Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Vail Valley Bike, Hike and Outdoor Adventures Magazine . DISTANCE: 5.3 miles to the Line Shack summit, 10.
3 miles including Whiskey Creek and Everkrisp ACTIVITIES: Biking and hiking RATING: Intermediate to advanced TIME: 1.5-2 hours by bike ELEVATION GAIN: 2,000 feet TYPE: Mostly Singletrack with some doubletrack SEASON: Whiskey Creek closed Nov. 23 through June 20.
Best from mid-summer to late fall PARKING: Park at the U.S. Forest Service station on Highway 6 and 24, just off the Minturn exit of Interstate 70.
DESCRIPTION: See a lesser-known side of the Vail Valley on this beautiful and strenuous route, located between Minturn and EagleVail. Known as a lettuce farming area through the 1920s, the property changed hands among different ski resort developers until 1979, when it became public land. From the Forest Service station, head up the doubletrack road and settle in for a long, non-technical climb.
You’ll pass the Half Nelson trail (1 mile) and the Full Nelson trail (2.75 miles) — keep right and continue climbing to reach Whiskey Creek. You’ll wonder if it ever ends, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
The VVMTA rerouted sections of the old doubletrack road in 2021, turning it into a sustainable, fun, and shaded singletrack. You’ll know you’re at the top when you reach an old hunter’s cabin known as the Line Shack. This is a great place to enjoy the surroundings and have a snack and a drink.
Descend Meadow Mountain on Whiskey Creek, a high-quality downhill route that was long closed to cyclists because the trail crossed private property. However, since the VVMTA built the Everkrisp trail, mountain bikers can once again bomb down this trail, which features dense forests, open meadows and rock and root obstacles to keep you on your toes. Whisky Creek eventually ends, intersecting with the Everkrisp Trail.
Turning left at this intersection takes you 2 miles, ending high up in the EagleVail neighborhood and intersecting with the Stone Creek trail and EagleVail trail. Taking a right at this intersection takes you 2 miles through some mesmerizing aspen stands and back to the Forest Service station in Minturn Hikers can use the Meadow Mountain climb to connect to a number of popular hiking trails, including access to wilderness on Grouse Creek, or take Whiskey Creek for a longer outing. Lower Meadow Mountain is also a great spot for snowshoeing and ski touring in the winter months.
Instead of parking at the U.S. Forest Service lot, park at Vail Brewing Co.
a couple miles down U.S. Highway 6.
At the end of your ride, enjoy some authentic Vail Valley craft beer and some bites from the Rocky Mountain Taco truck at this popular spot. You’ve earned it after that lung buster of a climb..
