Booth Falls
Choosing a hike in Vail is hard. I'd rather choose a name for my first-born child - but fortunately I didn't have to do either. We had a long-time Colorado resident with us, and she recommended the Booth Falls hike, a favorite of locals for its dramatic views, cascading waterfalls, and ebullient wildflowers. Intermediate hikers can spend 2-3 hours hiking up to a 60 foot waterfall, or make a day of it and go the additional four miles to Booth Lake. We chose the former, but paused so often for photos that we ran out of time and didn't even make it to the waterfall. Even so, we still enjoyed the progression from steep, rocky paths through dramatic aspen groves to the wide-open expanses of fields dotted with wildflowers.
Booth Lake
Four miles past the falls is Booth Lake, a destination best suited for experienced hikers with good footwear. You will gain over 3000 feet in elevation, following burbling Booth Creek through conifer forests and eventually ending up at 11,480 feet (so you might want to wait until you've adjusted to the altitude before attempting this one!) The last stretch is reputedly difficult and steep, but the lake gets rave reviews in many guidebooks for its pristine beauty.
How to Get There:
From I-70 in East Vail, take exit 180 to Booth Falls Road. Make a right and park where the road ends. There is also a public bus which stops just down the hill from the trailhead.