Grouse Trail System
The Grouse trailhead is the gateway to a web of short and long loops for riders, runners and hikers just outside Minturn. The suggested bike loop climbs West Grouse Creek, links across Half Nelson, Meadow Mountain and Full Nelson, then descends Grouse Lake and climbs Haymeadow before returning. Both West Grouse Creek and Grouse Lake serve up rocky, fast, technical downhill, so keep an eye out for hikers. Riders wanting an epic can tack on Meadow Mountain, Whiskey Creek and Everkrisp for the 20-mile, 4,500-foot Meadow Mountain MEGA.
10.2 mi
2,300 ft gain
1 hr 45 min
Advanced
Highlights
- Rocky, fast, technical descents on West Grouse Creek and Grouse Lake
- Holy Cross Wilderness access from the same trailhead
- Extendable into the 20-mile Meadow Mountain MEGA
- Newly expanded trailhead parking (2026)
Trailhead & parking
Grouse Creek Trailhead
Park at the Grouse Trailhead on Highway 6 and 24, about half a mile from I-70. The lot was expanded in spring 2026; if it's full, park across the street at Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea.
Directions- Season & conditions
- Late spring opening; best from mid-summer to late fall.
- About this data
- Distance, elevation, difficulty, time, season and parking are stated in the article. Trailhead coordinates from public map data.