Ridge Route
Table of contents
Ridge Route is a hike located on Vail Mountain, connecting Eagle’s Nest to Wildwood. The trail offers breath-taking views of the Holy Cross Wilderness south of Vail. The impressive Mount of the Holy Cross, at 4,270 m tall, is visible from Ridge Route.
Route Description for Ridge Route
Ridge Route is a beautiful, well-marked, short hike that begins at Eagle’s Nest at 3,155 m! The hike starts straight up the small dirt hill from the Eagle Bahn Gondola exit. Walk towards the hill, to the left of the Holy Cross Wilderness Viewing area platform, and you will see a sign marking the start of the Ridge Route trail.
Go straight past the first sign, following the dirt road, until you get to another trail sign that leads you to the right onto a single-track trail. From here, the trail is very well marked, with signs signifying Ridge Route’s trail very frequently.
The trail heads slightly up-hill, taking you along the side of Vail mountain. You’ll get some truly spectacular views of Mount of the Holy Cross. You will walk through open meadows with spread out pine stands as some of the best views in Vail are sprawled out all around you.
Insider Hints for Ridge Route
- Ridge Route connects to the Ptarmigan Loop at the top of Vail Mountain and offers more time to take in the beautiful views of the Holy Cross Wilderness.
- Check out Gondola times on the Vail Website.
Getting to the Ridge Route Trailhead
Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village to Eagle’s Nest. The trail starts at Eagle’s Nest.
Route Information
When to do:
Spring/Summer/Fall
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Yes, at Eagles Nest and Wildwood
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Ridge Route Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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