Summer in the Vail Valley
Vail Valley locals are known for their active lifestyles all year round! Many have perfected their skills and have become experts at their passions. We have partnered with a number of these local outfitters to assist guests in a Vail Experience they won’t forget! These partnerships offer our guests a discounted rate during your stay with us. No matter when you visit, we promise that the Vail Valley has a marvelous selection of both outdoor and indoor activities to keep you coming back!
For your safety, consider downloading an app to help you with any self-lead hikes and bike rides. Trail Forks will offer trail maps and difficulty levels and Open Summit will give detailed information on expected weather for the day for your exact location.
Vail Hiking & Trail Running
East Vail hikes are for all types of trailblazers. Hiking is a great way to explore and discover the region’s flora, fauna and wildlife. Gore Creek Trail, Bighorn Trail, Pitkin Trail and Booth Creek Waterfall Trail are by far the most beautiful hiking trails in the Vail Valley – and are all within 2 miles of Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort. Taking the Vail Bus is the best way to get to the hikes here in East Vail.
Looking for more than just a “long walk”; One that has the scenic WOW and the peace and quiet the mountains are famous for? A quick car ride up to the rest stop on VAIL PASS has a GREAT family experience! Black Gore Lakes is very easy to get to and the whole family can enjoy this charming setting. Throw some kids fishing poles in the car for some added fun! Head west on I-70- exit at the Vail Pass Rest area, make a right and another right… and you’re there!
Cycling Vail Pass
Literally walk out the door and you are on one of the best road bike routes in the country. The path that leads riders up Vail Pass is FREE of motor vehicles – making it especially inviting. You can ride 35 miles on this trail all the way to Breckenridge while taking in stunning views and pushing your fitness to the limit. Sound like that’s too much for your and your group? Not to worry, let the Venture Sports guides give you a lift to the top and you can enjoy the ride all the way down! Let them know Vail Racquet Club sent you for the partner discount!
Golfing in Altitude
Highlighted by views of the Gore Mountain Range, Vail’s mountain-style, 18-hole course features unique fairways, smooth putting surfaces and a scenic layout amidst the White River National Forest. Recognized by Golf Digest as a “Top 100 Resort Course,” golfers enjoy watching their balls fly 10 percent farther in Vail’s high altitude environment, while they challenge themselves on greens that follow the Gore Creek and lay adjacent to the White River National Forest. The Vail Golf Course is just 2.8 miles west of the Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort.
See here for additional Vail golfing options.
Fishing
Fly fishing is wonderful year-round especially in the gold-medal pockets of Gore Creek beginning in East Vail. Bring your gear, or hire a fishing guide to show you the secret stashes and most productive flies.
See the “Vail Hiking & Trail Running” section above for a great family fishing adventure at Black Gore Lakes!
Kayak & Rafting
If paddling is your passion, we have plenty to keep you coming back. Intense early spring runoff gives way to a gentle flow which is great for beginners and even better for those looking for something to do during the summer in Vail. You’ll often see tubers as well during the warmest days of summer. Or opt for the experts to take you on a fun-filled rafting adventure!
Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery
Vail Mountain offers an array of summer adventures for the whole family to enjoy! Enjoy the gondola ride up to majestic heights then partake in some epic fun!
- Scenic Gondola Ride
- Gore Range Adventure Course
- Holy Cross Adventure Course
- Eagle’s Nest Tubing
- Forest Flying Mountain Coaster
- Paramount Peak Climbing Wall
- Bungee Trampoline
- Game Creek Zipline Tour
- Marmot Mini Kids Tubing
Iconic Performances
The Vail Valley plays host to any number of iconic performances throughout the year. Notable experiences can be enjoyed by these amazingly profound theaters & performances.
- Bravo! Vail
- Vail International Dance Festival at the Fort Amphitheater in Vail
- Hot Summer Nights Concert Series also a Vail Valley Foundation production
- Villar Performing Arts in Beaver Creek
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
An internationally acclaimed botanic garden known for its alpine horticulture, education and conservation. Located in Ford Park and open year-round, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the highest elevation botanical garden in the world situated at 8,200’ (2,700 m) in the central Rocky Mountains. The Gardens attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually to see its unique collection of alpine and mountain plants collected from around the world.
Horseback Riding, ATV/ Razer and more
Our partners at Lakota Guides offer horseback adventures for all rider abilities. Or opt for the mechanical adventure in a Razer or ATV.
Additional horseback adventures can be scheduled with the following outfitters:
- Vail Stables: 855-743-3824
- Beaver Creek Stables: 970-845-7770
- Bearcat Stables: 970-926-1578
- Sage Adventures (also has ziplines, razors and many other offerings): 970-476-3700
Rock (and Ice) Climbing
Colorado rock climbing is synonymous with beautiful wilderness settings and world-class mountaineering.
Join Apex’s professional guides and climb in the wilderness surrounding Red Cliff, enjoy a private family outing near Vail, climb basalt columns of Table Mesa near Denver, or test yourself on the challenging steep routes of Rifle Mountain Park.
Paint Ball, Jeep Tours Team Building and more
Our partners, NOVA Guides offers a paintball experience near Camp Hale. This historic location was instrumental in the founding of Vail Mountain. Stop for a history lesson on your way to NOVA Guides.
Hot Air Ballooning
Camelot Balloons offers a fun, unique way for the whole family to explore the Vail Valley. This bird’s eye view is available year round, however, prime season is May through September. Balloons launch from the Gypsum Wildlife Park.
Bighorn Park & Playground
Kids love Bighorn Park which is just a short walk from the Resort. You get to enjoy the beautiful pond, where you will see kids playing and dogs swimming. There also is a state-of-the-art playground for the children. More info on Parks & Playgrounds in East Vail.
