Best Hikes & Mountain Bike Trails You Can Reach by Vail Gondola

Vail gondolas open the mountain to hikers and mountain bikers all summer, delivering trail access at 10,000-plus feet without the climb. Whether you want an easy ridge walk with Holy Cross views or a fast singletrack descent through lodgepole pines, the gondola is your starting point.

Here are the trails you can reach, how to get there, and what you need to know before you go.

Hiking Trails from the Top of the Gondola

Both Gondola One in Vail Village and Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead run daily for summer 2026. Gondola One opens June 12, and Eagle Bahn opens June 19. Both operate daily through September 7, then Friday through Sunday from September 11-27.

Once you reach the top, multiple trails begin at Eagle's Nest (the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola) or connect across the mountain via Mid-Vail.

Eagle's Loop (Easy, 1 Mile)

Eagle's Loop is the easiest trail at the top of the mountain, a green-rated ridge walk starting at the Eagle's Nest observation platform. The mostly paved path runs less than one mile with views of Mount of the Holy Cross and the Gore Range, passing through a scenic amphitheater area with interpretive signs. Kids love spotting wildlife, and the Nature Discovery Center offers additional programming during peak season. Perfect for families wanting high-elevation scenery without a strenuous hike.

Upper Fireweed Trail (Easy, 1 Mile)

Upper Fireweed is a mellow horizontal trail connecting the Lionshead Gondola to Mid-Vail. The one-mile path offers beautiful views of the Gore Mountain range as you walk across the mountain through meadows and wooded sections. You can ride the gondola up, walk this trail, and take Gondola One down to Vail Village, making it a scenic loop with minimal elevation gain.

The trail takes approximately 20 minutes and is often combined with Lower Fireweed for a longer loop.

Berrypicker Trail (Intermediate, 3.1 Miles)

Berrypicker is the climb. This intermediate trail rises steeply from Lionshead Village up to Eagle's Nest, gaining more than 2,200 feet over 3.1 miles. The trail winds through aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and pine stands, with stunning Gore Range views along the way.

Most hikers ride the gondola up and hike down, or start early and ride the free gondola back. The descent is far easier than the climb, and the wildflowers peak in mid-July.

Extended Ridge Routes

For experienced hikers, you can extend your day by combining trails. A popular route starts with Eagle's Loop for Holy Cross views, continues along the Ridge Route across Game Creek Bowl for west-facing vistas, and returns via the Grand Escape trail for Gore Range views. Total distance varies based on your route, but expect 5 to 8 miles if you complete the full circuit.

Check trail conditions and weather before heading out. Summer storms build quickly in the mountains, especially after midday.

Mountain Biking: Lift-Served Trails and Bike Haul Requirements

Vail Mountain offers 45 lift-served mountain bike trails with more than 22,000 feet of total descent. The bike park opens June 19 and runs through October 3, 2026.

You need two things: a lift ticket and a bike haul pass. Even Epic Pass holders must purchase a bike haul ticket to bring a bike on the gondola. Day tickets for the bike park cost $65 (ages 13+) or $45 (ages 5-12). Bike haul passes can be purchased online and picked up at the Lionshead or Vail Village Ticket Office. Bikes are allowed on Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM daily.

Radio Flyer (Intermediate, 2.0 Miles)

Radio Flyer is the most popular trail on the mountain, a fast, flowy freeride singletrack with banked turns and rollers. The 2.0-mile trail descends from Eagle's Nest through lodgepole pine forests and is a favorite among intermediate riders. Expect dozens of features to session if you want to lap it multiple times.

Radio Flyer is often combined with Big Mamba and Hank's Hideaway to extend the descent.

Grand Traverse (Intermediate, 5+ Miles)

Grand Traverse is one of Vail's signature trails, weaving through Game Creek and Sun Down Bowls with sweeping vistas of the Back Bowls and Mount of the Holy Cross. The intermediate trail stretches over 5 miles, starting just south of the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola and offering long, scenic singletrack with minimal technical sections. Perfect for riders who want distance and views without extreme difficulty.

Golden Gate (Easy, 2.3 Miles)

Golden Gate is the newest addition to the trail network, built in 2020 and quickly becoming a fan favorite for riders new to mountain biking. The smooth, flowing 2.3-mile trail descends roughly 1,000 feet and is one of the easiest singletrack options on the mountain. It's often paired with Sidekick for a longer, gentle descent.

Skill Levels and Trail Variety

Vail's 45 mountain bike trails include options for every skill level, from green flow trails for beginners to black diamond technical descents for advanced riders. The bike park map at the ticket office shows current trail status, difficulty ratings, and recommended routes.

Bike rentals are available at multiple shops in Vail Village and Lionshead. Manor Vail Lodge guests receive discounted bike rentals and can store bikes in secure ski storage lockers.

Tips for Mixed-Ability Groups

If your group includes both hikers and mountain bikers, or varying fitness levels, the gondola system gives you flexibility.

The gondola runs continuously, so you can adjust your plan based on weather, energy levels, or how much time you want on the mountain.

Plan Your Stay at Manor Vail Lodge

Manor Vail Lodge sits at the base of Golden Peak, steps from Chair 6 and a 5-minute walk from both Vail Village and Lionshead. The location puts you within walking distance of both gondola bases, making it easy to start your day on the mountain without driving or shuttling.

Each of the 90 condominium residences includes a full kitchen, gas fireplace, and private balcony. After a day on the trails, return to heated outdoor pools, four hot tubs, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes. Manor Vail also offers four complimentary cruiser bikes and discounted mountain bike rentals through local partners.

Morning starts with complimentary hot breakfast featuring made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries, and local coffee. Evenings, gather at Ridge + River Mountainside Kitchen for alpine-inspired plates with Vail Mountain views, or relax at The Fitz Bar + Bites with a fantastic patio perfect for apr�s drinks and comfort food.

For help planning your gondola access, trail recommendations, or bike rentals, the concierge team at Manor Vail can arrange everything before you arrive.

Explore our spacious residences, discover resort amenities, and read our complete guide to Vail gondola rides for photography and dining tips at the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket to ride the gondola for hiking?

Yes. You need a scenic gondola ticket unless you have an eligible Epic Pass. Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola both require tickets for summer access. Hikers do not need a bike haul pass, only the gondola ticket.

What is a bike haul ticket and where do I buy it?

A bike haul ticket allows you to bring your bike on the gondola. All riders, including Epic Pass holders, need a bike haul pass in addition to their lift ticket. You can purchase bike haul passes online and pick them up at the Lionshead or Vail Village Ticket Office. Day bike park tickets are $65 (ages 13+) or $45 (ages 5-12) and include both gondola access and bike haul.

Can I hike down and ride the gondola back for free?

The gondola is free coming down for both hikers and bikers. Many people ride up, hike or bike down, and return via the free gondola. This is especially popular on trails like Berrypicker, where the climb is steep but the descent is scenic.

What time do the gondolas start running in summer?

Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola typically run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily during summer. Check current hours at the ticket office or vail.com before heading out, as weather can occasionally affect operations.

Are there restrooms and water at the top?

Yes. Eagle's Nest at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola has restrooms, water, Bistro Fourteen restaurant, and the Nature Discovery Center. Bring water for the trails, as there are no refill stations once you leave the top station.

What is the easiest hike for families with young kids?

Eagle's Loop is the easiest hike, with a mostly paved one-mile path offering stunning views without steep climbs. Kids love the gondola ride up, wildlife spotting, and interpretive signs along the trail. You can complete the loop in 15 to 20 minutes and ride the gondola back down.