Cougar Ridge

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers

Note: this trail was rebuilt (through October 2020) and is MUCH better than it used to be!

Starting from the Grand Traverse trail, pass Vail's helpful sign warning you of impending doom (no lift service, etc).

Fantastic singletrack slowly winds down the ridge, mostly through meadows and dying pine forest. It's a smooth, easy, gentle hike up and down for quite a ways to the end of the ridge, where there's a 100-yard spur path down to a rocky outcropping. Fantastic views abound. You can see the "Lionshead" rock formation if you look down and to the right.

Back on the trail, the grade eases up and the trail is in much better shape. Enjoy nice forested, wide trail to the Game Creek trail junction. Cross the stream, and follow that trail to the end.