Read more Squaw Creek. Best Things to do in Vail, Colorado. The 12 Best Hikes Near Breckenridge. Special to the Daily. With an array of different types of hiking and backpacking trails in the area for all levels of skills and abilities, it’s no wonder why scores of people flock there during the summer. 3. Buena Vista is known for its beautiful mountain views, excellent rafting, kayaking and SUPing on the Arkansas River, camping, fly-fishing, and of course, the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. This incredibly scenic hike is one of the most unique spots in the state, and also home to some of Colorado’s prettiest waterfalls. 601 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO 81657 | (970) 479-2291. Sims Market & Liquor store is conveniently located at Pitkin right here in East Vail, just . 2) Interstate 70 has signs posted regarding use of snow chains (9/1-5/31 for commercial vehicles). The 54. From the property, you’ll be moments away from restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and the Golden Peak ski lift. Hiking Trails. Here are a few must-have accessories for your Vail summer adventure: 1. And while birds may have the best vantage point, we humans can reach some spectacular summits on our own two feet. Hiking and Backpacking Vail summer activities offer miles of scenic hiking trails for all ability levels. The variety along the trail was impressive, with frequent views up into higher country starting after about two miles. the first turn in the road. Length: 3. Length: 5. Make your way to one of the mountain’s eight hiking trails or 17 bike trails. Scenic Gondola Ride. R. Be it winter or summer, Vail Mountain Resorts has a wide range of activities in store for families—from skiing, hiking, biking, and many more. Atmosphere 5. The best times to visit Vail are December to March and June to September. The road up to the trailhead was a tad stressful in. Times can also be: 9am-1pm, 10 am – 2 pm, 11am-3pm, or 3-6:30pm Wine & Cheese. Special to the Daily. Book. White River National Forest. Best New Hiking Products for Late Summer and Early Fall. in Vail Ski Resort #3. Rock climbing, mountain biking, ATV and snowmobile trails radiate in all directions. 4 Eagle Ranch just west of Vail offers winter horseback rides, as well as sleigh rides. Boasting 5,289 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 3,450 feet and 31 lifts, the Vail Ski Resort is massive. Steamboat Springs Visitor Center. Located at an altitude of 8,200 feet, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the world’s highest botanical garden. 0. Nestled within the stunning Rocky. All of their power at the Ranch is run by a generator. If you’re planning a multi day trip it is possible to ski both resorts, but I’d recommend choosing only one for trips 4 days or shorter. (May 26, 2021) – With parking restrictions to address overcrowding and safety concerns beginning June 2 at popular trailheads in the Vail area, the Town of Vail and the White River National Forest encourage hikers to Bus It to Hike It. The Luxury Plaza rooms are made for your comfort, providing rich estate-level furnishings. Blue skies for days, great food, loads of hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewings, wildflowers, fishing, whitewater rafting – there’s no limit to ways to enjoy the Rocky Mountains. 876. 3. If you don’t want to backpack, park a car at each access point for a nice long day trip. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Deluge lake trail (east vail) · 4. Cost: Adult $36, Child (5-12) $18, Adult with Lunch Ticket $42. 5 miles until a junction with the Notch Mountain Trail. Vail’s wide variety of terrain and 5,317 skiable acres provide a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone. Vail Hiking Explore a variety of trails surrounding Vail on a classic full or half-day hike. Discover our curated list of the top nine hikes in the Vail Valley, including the best hikes for waterfalls, views and wildlife spotting. 707. 10. Whitewater Rafting. Vail. The Triumph Guide The Top 9 Hikes in Vail We love day hikes in the Vail Valley. Visitors can bike along the water on the flat Gore Creek Recreation. Sunset Hike Near Vail. VAIL@ HIKING MAP Easiest Hiking Trail Easy Hiking Trail Moderate Hiking Trail Moderate/Difficult Hiking Trail Multi-Use Trails (see Nate) Serv. This iconic ski area now has more summer activities than winter! The resort towns of Vail, Avon, Edwards, and Beaver Creek offer more than 100 activities—mountain biking, hiking, tubing, archery, ropes courses, climbing, paddling, fishing, shopping, picnics, discovery centers, daily kids’ camps and more. Aspen, my pick for the best of the three. Similar to Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek also hosts a variety of summer activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and scenic chairlift rides, among other outdoor adventures. From zip-lining canopy tours to bungee trampolines, there's something for adrenaline. Being off summits by 11:30 AM is a good bit of advice. Travelers' Choice. the first turn in the road. The trails in East Vail, West Vail, and on Vail Mountain provide gorgeous hiking along mountain streams, past waterfalls, through aspen forests and much more. Vail is located in Eagle County, Colorado with 1. Make sure you check out our newest dedicated. 