Boot to Trail
As we celebrate spring and summer, the mountains are calling. Let these enchanting hikes serve as your alpine inspiration.
Aspen, CO
Hike: Cathedral Lake
Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Known For: Gorgeous wildflowers and a steep section with challenging switchbacks. Order a wine-paired picnic lunch from Aspen’s Meat & Cheese restaurant, or refuel post-hike at the nearby Pine Creek Cookhouse, which frames some of the most magical views in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Telluride, CO
Hike: Bridal Veil Falls
Distance: 4.8 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Known For: The quintessential hike for any Telluride visitor (and for lucky locals who tackle it regularly). Located in a stunning box Canyon, Telluride is famous for this mesmerizing, 365-foot waterfall.
Vail, CO
Hike: Upper Piney River Falls
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Known For: One of the most popular hikes in the Vail Valley, its many rewards are views of Piney Lake, the towering peaks of the Gore Range, scenic waterfalls, and postcard-perfect aspen groves. (Note: The dirt road leading to the trailhead is fairly rough and best navigated in a high-clearance vehicle.)
Lake Tahoe, CA
Hike: Pacific Crest Trail, from Sugar Bowl to Squaw
Distance: 19 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Difficult
Known For: You will certainly work up a sweat on this long hike, but the non-stop views will keep you motivated. You’ll also uncover historic markers of where the Donner Party treaded the exact same terrain.
Steamboat, CO
Hike: Fish Creek Falls
Distance: 4.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Known For: Be prepared to see many fellow hikers on this casual hike, but the reason for its popularity is the proximity to town. The 283-foot waterfall is Insta-worthy, as is the scenery along the way.
Sun Valley, ID
Hike: Proctor Hike
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Known For: You’ll find plenty of fit locals on this popular lunch-time hike. Easily accessed from town, get your heart rate up and legs pumping on steep vertical terrain. At the top, take in unforgettable views of Bald Mountain (known for one of the first world’s first chairlifts, which is also visible).