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booth lake trail

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 Vail, 81657

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About

The Booth Lake Trail, Forest Service trail #2011, leaves the top of Booth Falls Road in East Vail and climbs the Booth Creek valley into the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Along the way it passes the 60-foot Booth Falls, and it ends at Booth Lake, 11,480 feet up in the Gore Range. The Town of Vail rates it More Difficult and puts the lake 4.5 miles from the trailhead, one way.

It suits fit hikers with a full summer day to give it, and walkers who would rather make the falls their destination and turn around there. The one thing to plan before anything else is the ride in: trailhead parking is closed for the 2026 season, so the day starts on the free East Vail bus.

The climb

The first mile is the steepest, up through aspen groves. After that the trail follows Booth Creek at a gentler grade to the falls, then winds through conifer forest and wildflower meadows. Above 10,000 feet the trees thin out and the Gore Range opens up, and the last quarter mile to the lake is steep and rocky. Early in the season, expect patches of snow in the trees.

Getting there without a car

From May 31 through the fall, there is no parking at the trailhead, in the surrounding neighborhood, at Booth Creek Park or in the Vail Mountain School lot, and cars left there are towed. Take the free East Vail bus from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop, then walk about a quarter mile up Booth Falls Road. Friends can drop you off and pick you up at the trailhead lot, and there are bike racks and a Shift Bike e-bike station at the trailhead. Only service dogs ride the town buses, so hikers bringing a dog need a ride or a different trail.

Wilderness rules

The trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, and its regulations are posted at the trailhead. Dogs must be on a physical leash, and everyone is asked to stay on the trail to protect the vegetation. Early in the season the town asks hikers to choose another trail through June 6, while bighorn sheep and their young are nearby. The trailhead has flush toilets but no drinking water, so carry all the water you need.

Crowds and weather

This is one of the busiest trails in the valley, and the town suggests other hikes on its busiest days. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer mountains, so hikers heading for the lake do well to start early and be back below treeline before the weather builds.

Sources: Forest Service: Booth Lake #2011, Town of Vail trail guide, Town of Vail parking notice, Hike Vail parking and transportation, Discover Vail. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Company Name
booth lake trail
Location
Booth Falls trailhead, Booth Falls Rd, East Vail
Vail, 81657

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About booth lake trail

Quick answer: booth lake trail is a business at Booth Falls trailhead, Booth Falls Rd, East Vail, Vail, CO 81657. Booth Lake Trail in East Vail: 4.5 miles one way past 60-foot Booth Falls to an 11,480-foot lake. No trailhead parking in 2026; take the free bus.

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The Booth Lake Trail, Forest Service trail #2011, leaves the top of Booth Falls Road in East Vail and climbs the Booth Creek valley into the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Along the way it passes the 60-foot Booth Falls, and it ends at Booth Lake, 11,480 feet up in the Gore Range. The Town of Vail rates it More Difficult and puts the lake 4.5 miles from the trailhead, one way.

It suits fit hikers with a full summer day to give it, and walkers who would rather make the falls their destination and turn around there. The one thing to plan before anything else is the ride in: trailhead parking is closed for the 2026 season, so the day starts on the free East Vail bus.

The climb

The first mile is the steepest, up through aspen groves. After that the trail follows Booth Creek at a gentler grade to the falls, then winds through conifer forest and wildflower meadows. Above 10,000 feet the trees thin out and the Gore Range opens up, and the last quarter mile to the lake is steep and rocky. Early in the season, expect patches of snow in the trees.

Getting there without a car

From May 31 through the fall, there is no parking at the trailhead, in the surrounding neighborhood, at Booth Creek Park or in the Vail Mountain School lot, and cars left there are towed. Take the free East Vail bus from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop, then walk about a quarter mile up Booth Falls Road. Friends can drop you off and pick you up at the trailhead lot, and there are bike racks and a Shift Bike e-bike station at the trailhead. Only service dogs ride the town buses, so hikers bringing a dog need a ride or a different trail.

Wilderness rules

The trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness, and its regulations are posted at the trailhead. Dogs must be on a physical leash, and everyone is asked to stay on the trail to protect the vegetation. Early in the season the town asks hikers to choose another trail through June 6, while bighorn sheep and their young are nearby. The trailhead has flush toilets but no drinking water, so carry all the water you need.

Crowds and weather

This is one of the busiest trails in the valley, and the town suggests other hikes on its busiest days. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer mountains, so hikers heading for the lake do well to start early and be back below treeline before the weather builds.

Sources: Forest Service: Booth Lake #2011, Town of Vail trail guide, Town of Vail parking notice, Hike Vail parking and transportation, Discover Vail. Checked September 23, 2026.

Hiking

Amenities at booth lake trail

  • Flush toilets at trailhead
  • Bike racks
  • Shift Bike e-bike station
  • Free bus access (Booth Falls stop)
  • Drop-off and pick-up area

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Booth Falls hike?
Booth Falls is about 2 miles up the Booth Lake Trail, so roughly 4 miles round trip. The falls are partway up the Booth Lake Trail, the same trail continues past the 60-foot falls to Booth Lake, 4.5 miles one way from the trailhead. Many hikers turn around at the falls; allow a full day if you continue to the lake.
Where does the Booth Lake Trail start?
At the Booth Lake Trailhead at the top of Booth Falls Road in East Vail, north of I-70 exit 180. The Booth Falls bus stop is at the bottom of Booth Falls Road, about a quarter mile below the trailhead.
Can I park at the trailhead?
Not in 2026. Parking at the trailhead closed on May 31 and the closure runs through the fall. Parking is also banned in the surrounding neighborhood, at Booth Creek Park and in the Vail Mountain School lot, and violators are towed. Private-vehicle drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead lot is allowed on a limited basis, and commercial shuttles must drop off at the bottom of Booth Falls Road next to the bus stop.
How do I get there by bus?
Park in the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structure and ride the free East Vail bus from the Vail Transportation Center to the Booth Falls stop. In summer, town buses run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., and the East Vail routes run frequently through most of the day; check vail.gov/bus for the current schedule.
How long and how hard is the hike?
The Town of Vail lists Booth Lake as 4.5 miles one way (9 miles round trip) and rates it More Difficult. The trail starts at 8,400 feet and climbs about 3,036 feet to the lake at 11,480 feet. The first mile is steep, and the last quarter mile to the lake is steep and rocky. Booth Falls, a 60-foot waterfall, is on the way and makes a shorter turnaround.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a physical leash less than six feet long, which the Forest Service requires on trails in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Only service dogs may ride Town of Vail buses, so plan a drop-off or choose another hike if you are bringing a dog.
Can I camp at Booth Lake?
Yes, with a free overnight self-registration form, which every camping group or individual in the Eagles Nest Wilderness must hold. Camp at least 100 feet from any lake, stream or trail, and note that campfires are prohibited within a quarter mile of any lake and above 11,000 feet, so no campfire is allowed at Booth Lake itself. Groups are limited to 15 people.
Where can backpackers leave a car overnight?
In the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structures, for $60 a night for up to 14 days, or at the Red Sandstone garage on levels 1 to 3, for $35 a night for up to 14 days.
Are there restrooms or water at the trailhead?
There are flush toilets at the trailhead but no drinking water, so carry all the water you need.
When is the best time to go?
Summer and early fall. Through June 6 the town asks hikers to choose another trail while bighorn sheep and their young are nearby, and early-season hikers may find snow patches higher up. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so an early start is sensible.

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