Strawberry Lane Trail: Your Guide to Hiking in Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado, offers a plethora of outdoor activities, and hiking is a fantastic way to experience its stunning natural beauty. Among the many trails in the area, Strawberry Lane stands out as a favorite for both locals and visitors. This trail provides a perfect blend of accessibility, scenic views, and opportunities for a great workout. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your hike on Strawberry Lane.

Trail Overview

Strawberry Lane is an ideal hike for those looking for a quick workout with the option to extend their adventure. Starting from Vail Village, the trail offers a moderately challenging climb through beautiful aspen forests and flourishing wildflowers.

• Length: 1.3 miles (one way)
• Elevation Gain: 688 feet
• Starting Point: Right under the start of Gondola One in Vail Village
• Difficulty: Moderate

Getting Started

Finding the trailhead is straightforward. Simply head to Vail Village and look for the start of Gondola One. The trailhead is located right underneath it, making it easily accessible. This alternative beginning of the Berry Picker Trail starts from the Vail Village Gondola One base.

Ascend steeply through aspen groves, navigating small streams-some bridged, some not. As you climb the trail, you’ll cross ski runs amidst flourishing wildflowers and eventually reach a pond on the right.

What to Expect

The trail offers a fair amount of elevation gain, making it a good workout. However, it remains doable for those who are not used to the altitude. As you hike, you’ll be treated to forests of aspens and wildflowers, with streams adding to the picturesque scenery.

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Key Highlights:

• Scenic Views: Awesome views of Vail and Lionshead Village.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for deer, marmots, and birds.

Extending Your Hike

One of the great things about Strawberry Lane is that it connects with other trails, allowing you to customize the length and difficulty of your hike.

1. Berrypicker Trail: Continue onto Berrypicker to descend into Lion’s Head Village. The well-known and loved Berry Picker Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning alpine scenery, beginning at the base of the Lionshead gondola, the trail winds its way up.
2. Vail Mountain Summit: Extend your hike all the way to the top of Vail Mountain, where you’ll find additional activities like the mountain coaster and ziplining.

Other Hiking Options in Vail

Vail offers a diverse range of hiking trails to suit all skill levels and preferences. Here are a few more options to explore:

• Booth Falls: Located in East Vail, this trail features aspen forests, a flowing river, and a stunning waterfall.
• Upper Piney Lake Trail: A scenic trail near Piney River Ranch, perfect for spotting moose and enjoying lake activities.
• Shrine Ridge Trail: Known for its 360-degree views and abundant wildflowers, located just 20 minutes from Vail Valley.
• Davos Trail: An easy evening stroll in West Vail with views of Minturn and Avon, especially beautiful in the fall.
• North Trail: Offers spectacular views of Lionshead, Vail Village, and the Gore Range.

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Exploring Vail goes hand in hand with caring for our beautiful natural environment. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Stash it until you can trash it - anything you bring with you, you must pack back out.
• Clean Up After Your Dog: Do pick up the doo - pack out all dog poop.
• Respect Wildlife: Give them space - observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them.
• Stay on Marked Trails: Take the trail less traveled - there are more than 100 miles of hiking trails in the Vail area!
• Dog Regulations: Dogs are allowed in the White River National Forest, but may not be permitted in certain areas of Vail Resorts. Please adhere to any posted signs.

Additional Trails to Consider

For those looking to explore even more, here are a few additional trails in the Vail area:

• Cabin Trail: A moderately steep 2-mile trail with aspen groves and wildflowers, ending at the “Head First” ski run.
• Grouse Lake Trail: Begins on a logging road and turns into a singletrack, offering a serene hike through the forest.
• Grand Escape Trailhead: Located at the top of Wildwood Express Lift, offering breathtaking alpine scenery.
• Gore Valley Trail: A 12-mile paved path from Dowd Junction to East Vail, following Gore Creek.

With so much to offer, Vail is a hiker's paradise. Whether you're looking for a quick workout or an extended adventure, the trails around Vail promise unforgettable experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.

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