Colorado · Hiking

North Vail Trail

7.2 mi
round trip
767 ft
climb
9,428 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is North Vail Trail open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

North Vail Trail is a 7.2-mile out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Holy Cross Ranger District. It rises from 8,267 feet to 9,428 feet, a gain of 767 feet one way, and the trail is rated hard. The trail is on natural surface and is open to horses and bikes. The nearest town is Vail, and the trailhead is at the North Trail (Davos) Trailhead, about 2 miles away. The Forest Service manages the land. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Vail put July highs around 77°F with lows near 42°F. That station sits roughly 1,100 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. The trail is open from June 21 through April 14. Several other destinations are close by. Son of Middle Creek is 0.3 miles away, and Buffehr Creek is 1.2 miles away. Climbers can head to Cemetery Block, about 3.4 miles off, and Gore Creek Campground is 6.5 miles away.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit North Vail Trail

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 7°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 9°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 17°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 24°

      9 wet

    5. May

      60° / 31°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 36°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 42°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 41°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 34°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 25°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 15°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 7°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Vail, CO, 2.2 mi away at 8,304 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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