North Trail: Western Section

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Pick your direction (it's good either way, so don't sweat it). With some excellent trail rebuilding in 2019, the western half is now in fantastic condition and very rideable up and down. My preference is east to west (tougher grind up, faster/funner ride down).

Access the start of this trail by either riding North Trail - Middle Section or up the short and easy Buffehr Creek Connector. This trail is also called Trappers Run.

Start up an easy, smooth, gradual ascent up deep aspen forest. It's thick and lush here with lots of wildflowers, and you can't hear the highways, which is a nice bonus. It's a good climb, but relatively easy for this area.

Arrive at the top of the climb to a meadow with expansive views from the Gore Range all the way to the Holy Cross Wilderness. This is one of the better views in the entire Vail Valley.

Start the descent with well over a mile of gradual descending through beautiful aspen forests. Enjoy switchbacks and really nice, rolling trail through aspens and flowers. This part of the trail was rebuilt in 2019 and it's a huge improvement over the rutted steep trail of earlier days.

Arrive at a dirt road. If you're tired, there's a quick escape to West Vail to the left, but to get some more singletrack, go right. Follow this road into and out of a creek and find the last bit of the North Trail singletrack on your left after half a mile. This last section has some smooth, pretty easy switchbacks down to the valley floor.

This trail isn't very long, but it's damn good!