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Berrypicker Trail

Activities
 Vail, 81657

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About

Berry Picker is the classic hike up the front of Vail Mountain: about 3.1 miles one way from the Lionshead base to Eagle's Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, climbing roughly 2,200 feet from 8,120 to 10,300 feet. It ends where you can ride the gondola down in summer.

It suits fit hikers and anyone acclimatized enough to handle a long, sustained climb at altitude. For families or anyone just arrived from sea level, riding the gondola up and exploring at Eagle's Nest is the gentler plan.

The route

The trail starts at the base of the Lionshead gondola and climbs the east side of the Bwana ski run before entering the woods. Higher up it passes through rooted, rocky sections, stream crossings and wildflower meadows, with views opening to the Gore Range. Watch for junctions with service roads and downhill bike trails.

How hard it is

Discover Vail rates it advanced and Vail Resorts calls it intermediate. Either way, it is steep and steady rather than technical. Start early in summer, carry water and a layer, and turn back if afternoon storms build.

Getting down

Most hikers ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola down from Eagle's Nest; others walk back the way they came. The gondola runs on a summer and early-fall schedule, so check dates before counting on it. The FAQ has the 2026 schedule.

At the top

Eagle's Nest is the hub for Epic Discovery and Vail Mountain's summer activities, so the climb can end with a meal or an afternoon up high. The Vail Recreation District also uses the trail for its Vail Berry Picker race, part of its summer trail-running series.

Sources: Discover Vail: Berry Picker Trail, Vail Mountain summer tip sheet, Vail Resorts summer 2026 dates. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Company Name
Berrypicker Trail
Location
Berry Picker Trail trailhead, Eagle Bahn Gondola base, Lionshead Village
Vail, 81657

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About Berrypicker Trail

Quick answer: Berrypicker Trail is a business at Berry Picker Trail trailhead, Eagle Bahn Gondola base, Lionshead Village, Vail, CO 81657. Berry Picker Trail: a 3.1-mile, 2,200-foot climb from Lionshead to Eagle's Nest on Vail Mountain, with a gondola ride down in season.

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Berry Picker is the classic hike up the front of Vail Mountain: about 3.1 miles one way from the Lionshead base to Eagle's Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, climbing roughly 2,200 feet from 8,120 to 10,300 feet. It ends where you can ride the gondola down in summer.

It suits fit hikers and anyone acclimatized enough to handle a long, sustained climb at altitude. For families or anyone just arrived from sea level, riding the gondola up and exploring at Eagle's Nest is the gentler plan.

The route

The trail starts at the base of the Lionshead gondola and climbs the east side of the Bwana ski run before entering the woods. Higher up it passes through rooted, rocky sections, stream crossings and wildflower meadows, with views opening to the Gore Range. Watch for junctions with service roads and downhill bike trails.

How hard it is

Discover Vail rates it advanced and Vail Resorts calls it intermediate. Either way, it is steep and steady rather than technical. Start early in summer, carry water and a layer, and turn back if afternoon storms build.

Getting down

Most hikers ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola down from Eagle's Nest; others walk back the way they came. The gondola runs on a summer and early-fall schedule, so check dates before counting on it. The FAQ has the 2026 schedule.

At the top

Eagle's Nest is the hub for Epic Discovery and Vail Mountain's summer activities, so the climb can end with a meal or an afternoon up high. The Vail Recreation District also uses the trail for its Vail Berry Picker race, part of its summer trail-running series.

Sources: Discover Vail: Berry Picker Trail, Vail Mountain summer tip sheet, Vail Resorts summer 2026 dates. Checked September 23, 2026.

Hiking

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Berrypicker trail?
Hard work, not technical. Discover Vail rates it Advanced and Vail Resorts rates it Moderate/Difficult (its fall guide says Intermediate). The climb is steep and sustained, about 2,200 feet over 3.1 miles on rooted, rocky trail, starting at 8,120 feet, so altitude makes it feel harder. Fit, acclimatized hikers do it routinely; if you have just arrived from sea level, ride the gondola up and walk at the top instead.
How long is the Berry Pickers hike in Vail?
About 3.1 miles one way (Discover Vail; Vail Resorts gives 3.2 miles), climbing roughly 2,200 feet from Lionshead at 8,120 feet to Eagle's Nest at 10,300 feet. Vail Resorts allows about 2 to 3 hours for the one-way climb. Walking both ways is about 6.2 to 6.4 miles and most of a day; most hikers walk up and ride the gondola down.
Where does the Berry Picker Trail start, and where do I park?
At the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village: cross Gore Creek by the gondola and follow the signs up the east side of the Bwana ski run. It can also be joined from the Vail Village side via the Gondola One trails. There is no trailhead parking lot. Use the Lionshead Parking Structure (354 S Frontage Rd W), about a 5-minute walk, or ride the free Town of Vail in-town bus to Lionshead.
Can I ride the gondola down, and is it free?
Yes, and the ride down is free. Vail Resorts makes downloading the scenic gondola free for hikers; you only pay if you ride up (a scenic gondola ticket, or an Epic Pass, covers the upload). In 2026 the Eagle Bahn Gondola opened Friday, June 19, ran daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through Monday, September 7, then Friday to Sunday until the last day, Sunday, September 27. Outside that season there is no gondola, so the hike is both ways on foot.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash, per trailhead signs. Two gondola rules matter: dogs are not allowed to ride the gondola up, but if you hike to the top with your dog, the gondola ride down is free for both of you (Vail Resorts). Carry water for your dog and pack out waste. In winter, dogs are prohibited on Vail Mountain's uphill routes entirely.
Are mountain bikes on the Berrypicker Trail?
Berrypicker itself is a hiking trail. Vail's mountain bikes use separate lift-served bike-park trails (a Bike Haul pass is required to take a bike up the gondola). The hiking trail crosses service roads and downhill bike routes, so stop and look at junctions, where riders can be descending fast.
When is the best time of year to hike it?
Mid-June to late September, while the gondola runs as a backup for the descent. Wildflowers peak around mid-July; the aspen groves turn in mid-to-late September. Start early: summer thunderstorms build after midday, and the upper trail is exposed. Before June and after late September, expect snow or mud and no gondola.
Can I hike it in winter?
Not as a hike. In winter the route is ski terrain. Uphill travel (skinning or snowshoeing) is allowed only on designated routes outside normal lift-operating hours, never during daytime operations, and you must first call the Uphill Access Trail Hotline at (970) 754-1023. Dogs are prohibited, and uphill access closes completely when machinery is operating.
Is there a fee, permit or anything to book?
No. The trail is free, with no permit or reservation. The only costs in the day are optional: a scenic gondola ticket if you want to ride up instead of hiking up, and parking if you drive. There is nothing to book for the trail itself.
What is at the top?
Eagle's Nest at about 10,300 feet, the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola and the hub for Epic Discovery and Adventure Ridge in summer, with dining (Bistro Fourteen, Talon's Deck), the Nature Discovery Center, restrooms and water, and the free gondola ride back down to Lionshead.

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