
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for stability on the steep descent. :hiking_boot:
⬆️ Hike Up, Gondola Down
Consider hiking up and taking the free gondola down for a balanced experience.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Start early to avoid the midday sun and higher temperatures.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water; the intense elevation gain requires serious hydration. :droplet:
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for stability on the steep descent. :hiking_boot:
⬆️ Hike Up, Gondola Down
Consider hiking up and taking the free gondola down for a balanced experience.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Start early to avoid the midday sun and higher temperatures.
📸 Capture the Views
The journey offers stunning photo opportunities, not just at the summit. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Berry Picker Trail for its incredible mountain vistas and challenging, rewarding climb. While steep and sometimes dusty, the well-maintained path and clear markers make it navigable. The option to use the gondola adds flexibility, and the summit offers amenities and further exploration.
"Definitely one of the most vertical hikes we have ever done. It is a bit dusty but generally well maintained and trail markers are clear. You will get meadow views then forested alpine views then some small mini water running down falls. Elevation gain is def pretty intense so be sure to go slow. Hiking sticks needed on the way down and make sure to bring a ton of water.
Would recommend if you like a hike that will get you all the calorie burn for the day done at once."
Andy
"Great trailhead. Took about 2 hours & 40 minutes to get up and down. Not as difficult as most make it out to be.
Pictures are not what you see at the end of the trail. The pictures are taken during throughout the journey of the trail.
Overall, a must do trail if in Vail!"
Ryan Main
"We took kids to this famous mountain resort town at the end of July. It’s a fantastic hiking from the village to the mountain top. My Garmin watch logged 4.2 miles distance and 2.2k ft elevation upon finishing the Berry Picker Trail. The breathtaking views did help mitigate the complaints from kids during the hike. When we got to the cafe at noon, we all thoroughly enjoyed the 72F temperature and food/drinks, despite it’s more than twice as expensive. The gondola runs 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, free going down. There are a lot to do on the top, Eagle’s Nest with bar/cafe, Nature Discovery Center for kids, and a short loop trail with 360 views of the surrounding mountains."
Chang Yang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Berry Picker Trailhead is typically accessed from Vail Village. You can start your hike directly from the village, or take the gondola partway up and begin your hike from there.
Parking is available in Vail Village, though it can be busy. Consider using the free town shuttle to reach the trailhead area.
Yes, Vail has a comprehensive free bus system that can get you close to the base of the mountain where the Berry Picker Trail begins.
Many visitors choose to hike up from Vail Village and take the gondola down, or vice versa. Starting from the village offers a more continuous hiking experience.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Berry Picker Trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Berry Picker Trail itself is free to access. However, if you plan to use the gondola for part of your journey, you will need to purchase a gondola ticket.
The gondola typically runs from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm during the summer season. It's always best to check the official Vail Mountain website for the most current hours.
No, hiking the Berry Picker Trail is free. The costs are associated with parking in Vail Village or using the gondola.
While the trail is accessible, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views. The gondola has specific operating hours.
Discounts may be available for certain passes or packages. It's advisable to check Vail Mountain's official website for any current promotions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and whether you opt for the gondola.
The trail has a significant elevation gain, often reported around 1880 feet or 2.2k ft.
It's considered a steep and challenging hike due to the elevation gain, but many find it manageable with proper preparation.
You'll experience a mix of forested areas, alpine meadows, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Restrooms are typically available at the base of the gondola in Vail Village and at the top of the mountain at Eagle's Nest.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Yes, Eagle's Nest at the top of the gondola offers cafes and restaurants with food and drinks, though they can be pricey.
Absolutely! Bringing your own snacks and plenty of water is highly recommended, especially given the strenuous nature of the hike.
Eagle's Nest typically has a cafe and a bar, offering a range of options from quick bites to more substantial meals.
Reviews suggest that dining at Eagle's Nest can be more than twice as expensive as in the village.
While there aren't designated picnic areas on the trail itself, you can find scenic spots to stop and enjoy a packed lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers incredible photo opportunities, from forested sections to open meadows with panoramic mountain backdrops.
Yes, the trail provides stunning landscape photography opportunities with vast mountain ranges and alpine scenery.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Definitely! July is a prime month for wildflowers, offering vibrant subjects for your photos.
As you ascend, numerous clearings and overlooks offer spectacular vistas. The higher you go, the more expansive the views become.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The breathtaking views at the top are a great reward and can help keep kids motivated. Once at the summit, explore the Nature Discovery Center for interactive fun, or enjoy the short loop trail with 360-degree views. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options at the top can be pricey. The challenging hike, combined with the summit activities, offers a memorable day out for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays when crowds are thinner, potentially leading to easier parking or less competition for resources. The stunning views and physical challenge are the primary rewards, and they come at no monetary cost.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Utilize trekking poles to aid your ascent and descent, and ensure you're well-hydrated. The rewarding panoramic views at the summit serve as a perfect post-workout vista. You can also incorporate this hike into a larger training regimen while enjoying the stunning Colorado landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Berry Picker Trail
As you climb, the scenery transforms. You'll pass through forested sections, offering shade and a sense of immersion in nature. Higher up, the trees give way to alpine meadows that burst with color during wildflower season. Small waterfalls and streams add to the natural beauty of the journey.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, consider taking the gondola up and hiking down. This allows you to enjoy the scenic descent and still experience the trail's beauty. Remember to check the gondola's operating hours, as it typically runs from mid-morning to late afternoon.
The Berry Picker Experience: Beyond the Hike
The summit also boasts a short loop trail offering 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges. This is an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll and to soak in the vastness of the landscape. The gondola ride down itself is a scenic experience, providing a different perspective of the mountain.
Many visitors find the breathtaking views to be a significant motivator, helping to mitigate any fatigue or complaints, especially from children. The combination of a challenging hike, stunning scenery, and summit amenities makes the Berry Picker Trail a comprehensive mountain experience.
Berry Picking: A Historical Context
Historically, communities relied on foraging for sustenance and income. The act of picking berries, whether for personal consumption or sale, was a significant seasonal endeavor. This trail's name serves as a reminder of that connection to the land and its natural bounty.
Today, while dedicated berry picking spots might be more specific, the spirit of harvesting from nature can still be found. Videos showcase various methods for berry collection, from using specialized tools to simple shaking techniques, highlighting the enduring appeal of gathering fresh produce directly from the wild.
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