2. While. Vail Valley. 622 m. Crystal Lake in White River National Forest. Show only these on map. Always a. Approximate elevation gain: 630 feet. From the Three Elk Trailhead you'll go south along the old logging road. Explore the wildflowers, catch a glimpse of wildlife, and enjoy the amazing views of the. A llama lunch is one of the unique things to do in Vail in the summer! We brought our two adorable llama friends, Roberto and Trace, to Camp Hale National Monument. This year, the road is in rough shape so plan accordingly and select your vehicle carefully. 851. Elevation Gain 318 ft. Blue Lakes trail starts above tree line at 11,748 feet and in 2. Located in the heart of Vail in Lionshead Village, this adventure park is accessible via the Eagle Bahn Gondola (Gondola 19). Value 3. 4. The food has rustic, bold and honest flavors, focusing on the purest ingredients in the Rocky Mountain region. Try Some. By FredTep. From the trailhead, hike 2. Mount of the Holy Cross is located on the northern end of the Sawatch Range of Central Colorado. Biking around Horsetooth Reservoir. Kaitlin Muro. 1. Fireweed Trail. There is parking on the road for overflow. 3 million tourists visiting each year. Storms Pass & Estes Cone Trails. 00 / person Ages 6-12: $40. Atmosphere 5. By nelsonm88. Photo by trip reporter Wild Side. Vail in Colorado is our hometown. However, the 3,000 feet climb is worth trying as you’ll see lakes, waterfalls and aspen forests along the way up. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. This beginner. Knock out two summits plus a scrambly class 3 traverse on this high-flying loop. Though Vail itself possesses plenty of stunning hikes, the Overlook Trail in Beaver Creek, just a 10-minute drive to the West. Hiking Booth Falls Trail in Vail, Colorado. The trail is literally breathtaking, beginning at 10,350 feet and meandering across the top of the resort eventually connecting with Ptarmigan. although most people will be content with a trail run or hike on the nearby network of approach routes. to 5 p. Hanging Lake is a short hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 3. Reinvigorate with a massage at the Bloom Spa and seamlessly adjust to the altitude at The Recovery Suite. A beautiful wooded trail between Eagle’s Nest (Eagle Bahn Gondola) and Mid-Vail (Gondola One). Check out our berry-picking tips below, and get inspired with our list of 20 perfect hikes for seeking out a mouthful of berry bliss on trail. Saturday, Oct. Walk, bike, or run along the path to take in the gorgeous autumnal leaves. Vail Valley Music Festival Classical Music at its Best 3 Hot Summer Nights Hot Summer Nights Concert Series Annual FREE. 2. Upper Piney River Falls/Piney Lake. For beginners, we suggest Berrypicker, a trail that starts in Lionshead and takes you to the top of Vail Mountain. 3. For a more mellow activity, you can't go wrong with a hike on one of Vail's gorgeous trails. These are the top hikes near Breckenridge and beyond that feature beautiful blooms. VAIL, Colo. Trail Type: loop. 1: Squaw Creek Full Day Hike, $80. Sylvan Lake State Park. Type: Out & back. Vail, Colorado 81657. 5. Perfect for kids that are a little older or put younger children in a kid carrier. It is on a flat surfaced gravel and paved path so also great for jogging or a bike ride. Difficulty: Challenging. Hunter Creek- get a good maps as there will be choices for spurs, easy to access for downtown, you can take a bus to near the trailhead or drive or even hike. It prides itself as one of the best ski destinations in the world with terrains catering to beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers. Berry Picker Trail is one of our favorite trails going up the Vail Mountain. Wander around Vail Village. You can also check out the Summer Trail Maps on the Vail website for more options and information. It's a busy trail, so be considerate. Hiking here is one of the most popular summer activities in Vail, with hikes ranging from easy treks to difficult backcountry ascents. James Peak Wilderness. Upper Piney River Falls Trail is a 5. Trail Stats | Pitkin Lake Trail. Vail has a variety of hiking that offer gorgeous views of the valley, waterfalls, and Aspen trees. The area’s flagship trail is the one to Crater Lake from Monarch, hands down one of the best hikes in Colorado. The trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of the Gore Range, slowly climbs up 213 m, spread over 4. Gondola One (#1) and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) are operating from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from September 8th to October 1st, 2023. 4453) VAIL SPORTS Vail Sports (C5) (D5) Vail Resorts Retail is a full-service bike shop for. Make your way to one of the mountain’s eight hiking trails or 17 bike trails. The restaurant in this charming farmhouse near the entrance of Beaver Creek makes some of the best French food in town, and has done so for over 40 years. No trace on the trail. This 13,077-foot summit offers incredible views of Mount of the. Difficulty: Challenging. 