Upper Piney Lake

Upper Piney Lake is a crystal-clear alpine lake nestled in the mountains near Vail in Eagle County, consistently rated as one of the most stunning natural spots in the area. With a 4.9-star rating, it earns near-unanimous praise from visitors for its dramatic mountain backdrop, wildflower-filled meadows, and wildlife sightings that include moose, bears, and eagles.

Hiking is the main draw at Upper Piney Lake. The Upper Piney Trail is a 5.9-mile out-and-back route that starts near the lake and climbs through alpine meadows to Piney Falls, a cascading waterfall at the trail's end. The hike takes roughly 3 to 4 hours round trip and is rated moderate, manageable for children as young as four and beginner hikers, though there are exposed roots, muddy sections during snowmelt, and a mile of direct sun exposure before reaching tree cover. The trail passes through three switchbacks and crosses numerous small spring-fed streams. Waterproof hiking shoes are recommended, especially in June when snowmelt makes the trail wet. The meadow section along the creek is full of wildflowers in July and holds trout for anglers.

Piney River Ranch operates at the lake during summer, typically mid-June through late September. The ranch offers canoe and kayak rentals, a restaurant with burgers and beers, a gift shop, and restroom facilities. Boat rentals close by 4 PM and the ranch may close early for private events like weddings. When the ranch is closed for the season, there are no public restrooms at the trailhead. Fishing and canoeing on the lake are permitted, and the clear waters and mountain reflections make for a memorable paddle.

Getting to Upper Piney Lake requires driving a rough unpaved road for about an hour from Vail. The road is passable in passenger cars if you drive slowly, but higher-clearance vehicles and AWD or 4WD are recommended. Multiple reviewers made the drive in sedans and rental cars successfully, though they describe it as bumpy and nerve-wracking. The parking area near the lake fills up fast during summer, with Epic Adventure tour buses adding to the congestion. Arriving before 11 AM is strongly advised to secure parking.

The lake stays around 70 degrees in summer while the Vail Valley below hits the 80s, making it a cool mountain escape. Wildlife is abundant, with moose, young bears, and eagles spotted across the lake. The area closes for the season at the end of September, so plan visits between mid-June and late September. A small primitive campsite exists just before the Piney Lake Ranch gate for those wanting to stay overnight.