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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Vail

    Ridge Route

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1-1.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    3.9 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    170 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.9
    Physical Difficulty
    This 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.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This 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.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    Scenic views from the Ridge Route hike near Vail, Colorado

    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.

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    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

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    Ridge Route Reviews

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