Vail Pass Bike Path
Vail Pass Bike Path: A Rocky Mountain High
Vail Pass Bike Path: A Scenic Mountain Escape
Experience the beauty of the Rockies on this scenic paved path, perfect for biking, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
The Vail Pass Bike Path is a paved recreation trail that follows the route of old Highway 6, offering stunning views of the Gore and Tenmile Ranges. Popular for cyclists, hikers, and inline skaters, the path provides a scenic and accessible way to experience the beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Vail Pass Bike Path
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Vail Pass, Colorado 80443, Frisco, CO, 80443, US
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Getting There
Driving
From Frisco, take I-70 East towards Vail. Take Exit 190 for Vail Pass Rest Area. Parking is available at the rest area, which provides access to the bike path. Parking is free. Be aware that the upper parking area does not have an accessible route to the restrooms.
Shuttle
Several shuttle services operate from Frisco and Copper Mountain, providing transportation to the top of Vail Pass with bike rentals. A one-way shuttle trip typically costs around $40-$60 per person, including bike rental. Advanced reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Biking
From Frisco, follow the paved path from the west end of town through Tenmile Canyon towards Copper Mountain. Continue past Copper Mountain, following signs for Vail Pass. The bike path gradually ascends to the Vail Pass Rest Area. The ride from Frisco to Vail Pass is approximately 26 miles round trip, with a significant elevation gain. Water and restrooms are available at the Frisco Marina, Copper Mountain, and the Vail Pass Rest Area.
Local tips
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Acclimate to the high elevation before starting your ride to avoid altitude sickness.
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Bring layers, as the weather in the mountains can change rapidly.
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Consider using a shuttle service to the top of Vail Pass for an easier, downhill-focused ride.
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Check the bike path conditions before you go, as sand and gravel may be present.
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Take advantage of the rest area at the top of Vail Pass for restrooms, picnic tables, and vending machines.
Discover more about Vail Pass Bike Path
The Vail Pass Bike Path, also known as the Vail Pass Recreation Trail, is a popular route for those seeking outdoor adventure amidst breathtaking scenery. This 14.8-mile paved path traverses the Vail Pass, reaching an elevation of approximately 10,600 feet near the rest stop. The trail follows the original Highway 6, which was replaced by Interstate 70, and offers a unique perspective on the area's history and natural beauty.
The path begins at Gore Creek Campground, east of Vail, and stretches to Copper Mountain, providing access to stunning views of the Gore and Tenmile Ranges. Along the way, travelers can enjoy alpine meadows, dense forests, and the dramatic Tenmile Canyon. The path is heavily trafficked during the summer months, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Vail Pass has a rich history, serving as a crucial transportation route since the 1940s. The construction of Interstate 70 over Vail Pass in the 1970s was an engineering marvel, including the first bridge span in the country built with pre-cast concrete and the state's first separated bicycle path over a mountain pass. The bike path itself was completed in 1980. Today, the Vail Pass Bike Path offers a less strenuous way to enjoy the scenery, with options for shuttle services to the top, allowing for a thrilling downhill ride.
A brief summary to Vail Pass Bike Path
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