Son of Middle Creek Trail

The Son of Middle Creek Trail is located in Vail, Colorado. You can access it from Exit 176 for Vail. It's part of a larger network of trails, offering connections to routes like the North Trail and Red Sandstone Road.

This trail is generally considered moderate for hiking. It features varied terrain, including singletrack sections, and ascends a hillside, offering both climbs and descents. You'll pass through pine, aspen, and grasslands, with some areas of spruce and fir forest, as well as lodgepole pine. While some sections of forest have been affected by pine bark beetles, there are still spectacular aspen groves.

Yes, the trail is subject to a seasonal wildlife closure from April 15 to June 20 to protect deer and elk during calving season. The best time to hike outside of this closure is typically late spring through fall, when the trail is free of snow and the weather is pleasant. Fall offers spectacular aspen colors.

As you ascend, you'll enjoy great views of Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail. The trail also offers vistas of the Vail Valley through aspen and pine forests. After crossing a bridge over Middle Creek, you'll enter a cool spruce and fir forest. Keep an eye out for the spectacular aspen groves, especially in autumn.

The initial mile of the trail, leading to the bridge over Middle Creek within the spruce and fir forest, is noted as a great destination for families. Beyond that, the trail becomes more challenging with significant elevation gain, making it more suitable for intermediate hikers.

Yes, the route connects with other trails in the area. While on the Son of Middle Creek Trail, you may also encounter sections of the Gore Valley Trail and the North Trail, allowing for longer loops or varied routes.

The trail is generally dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Always pack out any waste.

The Son of Middle Creek Trail is located within the White River National Forest. Generally, there are no entrance fees for day hiking on trails within the National Forest. However, always check the official White River National Forest website for any specific regulations or permit requirements that might apply to certain activities or areas.

This is a shared-use trail popular not only for hiking but also for mountain biking and horseback riding. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially mountain bikers who may be moving at higher speeds. Hikers should yield to horses, and mountain bikers should yield to both hikers and horses.

The hike involves a significant elevation gain of approximately 473 meters (about 1,550 feet) as you ascend, with some descents along the way. The trail starts at around 8,259 feet and reaches up to 9,677 feet.

Based on its distance and elevation gain, a typical hike on this trail can take approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.