Booth Falls
A steep East Vail climb through aspens and wildflowers to a 60-foot waterfall in the Gore Range.
About Booth Falls
Booth Falls is the reward at about the two-mile mark of the Booth Lake Trail in East Vail. The trail climbs steadily up the Booth Creek drainage into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, through aspen groves and open, flower-filled slopes, to a roughly 60-foot waterfall pouring over a rock band.
Most people turn around at the falls for a round trip of about 4 miles and around 1,400 feet of gain. Stronger hikers can keep going to Booth Lake, a high basin under the jagged Gore Range, about 4.6 miles one way from the trailhead.
It is one of the most popular hikes in the Vail area, which has led the Town of Vail to limit parking at the trailhead. Plan on taking the free bus.
A 4.2-mile out-and-back near Vail, moderately challenging with a genuine payoff at the falls themselves. Best May through October, dogs welcome on leash — peak snowmelt in late spring gives you the most dramatic water volume if a powerful falls shot is what you're after.
History
The trail climbs into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, created by Congress in 1976 to protect the rugged Gore Range in the White River National Forest. Booth Creek drains a hanging valley carved by glaciers, and the falls mark one of the steps where the creek drops out of that upper valley toward Gore Creek and the Vail valley.
Photographing Booth Falls
Best light: Morning is best: you beat the crowds, and the falls are less likely to be in harsh, contrasty sun. Peak runoff in June gives the most water, mid-July brings wildflowers on the open slopes below the falls, and late September lights up the aspens.
Shots to look for
- The full drop of Booth Falls from the overlook area, with a wide lens and a 1/2 to 1 second exposure
- Wildflowers on the open hillside below the falls with the Vail valley and Gore Creek drainage behind
- Tight crops of water cascading over the rock lip with a telephoto
- Aspen groves on the lower trail in fall, backlit by morning sun
- If you continue, Booth Lake beneath the Gore Range spires in early light
Photo tips
- Spray drifts from the falls in early summer — keep a lens cloth handy
- Bring an ND filter; the falls are often in mixed light by midday
- Stay back from the edge near the falls; the rock is wet and steep
- Start early on summer weekends to have the falls to yourself
Know before you go
- In 2026 the Town of Vail closed the Booth Falls trailhead lot for the season and banned parking in the surrounding neighborhood — use the free Vail bus East Vail route (only service dogs ride the bus). Check current rules before you go
- Vail enforces parking violations near the trailhead with higher fines than elsewhere in town
- The trail enters the Eagles Nest Wilderness — wilderness regulations apply
- The climb is steep from the start; take it slow at altitude
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Booth Falls?
About 4 miles round trip with roughly 1,400 feet of elevation gain. The falls are at about the two-mile mark.
Where do you park for Booth Falls?
Trailhead parking has been restricted by the Town of Vail, and in 2026 the lot was closed for the season. Take the free Vail bus on the East Vail route and check current rules before you go.
How tall is Booth Falls?
The waterfall drops about 60 feet.
Featured in: Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado · Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Combine it with
Booth Lake · Vail Village · Gore Creek · Vail Pass
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: denvergazette.com · cmc.org · 10adventures.com · realvail.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.