Stunning Vail, Colorado Hikes with Local Insight

Thanks for watching this local guide to the top hikes in Vail, Colorado. Now you’re armed with a few hidden gems and classic hikes in the area. Vail is the traditional homeland of the Arapaho, Ute, and Cheyenne people. Some of the trails have been around since before settlers came. Visit with respect. Vail hikes are famous for their dramatic scenery. The Gore Range is particularly sought after by avid hikers, climbers, and backpackers for its rugged, remote wilderness. The Spirit of the Gores is to keep things a little hidden. But if you do your homework and you’re willing to just get out there you can find amazing hidden gems in this area. Snag a topo map of the area and go where your heart takes you: Here’s a link for the Nat Geo topo map of the area: https://bit.ly/43rR9wf Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. As always, visit Vail responsibly! Always pack out your trash including water bottles, fruit peels, toilet paper, and anything else you bring with you. Leave only footprints. Follow all closures, fire bans, drone regulations (no drones in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness - aka the Gore Range), and dog rules (dogs must be leashed on all trails). No campfires are allowed near Gore Lake. You must backcountry camp at least 200 feet from all water sources. Follow me… Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foxintheforestblog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ For the latest local info about the best outdoor hot spots in Colorado (including places you’ve never heard of before), head on over to www.foxintheforest.net. ✨ Additional Resources ✨ The Local Guide to the Top Hikes in Vail: https://bit.ly/vailhikes Other must-see Vail resources: The Complete Guide to Willow Lakes: https://bit.ly/willowlakesco Backpacking Gore Lake Like a Pro: https://bit.ly/gorelake Things to Do in Vail this summer: https://bit.ly/vailthissummer Why Vail is the Perfect Place for a Fall Hike: https://bit.ly/vailinfall Practice Leave No Trace: https://bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit Hiking Safely in Colorado: https://bit.ly/cohikingtips Discover more about visiting Colorado like a local: The Ultimate Interactive Guide to Colorado: https://bit.ly/localcoloradoguide Local Tips: https://bit.ly/localcotips Colorado’s Top Hikes: https://bit.ly/bestcoloradohikes The Prettiest Places in Colorado: https://bit.ly/beautifulcolorado Scenic Drives in Colorado You Can’t Miss: https://bit.ly/coloradoscenicdrives Alpine Lakes in Colorado to Go Ga-Ga for: https://bit.ly/ColoradoAlpineLakes My favorite gear: OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn REI Flash 22 Hiking Pack: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvVaq REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://rei.pxf.io/POvVZe Freshette Pee Funnel: https://rei.pxf.io/e15EGO Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG SOL emergency bivvy sack: https://rei.pxf.io/7a9Oq3 More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/megintheforest NOTE These are affiliate links. Meaning I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! About the Photos and Video: Transparency is important to me when it comes to photography. There is Instagram and there is reality. And you should be inspired by BOTH. I intentionally use photos and videos that have been edited for color and lighting, and ones that haven’t. All the photos and videos you see of these incredible Vail hikes were taken by me. I rarely edit other people out of photos (and I would make a note here if I did!). Time stamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:17 - Gore Range 00:41 - Moderate Vail hikes 01:13 - Challenging Vail hikes 01:17 - Gore Lake hike 01:30 - Willow Lakes hike 01:57 - Scrambling and climbing near Willow Lakes 02:02 - How to find secret Gore Range hikes 02:21 - Outro