The Booth Falls Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Vail, Colorado — and for good reason. It leads you through golden aspen groves, alpine meadows, and ends at a stunning 60-foot waterfall. The best part? It’s less than 2 miles one-way. When I went in October, it had just snowed that morning, dusting the trail in white while the aspens were still glowing gold — two seasons colliding in one perfect hike.
This moderately challenging trail offers incredible views in every season, but catching that rare fall-and-winter crossover made it even more magical.
This isn’t one of those hike that takes you to the base of an epic waterfall, but instead, it provides beautiful alpine views the entire way, ending on top of the waterfall.
Whether you’re visiting Vail for the weekend or just passing through on I-70, this hike is one of the best ways to experience Colorado’s mountain beauty without committing to a full-day trek. Keep reading for full guide.
Quick Stats: Booth Falls Trail in Vail
Hike to: Booth Falls
Trailhead: Booth Falls Trailhead (Booth Falls Rd, off I-70 Exit 180)
Distance: 4.73 miles roundtrip from shuttle (4.3 miles from TH)
Elevation gain: 1,440 ft
Elevation: 9,768 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 2–3 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes (on leash)
Best time to visit: June–October (or early winter for snow-dusted views)
Parking: No parking at the trailhead; must take shuttle. Read below.
Location: White River National Forest, Eagles Nest Wilderness in Vail Colorado
Getting to the Booth Falls Trailhead & Parking
The trailhead sits just east of Vail Village, about a 10-minute drive from town — but as of May 2025, you can no longer park at the trailhead or at Vail Mountain School down the road. The city launched a new “Bus It to Hike It” initiative, making it illegal to park anywhere near the trailhead, including nearby streets and parks.
There is a small parking lot for quick drop-offs (five-minute limit) right by the trailhead, but that’s it. You’ll need to take the free East Vail shuttle from the Vail Transportation Center in Vail Village instead. It’s honestly super easy — less than a 10-minute ride.
Just make sure to catch the East Vail shuttle heading west on your return. If you accidentally hop on the one going east (like we did), you’ll end up taking the scenic route through the whole loop before making it back to the village.
Parking at the Vail Village structure is free during the off-season, and the shuttle system runs frequently. You can check current routes and schedules through the Vail public transportation site.
What to Expect on the Booth Falls Trail
The Booth Falls Trail starts climbing gradually right away — no warm-up lap here. You’ll wind through a shady forest of aspen and pine as the sound of Booth Creek follows you uphill. In the fall, the trail turns into a full-on golden tunnel, with aspen leaves carpeting the ground and glowing overhead. It’s one of those hikes where you’ll find yourself pausing constantly for photos.
Less than a mile in, the trees start to open up, offering your first views of the Gore Range and the Vail Valley stretching below. From here, the trail gets just a little rockier and more exposed as you move toward the upper basin. When I hiked it, there was a light morning snowstorm which continued throughout our hike, and the landscape had this surreal mix of seasons — golden yellow aspens below and a dusting of snow blanketing the upper ridges and the dirt trail. It felt like hiking through two worlds colliding… and it was amazing!
The final push to Booth Falls is steeper but short. The trail narrows slightly as you approach the overlook where the waterfall drops nearly 60 feet into a rugged, rocky canyon. In colder weather, you’ll see the mist starting to freeze along the edges, creating glimmering ice crystals around the falls. On warmer days, you can feel the cool spray from the water if you step close enough to the edge.
You can scramble down to the creek on top of Booth Falls, just be very careful as it’s a steep drop and can be dangerous, especially for those unfamiliar with hiking off the beaten path.
If you’ve still got energy after reaching the waterfall, the trail continues several miles farther toward Booth Lake — a worthy but strenuous extension that leads deep into the Gore Range.
Tips for Hiking Booth Falls
- Start early, especially in summer and fall.
- Leave your dog behind if you plan to take the shuttle.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots; the trail can get muddy or icy depending on weather.
- Bring layers. The temperature swings in the Vail Valley can be dramatic and a down jacket is always good to have.
- If you’re hiking late in the season, microspikes can help with traction.
What to Pack for Hiking Booth Falls (Recommended Gear List)
- Day pack
- Hiking boots
- Merino wool hiking socks
- Water bottle
- Fleece gloves (winter)
- Microspikes (winter)
- Merino wool leggings (winter)
Where to Stay in Vail
Budget-Friendly: The Bunkhouse
A cozy, modern hostel just minutes from Vail Village — great for solo travelers or anyone who doesn’t mind sharing space to save money.
👉 Check availability at The Bunkhouse
Mid-Range: Highline Vail, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Stylish, comfortable, and conveniently located near the highway. They offer free shuttles into Vail Village and have an outdoor pool with mountain views.
👉Check availability at the Highline Vail
Luxury: The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Classic alpine luxury with ski-in/ski-out access, a spa, and elegant rooms. Ideal for a full mountain getaway.
👉 Check availability at The Arrabelle at Vail Square
FAQs About Booth Falls Trail
How long does it take to hike Booth Falls?
Most hikers complete the trail in about 2–3 hours roundtrip, depending on pace and photo stops.
How hard is Booth Falls Trail?
It’s considered moderate — there’s a steady incline most of the way, but it’s manageable for anyone with basic fitness and some hiking experience.
Can you swim in Booth Falls?
No, swimming isn’t recommended. The water is cold, the current is strong, and the rocks are slippery.
Is Booth Falls open year-round?
Yes, but winter conditions can make it icy or hard to access so don’t forget to bring your microspikes! Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and scenery.
Are dogs allowed on Booth Falls Trail?
Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed. BUT, dogs are not allowed on the Vail shuttle. Just be prepared for other hikers and narrow sections of trail.
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.