5. Aspen’s average home price is the second-highest in the state. Fitness Center. Advertiser disclosure. Golfing. 2. Gore Creek Path Spanning 1. Located conveniently in the Lionshead district of Vail, Lion Square Lodge East 310A is located 3. Gardens. Vail also has plenty of upscale accommodations, restaurants, and shops. 4 miles, so this short, easy hike is a great choice for beginners. Breckenridge gets a score of 34 for biking, and it does have some biking infrastructure, which should make it easier for you to get around. Photo credit: Town of Vail/ Jack Affleck. The best times to visit Vail are December to March and June to September. Distance from Denver: 1 hour 30 minutes. The area offers incredible views of rivers, valleys, untouched aspen grove forests, and the steep rocky peaks of the Gore Range. The Clayton Lake Trail is an unofficial, undesignated trail that ascends steeply from the creek to the lake. In the early fall the spectacular Fireweed flower is brightly in bloom. Jack Affleck / Getty Images. The new Vail Village taproom of 7 Hermits shares space with Crespelle, a crêperie at the very top of Bridge Street (directly across from the flaming. With an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet, this trail isn’t super steep and leads to a beautiful mountain lake. (May 26, 2021) – With parking restrictions to address overcrowding and safety concerns beginning June 2 at popular trailheads in the Vail area, the Town of Vail and the White River National Forest encourage hikers to Bus It to Hike It. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Amy. Book Your Stay. Go on a food tour. It makes for a fun day hike, but hikers should be ready for a very steep hike that provides a real workout. Best fall hike near Vail: The Overlook Trail. ”. So you can take 3 gondolas, the two at vail and the one at beaver. The trail offers wildflowers, scenic views, and views of Quandary Peak. Sage Outdoor Adventures. It features the woods, mountains, the Bear Creek waterfalls and a lake as well. Gondola One in Vail Village is open from 9:30 a. Booth Falls Trail This 3. Thursday, Oct. You can easily get to Gore Creek Path via driving, walking, or. Throughout Vail and the other surrounding towns, there’s endless trails for drinking in the fresh mountain air, spotting wildlife and witnessing wildflowers and gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see. A lot of people like skiing and snowboarding, but there are also a lot of things to do in Vail that make it an exciting place to visit. Berry Picker is easily one of the best hikes in Vail, Colorado. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Taking riders 10,000 feet up, from your comfortable seat you will be able to snap photos of flower-filled meadows, color-changing aspen trees, and snowcapped mountain peaks, depending on the time of year. Both are great - and Vail is closer to Denver - but I think especially in the summer - Aspen offers more. You’ll find all sorts of summer fun and activities here. Holy Cross and the surrounding. Vail, AZ. While you have a greater diversity. [See Map] #15 in Best Hotels in Vail, CO. 1. Choose from the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing hills, zipline, bungee trampolines, mini golf, and climbing wall, or simply access Vail Mountain’s huge variety of hiking trails. It's a long, slow, bumpy dirt road drive, but a beautiful meandering hike. Flying into Vail from Florida, we felt the altitude a wee bit on our first day. The trail steeply winds through meadows of wildflowers (which are the ski runs during winter), aspen groves, and pine stands. Explore Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided experiences that engage both the body and the mind. Embarking on the best summer hikes in Vail Colorado is a truly unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. 5 miles round-trip. The Best Vail Hiking Trails (for Kids) Advertisement Welcome to ThinkVail – We hope you find this article about the best Vail hiking trails for kids helpful. Skiing the Legendary Back Bowls on Vail Mountain. Image: Zach Mahone. Llama Trekking Details: Vail to Aspen Interconnect Itinearary Hike with the companionship of a llama willing to share the burden of your gear. 9-mile round-trip. Parking for this trailhead is shared with the Mountain Top Historical Society buildings. In Conclusion. Location: Vail. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National. Vail Music Festival’s resident orchestras include the New York Philharmonic. 9-mile round-trip. 8 miles. December through March and June through September are the best times to visit Vail. Summer storms tend to build around 1 PM and hit most afternoons between 2 PM – 4 PM. Red Rock Canyon – Colorado Springs. In the summer, visitors to Vail can hike the mountain ranges and explore the valley below. #4 in Best Places to Hike in the USA. Whether biking down the mountain, or along the bike path with the river rushing by, biking is sure to be a favorite Vail Colorado summer activity. Just thirty minutes from the Vail Ski Resort, this trail takes you through pine meadows full of wildflowers, ponds, and pine forests until you get to the top of Shrine Mountain. 