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Piney River Trail (Upper), Vail

4.9
#4 of 7 in Trails in Vail
Hiking Trail · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park
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The view has astonished people for years; the experience is gorgeous enough to match it. Piney River Ranch is a breathtaking site for for any high country event; our Wedding Deck reaches out over the shimmering waters of Piney Lake at the base of the striking Gore Mountain Range, the perfect vista for a truly memorable event.

Piney River Ranch's fantastic staff will help you create a custom event (and a custom menu), whether you prefer a casual western theme, a formal event or something altogether unique. A slew of new, upscale amenities at Piney River Ranch include a full bar, ADA-compliant restroom facilities, bride and groom’s lounges and, of course, unparalleled views.

We also offer activities that all of your guests can enjoy including canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and fishing. So whether you’re planning an elaborate wedding, a Rocky Mountain retreat or a daylong family excursion, Piney River Ranch is equipped with the quality and exquisite beauty to make any event as memorable as the occasion itself.
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Piney River Trail (Upper) reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
19 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • The long, winding, bumpy, dirt road will eventually end at the lake. We encountered 3 weather systems along the way and a beaver sitting in a pot hole on the road. Bring bug spray, lots of water... 
    The long, winding, bumpy, dirt road will eventually end at the lake. We encountered 3 weather systems along the way and a beaver sitting in a pot hole on the road. Bring bug spray, lots of water...  more »
  • This has to be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Amazing! Every step is picturesque. The 6 mile, round-trip, trek is not particularly hard, but as Floridian flat-landers the altitude gave it.....  more
    This has to be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Amazing! Every step is picturesque. The 6 mile, round-trip, trek is not particularly hard, but as Floridian flat-landers the altitude gave it.....  more »
Google
  • 09/26/2021. Beautiful time day of the season. Unpaved road but super easy drive with our rubicon. Parked by Piney Lake. There is a gift shop and restaurants there and it was their last day of the season and planned to open again in mid June next year. Splendor fall colors throughout the drive and hiking trail. Wanted to rent a boat after our hike but they were closed by 4pm for the wedding.
  • I'm not sure why other reviewers said trail access isn't welcome at the lake, I never experienced this. Additionally, it was stated that there's no restrooms, also not true. So here's the review on the hike. We went during the snowmelt on June 26. There's a total of 3 switchbacks headed up and one from the summit of the hike down to the falls. There's no less than 20 small springs that you have to walk across. There's a decent amount of mud. Therefore waterproof hiking shoes should be a must at this time of the year. The trail isn't that heavily trafficked, but there's a decent amount of people. Dogs and children as young as 4 were seen on the trail. The views are amazing, however the waterfall was underwhelming in our opinion. If I had seen pictures I probably would have gone just for the best views which are from the start of the trail to the first switchback.

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