Booth Falls Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
The Booth Creek Trail, that leads to Booth Falls, hikes through the Booth Creek drainage. It is lined with spectacular sandstone rock formations. You’ll hike past aspen groves and beautiful meadows to an 18 m waterfall.
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Route Description for Booth Falls Trail
This isn’t too challenging of a hike to follow. The trail’s two forks are marked with trail signs directing you towards the falls, so keep that in mind.
Now, the trail begins just past the trailhead information board. You’ll begin by facing a steep 1.0 km. After that, it mellows out to a more gradual incline, keeping a fairly constant elevation gain until the falls.
At the beginning of the hike, the valley’s upper walls are lined with stunning sandstone rock formations that range from a vibrant red to a yellowish tan.
The next 1.0 km takes you up on the eastern slopes of the valley. You’ll have spectacular views of Vail Valley and the Gore Range. The trail rotates between dense shady aspen groves to open meadows for the remainder of the trail.
The last 1.0 km is characterized by short, fairly steep switchbacks up rocky terrain will take you to the top of the falls. The trail itself offers beautiful views of the falls from its right side and above. You’ll even be able to see the shorter, cascading waterfall above the main falls. Once you’re at the falls, be sure to hike up and look back down the valley.
Follow the same trail back through the beautiful valley to return to the trailhead!
Insider Hints for Booth Falls Trail
- If you're looking for more of a challenge, continue past Booth Falls to Booth Lake, which sits below Booth Mountain at 3,708 m, and Spider Mountain at 3,869 m. Continuing to the lake will double (with some extra) the total distance and elevation of the hike, but we love it!
Getting to the Booth Falls Trail Trailhead
From Vail, take Vail Rd to traffic circle. Take 1st exit onto S Frontage Rd E in 4.8 km you’ll see Booth Falls Road. You have to go left and then immediately right to get on it. Drive to the end of the road to reach the trailhead. There’s limited parking.
Route Information
Booth Falls Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherBooth Falls Trail Reviews
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