“Someday you may be able to ride your bike from Vail to Denver if a proposed recreation path over Vail Pass becomes a reality.”

– The Vail Trail November 9, 1973

Sometimes all it takes is a vision. Sometimes it takes a vision and years of hard work, persistence and the right partners. The Eagle Valley Trail and broader history of Vail Pass, Interstate 70 and the Vail Pass Trail falls under the latter. With a history spanning from before the 1940s to present day, the vision of this continuous trail has nearly come to life, and it’s exciting to be part of the story.

  • 1940–1973

    Thanks to Charles “Charley” Vail's vision, Interstate 70 over Vail Pass finally became a reality, paving the way for transportation to the mountains.

  • 1974–1995

    Once a bike community, always a bike community. Citizens of Vail advocated for the construction of the Vail Pass Trail. Twenty seven miles were completed by 1980.

  • 1996–2000

    The ECO tax was created to fund mass transportation improvements, 10% of revenues from that tax were designated for development of a county-wide trails system.

  • 2001–2005

    Significant and challenging portions of the Eagle Valley Trail were completed during this time, thanks to the ECO tax, government funding and grants.

  • 2006–2010

    Improvements and new portions were completed from Gypsum to Vail. Finishing the section between Gypsum and Eagle created an important connection for the two communities.

  • 2011–2013

    The 403-acre Horn Ranch Conservation and Recreation project was a $3.6 million acquisition and is considered an important part of the Eagle Valley Trail.

  • 2014–Present

    In addition to completing crucial trail segments, Eagle County Commissioners secured an additional $22 million in funding. Fundraising and marketing for the final sections began in 2022.

Read the Full History Here