Gore Creek Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Of all the major trails north and east of Vail, this is probably the best one for running. It's much less steep, and the reasonably smooth surface makes this very enjoyable.

The Gore Creek Trail climbs alongside Gore Creek for 4 miles through healthy, extremely pleasant forest. There are some short steep sections along the way, but none of the hills are too long. The trail winds through open meadows and dense aspen groves that soon change to conifer stands as the elevation increases. At mile 4, the trail forks; left will take you up the Gore Lake Trail. Gore Creek trail continues to the right -- cross the creek then turn slight left and continue ahead to Red Buffalo Pass.

If you're filtering water, the last creek crossing before the big climb to the pass is around mile 6!

This is a beautiful trail, and you should consider an out-and back run of any length.