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Vail Valley Seasonal Trail Closures

Seasonal Wildlife Closures

Every spring and winter on Forest Service land, BLM in Eagle, Eagle Open Space, Eagle County Open Space, and the West Avon Preserve there are several trail closures that may alter bikers and hikers plans.

The primary reasons for the trail closures are deer and elk winter range, calving, and migration. Spring is a sensitive time of year for pregnant and nursing females. It is a fact that minimizing human disturbance with seasonal trail closures gives the animals time and space to nurse calves until they are strong enough to move with the herds.

Other partners such as Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Ski Area, Eagle County, West Avon Preserve, and several municipalities have seasons for the trails they are responsible for. Please visit their websites to ensure you are hiking/riding on open trails during the sensitive spring season. Some spring trail closures are for wildlife and others are to protect the trail tread during mud season.

Muddy trail conditions are another important reason for seasonal closures. Riding, hiking, running or horseback-riding on muddy trails can cause significant damage to trails that can be difficult and expensive to repair.

The closures are there for the protection of wildlife during the sensitive birthing period and to protect soils, vegetation, watershed and fisheries during the mud season. We ask that you respect the following closures out of concern for our natural environment. These closures are for all recreation activities including foot, horse and bicycle travel.

Forest Service Seasonal Trail Closures:

Beaver Creek Seasonal Trail Closures from May 6 – July 1

Eagle Seasonal Trail Closures:

December 1 – April 15

  • East Eagle (Pool & Ice, Dirt Surfer, Extra Credit, Dirt Surfer’s Love Child, & Redneck Extension)
    • *Closed to mechanized (bikes) and motorized use.  Open to foot and equestrian year round.

December 15 – April 15

Closed to all users: foot, bike, and motorized:

  • Third Loop of Haymaker *Closed until further notice due to the presence of a large elk herd. (as of 5/4/20)
  • Extra Credit *Closed until further notice due to the presence of a large elk herd. (as of 5/4/20)
  • Eagle Ranch – All trails including Lov Connection.
    • *Please follow current directional guidelines per Town of Eagle
    • Up:  2nd Gulch, 3rd Gulch, and Turniphead
    • Down: Mayer, Riddle, Wall, & Baileys (clockwise on Baileys)

January 16 – April 15

  • West Eagle – NO ACCESS from Eagle beginning December 15.  All trails must be accessed via Spring Creek Rd in Gypsum or Hardscrabble Rd until January 16 closure.
    • *Closed to mechanized (bikes) and motorized use.  Open to foot and equestrian year round.

West Avon Preserve Seasonal Trail Closures: December 15  – April 15

Other Seasonal Trail Closures:

December 1 – April 15

Learn More About Seasonal Trail Closures

For more information, please contact the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District office at 970-827-5715 or stop by during business hours M-F 8-12:30/1:30-4:30pm.

What Trails Are Open?

Muddy trails are always closed trails.  These trails are open (pending conditions):

Mountain Biking & Hiking Trails:

Hiking Trails Only:

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