11 in 30 in. Head out on this 2. . For beginners, we suggest Berrypicker, a trail that starts in Lionshead and takes you to the top of Vail Mountain. 5 Enjoy the Vail Farmers Market. Elevation Gain: 393 feet. North Trail. Vail is home to a wealth of stunning hikes – many of which don’t see as much traffic as other nearby places like Breckenridge. 7 (5154) #1 - Booth Falls Eagles Nest Wilderness Length: 3. Days 1 & 2. The trail offers a number of activity options and is. Family Biking through Downtown Vail. com recommend several popular national parks in Colorado. Elevation Gain: 864. Long a favorite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. You’ll find plenty of high-end hotels and restaurants in town. k. This trail is a quick & easy way to see some of the best scenery Vail has to offer! Eagle’s Loop starts. Another popular hike without the elevation gain is the Village Loop. Explore all 5,300+ acres of Legendary Terrain at the second largest single mountain resort in North America with the help of our trail maps. A backpacking favorite where you can spend a day—or a week—exploring the wonders of this alpine landscape. Nothing a little hydration and fresh air couldn’t fix. Hartman Park. Salmonberries can be yellow or orange, but later in the season go to a deep red. , Gore Creek Path is one of the best easy hikes near Vail for families. Featuring: 16 eateries. Print/PDF map. Best scenic hike. From the easy 1-mile day hikes to overnight treks, there's a beautiful hike in Vail Valley for every aptitude and fitness level. 2-3h. Pajamas. $25-$40 Nightly Resort Fee. Moderate • 4. 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Vail, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Difficulty: hard. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. Best things to do in Vail in summer. Best Early Summer Activities in Vail Hiking on Vail Mountain and in the White River National Forest. this secluded hideaway is perhaps one of Vail’s. 💻 Best for Business – The Hythe. 9 (7021) White River National Forest. 4 miles Located just off I-70, about 2. Gore Creek/Lake Trails (East Vail) The beauty of the Gore Creek/Lake Trail is that you can go for as short or long as you like. -6ºF 79ºF. A 12-mile round trip hike that gains more than 3,400 vertical feet as it climbs to the summit. Another one of the best hikes in Vail to see fall colors is Meadow Mountain in Minturn, CO. Blue Lakes Trail. Elevation gain: About 400 feet. For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes – including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. Certain. Harvard Lakes are two small beautiful lakes hidden at the base of Mt Columbia. Easy to get to; just get off at Vail Pass exit and continue up packed dirt road that any vehicle can handle. Hiking the First Flatiron in Boulder Open Space is a challenging hike but it’s only a 2. Find summer activities in Vail, plan fun family outings including hiking, golf, fishing, and more! Hike, golf, fish, and more at Vail. Lost Lake Trail. 👪 Best for Families – Lion Square Lodge. Distance: 1. Vail Easy Hikes. 4. Free Nature Hikes and Snowshoe Tours are also offered from the Nature Discovery. Welcome to Hike Vail, your one-stop-shop for getting information on hiking in the Vail area! Start your hiking journey in Vail with Vail Mountain trails!; East Vail trails (Booth Lake, Deluge Lake, Gore Creek, and Bighorn Creek) are getting overwhelmed by visitors and the trails are becoming diminished, we suggest finding alternatives to these. During the summer months, Vail Mountain features nearly fifty miles of winding downhill trails for mountain. Hiking Booth Falls Trail in Vail, Colorado. m. 2023. Quiet walks along Gore Creek or hikes up Vail Mountain are steps away from the front door. Permit: No. It prides itself as one of the best ski destinations in the world with terrains catering to beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers. 2h 30m. Enjoy these Vail Valley hikes and slip out the door and onto the trail with brilliant ease. Best access points are at the Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon Bikeway parking lot or the trailhead off C. 2 miles out-and-back, 3 miles each way to Elk Park for wildflowers. With miles and miles of trails to explore in the Colorado mountains, Vail Valley’s local hikes are some of the most beautiful and accessible in the state. 7. Length: 9. I embarked on the Berrypicker Trail, a steep but well-marked hiking route that began in Lionshead and took me up to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. 