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Hikes/United States/Colorado/Vail
Scenic views from the Ridge Route hike near Vail, Colorado

Ridge Route Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
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
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
3.9 km
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
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.9 (17 reviews)
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

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 14009ft 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 for Ridge Route

  • 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 Weather

Reviews for Ridge Route

9.9
17 reviews
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Lawrence RossiterSeptember 2020

So easy to follow. Being up here made me miss ski season!

marysmithAugust 2020

We enjoyed the views! It seems like a perfect destination shoot for couples!

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
rosevalleyAugust 2020

It is our favorite hike in Vail. We went here many times, but it's the best during the spring.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
AdamcoxAugust 2020

Gorgeous views and great hiking trails.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
CandyJAugust 2020

We truly appreciate how well-marked the route was.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
jennyspencerDecember 2019

Perfect little heaven!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Mary LouDecember 2019

Ridge Route is breathtaking. There are plenty of picturesque views along the way.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
mendelDecember 2019

No words can describe how beautiful and calming this place is despite the fact that there are lot of other hikers around.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Florence P.December 2019

Great views at the alpine forest! Wonderful improvements since the last time I visited.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Xyla O.August 2019

Superb views and easy trail. Perfect hiking place for someone who loves being surrounded by trees. This hike gives off a tranquilizing vibe.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: August 24, 2026

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