Top 10 Secret Spots Only Locals Know About in Vail, Colorado

Hidden Gems, Local Secrets & Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Vail, Colorado may be best known for its world-class skiing, luxury resorts, and charming alpine village — but beyond the brochures and gondola lines lies a different Vail. One that locals hold close. From secret hiking trails to quiet meadows, hidden waterfalls, and unforgettable off-road adventures, these are the places that visitors rarely discover — unless they know where to look.

Here are 10 of the best local secrets in Vail — including Vail 4x4 Tours' Top of the Rockies Jeep Trip, one of the most scenic adventures in Colorado.

1. Grouse Lake Trail

🌲 Wild, Rugged, and Wonderfully Quiet

Tucked just south of Minturn (a short drive from Vail), this steep but beautiful trail leads to Grouse Lake — a hidden alpine lake surrounded by rugged cliffs and pines. It’s a favorite among locals for fishing, solitude, and sunrise hikes.

• Distance: ~9 miles round trip

• Why locals love it: You’ll rarely see more than a few hikers.

• Info: AllTrails: Grouse Lake
  

2. East Vail Waterfalls

💦 A Tucked-Away Waterfall Wonderland

East Vail is home to a collection of lesser-known waterfalls, like Booth Creek Falls (popular), but also hidden gems like Deluge Falls and Gore Creek cascades. Locals know where to go for peace and epic photo ops without the crowds.

• Best time to visit: Late spring through fall

• Insider tip: Ask a local at the East Vail trailhead where the “hidden” falls are.
  

3. Vail 4x4 Tours – Top of the Rockies Jeep Trip

🚙 The Ultimate Backcountry Experience

Locals know that some of the best views in Vail can't be reached by foot or car. That’s where Vail 4x4 Tours comes in. Their Top of the Rockies Jeep adventure takes you high above the tree line for 360° views of Mount of the Holy Cross, the Gore Range, and the Continental Divide.

• Why it's a local favorite: Access remote spots that even long-time hikers haven’t reached

• Great for: Families, photographers, and anyone who wants a wild Colorado experience

• More info & booking: www.vail4x4tours.com
  

4. Meadow Mountain

⛰️ The Secret Sunset Spot

Located just outside Minturn, this trail offers one of the best views of Vail Valley at golden hour — without the crowds of Vail Mountain. It’s also a popular spot for locals to snowshoe and backcountry ski in winter.

• Local tip: Bring a picnic and watch the sunset over the Gore Range.

• Trail info: AllTrails: Meadow Mountain Trail
  

5. The Secret Sauna

🔥 A Hidden Riverfront Retreat

This one’s a true local legend. Somewhere along the banks of Gore Creek in East Vail, there’s a wood-fired sauna tucked into the trees. Built and maintained by locals, it’s a bring-your-own-wood experience — and not officially marked.

• We won’t spoil the exact location — but ask a bartender in Vail Village and you might get a hint.

• Respect the space: Pack it in, pack it out, and leave it better than you found it.
  

6. Red Cliff + The Green Bridge

🏞️ Hidden History and Wild West Vibes

Just 25 minutes from Vail, the tiny town of Red Cliff is full of charm and Old Colorado history. Locals love grabbing a burger at Mango’s and snapping photos at the iconic steel arch bridge.

• Where to eat: Mango’s Mountain Grill

• Don’t miss: The old mining road through town, especially in the fall.
  

7. Piney River’s Hidden Trails

🐾 Beyond the Canoes and Cameras

While Piney Lake is no secret, the lesser-traveled trails beyond it — like Upper Piney Falls and the backcountry toward Mount Powell — are local favorites for wildlife watching, fishing, and total solitude.

• Local tip: Bring bug spray and give yourself time — the road to Piney is rough.

• More info: Piney River Ranch
  

8. The Minturn Mile

🎿 Legendary Locals-Only Ski Run

Ok, this one’s for winter — but it’s so iconic we had to include it. The Minturn Mile is an off-piste backcountry run from Vail Mountain down into the town of Minturn. Locals ski it, grab a drink at the Saloon, and hitchhike or Uber back.

• Important: Only for expert skiers with avalanche gear — or go with a guide

• Après spot: The Minturn Saloon
  

9. North Trail System

🚶 Hidden Right in Plain Sight

While most visitors stick to the front-side trails on Vail Mountain, locals love the North Trail system — a network of quiet switchbacks, sweeping vistas, and excellent wildlife spotting.

• Access points: Near Red Sandstone Road and Sandstone Elementary School

• More info: North Trail Overview
  

10. The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum

🏔️ History Hidden Downtown

Tucked into the Vail Village parking structure, this hidden museum tells the story of Vail’s roots, the 10th Mountain Division, and the rise of skiing in Colorado. Locals love it — and it’s free!

• Website: www.snowsportsmuseum.org

• Good for: Rainy days, families, or après ski history buffs

  
  

Wrapping It Up

Vail’s beauty is undeniable, but its true magic lies in the places just off the radar. Whether it’s a high-mountain Jeep tour, a secret hiking trail, or a riverside sauna passed down by word of mouth, these hidden gems give you a chance to experience the real Vail — the one locals call home.

Want help planning your off-the-beaten-path Vail adventure? Check out Vail4x4Tours.com to reserve a seat on their “Top of the Rockies” Jeep tour and see why locals never stop exploring their own backyard. 🌄