18 in. While the other hikes on this list showcase the frosty wonderland that Colorado becomes in winter, Mount Sanitas tends to remain mostly snow-free (Image credit: Mike Ries) Distance: 2. Lionshead Welcome Center. Read more For other great great hiking options in Vail, check out our post –> Top 5 Best Hikes in Vail, Colorado (do note, many of these hikes are best in summer) Ice Climbing: Ice climbing is another rad outdoor activity you can do in Vail besides skiing in the winter. You’ll find plenty of high-end hotels and restaurants in town. GO. This trail provides access to a viewing platform and also leads to the base of the waterfall. Situated in the stunning Mount Robson Provincial Park, the trailhead for this easy round-trip hike to gorgeous Kinney Lake lies 3km (1. It makes for a great family hike because of the shade of the ponderosa pines and the nearby playground at this hike in Fox Run Regional Park. Vail Valley. Hiking. Parking is available on the right just before the turn. The 5 yr-old ran out of gas before the lake, but no complaints and the trail was very do-able for him. Whitewater parks: Confluence Park, Denver ; Clear Creek Whitewater Park ; Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park ; Gunnison Whitewater Park. Booth Falls: In the warmer months, this trail is a moderate path filled with views of rivers, valleys, and untouched forests, and in the winter, the Booth Falls hike becomes a difficult path best suited for experienced mountaineers. The Vail Farmers‘ Market and Art Show features something for everyone. Bathroom: No. Vail in Summer: 25 Best Things to Do (Off-Season) in CO 1. 6 miles. So we took it easy and rode the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lion’s Head up Vail Mountain. 8 miles, but rewards hikers with views of dancing golden. It is a moderate to difficult hike that would demand your time for at least 2. Keep in mind that this is a well-known summer hike, so start early to beat the crowds. Its adjustable features offer a unique set of rapids every year. Explore this 3. The gondolas operate in both the summer and winter seasons transporting riders to the many activities available on. Featuring: 7 eateries. The Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and the surrounding area. 00 / person. 7-star rating from 2,232 reviews. The main gathering area is known as Vail Village, a collection of European. Eagles Nest has all the hallmarks of an incredible Vail getaway. 5 hours west of Denver, Vail skews towards the luxury market, with most resorts garnering the 4-star and 5-star demographic. 4 mi • Est. Pitkin Lake is one of the best hikes in Vail Colorado. 0. B ASALT, Colo. Hiking Trails. See the vail summer trail map for all of the vail mountain hiking trails. 122 E Meadow Dr #9, Vail, CO. Vail is more of a resort. ** ALL DOGS. 3. Here are among the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs, in no particular order: 1. 5 miles out-and-back for panoramic views. 4 (5007) 14 items. Guided Backcountry Hikes Near Vail. Cathedral Lake is an ideal day hike for scoping out the region’s colorful leaves in the fall. Purchase your online. With 300 sunny days a year, Vail is the perfect. Marriott Hotels in Vail Destination Hotels & Resorts in Vail The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Vail. 15. For any high-altitude hike in Colorado, keep in mind these tips: Start early. Eagle’s Loop. San Isabel National Forest. Ken Ratcliff. North trail sections · 3. Whether biking down the mountain, or along the bike path with the river rushing by, biking is sure to be a favorite Vail Colorado summer activity. 2-mile hike brings visitors to a set of underdeveloped mineral hot springs. Hiking, Upper Piney River Falls Trail. 0. Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Whitewater Park. Logistics: Meet at Arrowhead Ski Area for your Private Llama Outing. Shrine Mountain is a very popular hike for good reasons. Summer Hut Trips. Bus route/stop: West Vail Green/Red Bus – Chamonix. Elevation: 246 feet. Get planning with our guides to the best stuff to do in Vail, Colorado and the best resorts to stay in Vail. Length: 5. Vail is home to some of the most beautiful hiking in Colorado. Located in the Colorado Rockies just 100 miles west of Denver, Vail’s delightful pedestrian. Claim to Fame: Vail is one of the most popular ski resorts in America and it is also home to numerous events, such as Burton US Open, Vail Resorts Snow Days, Bravo! Vail and the Vail Farmer’s Market & Art Show during the summer. Only Type 1 E bikes are permitted. 5 miles round-trip. 2. Epic Discovery is one of the best things to do in Vail in the summer, complete with adventure courses, ziplines, a. THE BEST WAY TO SKI SUMMER 2016 HIKING AND BIKING TRAIL GUIDE CHARGE YOUR WIRELESS DEVICE. Access the slopes of Vail directly from Grand Hyatt Vail via the on-site Chair #20. Length: 27. Subscribe: $29. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 24 min to complete. Address. Drink hot chocolate and watch the sun set over the bowls. Some activities I would suggest are the hot springs at Glenwood Springs (olympic size pool and great for kids), river rafting on the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon, taking the hike to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, or driving to Aspen and going to Maroon Bells, one of the most beautiful places in the state and great for an all day. west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile.