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The Vail Pass Recpath runs for 14.8 miles between Copper Mountain and outside of Vail. The paved path runs along Interstate 70 from Gore Creek Campground, just east of Vail, until its southern endpoint.
About the Route
The Vail Pass Recpath is a popular route for cyclists, incline skaters, and hikers who seek a paved off-road route through spectacular mountain scenery. East of Vail, the northern endpoint sits at the end of Bighorn Road, just under 10,000 feet of elevation. The trail follows along Vail Pass, which reaches about 10,609 feet at the rest stop the trail passes through. The trail is a slight decline on its way to its southern endpoint. Copper Mountain, where the southern endpoint sits, is home to Copper Mountain Resort, which is a nice stopover for refreshments and a rest.
Connections
At its southern endpoint, the Vail Pass Recpath intersects with the Ten Mile Canyon Recpath and the Fremont Pass Recreation Pathway.
The Vail Pass Recpath runs between Gore Creek Campground (Vail) and Copper Mountain with parking, with parking available along the trail.
Parking is available at:
Please see the TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
This trail has two personalities, from the east (Frisco) and from the west (Vail). It's delightful from either direction but can be crowded with rental e-bikes in the summer.
If you're travelling from the east many people park at exit 201 on I-70 near W. Main Street in Frisco. There's a free parking lot to the SE of that exit. Biking on the Tenmile Recpath takes you along Tenmile Creek, passed several ponds and small lakes to Copper Mountain village. You croos Hwy. 91, then pedal through Copper Mountain village and continue west out of Copper Mountain village near Copper Road and Beeler Place. The trail then follows West Tenmile Creek to the west, parallel to I70. Now the trail is called the Tenmile Canyon Recreation Trail. You'll climb fairly gently but steadily now to the summit of Vail Pass (10,666 ft.). Note that this approach (from the east) is a more gentle elevation gain than the approach from the west, covered below.
If you wish to ride up Vail Pass from the west you can start in Vail Village, near Gore Creek USFS campground or elsewhere in the Eagle Valley to the west. If you start near the Gore Creek USFS campground there is a new, large parking area about 1/4 mile to the SW of the campground; parking is free. Vail Village is about 8200 ft. elevation so the gain, biking on the trail from the west is about 2400 ft with 4 or 5 pretty steep climbs. If you start from at Gore Creek USFS campground parking area you'll ascend past the campground, through an open gate and will parallel I70. This paved trail is the former Hwy. 6 before they built I70. You'll pedal passed a few small ponds and creeks through pines and firs, eventually descending briefly to Polk Creek; this is an excellent place to stop in the shade next to a rushing creek. You'll continue under I70 and ascend over new sections of trail, still heading up to Vail Pass. You'll come to Black Lakes where there is usually a primitive port-a-potty. After passing Black Lakes you have a little more uphill and then you're at Vail Pass. Some people continue to the east and then climb back up and back to Vail; it's your choice.
Weather: in the late spring and summer, even into early fall it's usually warm and dry. Pack plenty of liquids due to aridity and elevation - there are no stores or sources of water on the trail, except perhaps at Copper Mountain. Most days from last spring to early fall there will be thunder clouds building up in the afternoons but it rarely rains. Bring a rain coat just in case.
In mid-summer there are groups of ebikes that people rent in Frisco or Vail (or nearby) and many of these non-locals have very little idea of the rules of multi-use trails so watch out for them! There are occasionally walkers and dog-walkers on the trail but usually nearer Frisco or nearer Vail only.
You may see deer, elk, bear (not likely in mid-day), eagles, ospreys, marmots and other typical local creatures. While blasting downhill one side of the pass or the other be aware that you can easily reach speeds of 30-50 mph so watch out for the rare animal on the path - it IS possible! Have fun!
Beautiful views and easy cycle as mostly downhill
Very steep climb but so worth it! Amazing views and very fast ride back down the hill!
Excellent trail. Beautiful views. Minimal traffic to contend with
Make no mistake this might be a rail-trail but it is very steep with several hairpin turns. Great if you’re coasting downhill but be prepared going up. I did the uphill part of this trail on inline skates and would not recommend that unless you’re really looking for a workout and are comfortable speeding down hills. The trail itself is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever been on, and you don’t really even notice the Interstate nearby. The surface was a little iffy at first near Copper Mountain but was mostly great save for a few washouts from all the rain. I can’t wait to come bqck with a bike
I love the fact that this path extends almost to Vail. This allows you to ride between 3/4 of the Vail Resorts mountains without having to ride on a major road.
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