Summer Activities Guide to Vail.

Once the snow melts, the warm Colorado sun gives way to a host of summer activities in Vail, Colorado.  The aspen trees are a vibrant green, the mountains are majestic ragged peaks and the trails are alive with wildflowers, bikers and hikers.

Summer festivals are a weekly form of entertainment in Vail.  June hosts the The Go Pro Mountain Games and the Vail Oktobeerfest in September, two great weekends to build your vacation around. Outdoor concerts are a weekly event at the Ford Amphitheater.

Step away from luxury and try camping along the Gore Creek or in one of the many surrounding camp grounds.  You will wake up to the crisp Colorado air and dine al fresco at your campfire.  It’s an experience like no other.

Summer Activities Guide to Vail | Additional Activities Include:

Vail Mountain open for summer fun June 17 – October 2!

Enjoy a scenic gondola ride up Vail Mountain from Vail Village and Lionshead.  Atop Eagle’s Nest, you’ll find Vail’s Epic Discovery activities and dining options.  Atop Gondola One, you’ll be delighted with spectacular views and dining options.  Both gondolas provide access to Vail Mountain’s network of hiking and biking trails!  Grab a map and explore!

Hiking

Vail has trails from easy 30 minute walks to all day trails such as the 7.9 mile Berry Picker Trail.  To search for local trails, visit Vail Trail Guide, for a printable PDF. This gives in depth directions and descriptions of the local trails.  Even the dog friendly ones too!   When hiking in Colorado, be prepared.  With the altitude and bluebird sky, the sun can be fierce.  Take an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, sunglasses, lots of water and leave no trace! Consider your carbon footprint too.  The Vail Bus it to Hike it initiative help us protect our trails by using the bus system to get to most trailheads in lieu of using your car.

Mountain Biking

If moving faster on the trails is your interest, then Vail is your destination for the summer.  Vail is an excellent mountain biking destination in Colorado.  There are numerous beginner trails for visitors new to mountain biking.  The Minturn Bike Park is a awesome playground for seasoned riders.  To search for local trails, visit MTBProject.  There are many local bike shops that rent mountain bikes.

Cycling

Another popular summer activity in Vail is cycling.  There are miles of dedicated bike paths connecting Vail to Lionshead.  While here, try the Vail Pass Bike Path that runs along I-70 and connects Vail to Copper,  The entire route covers 14.2 miles (one way) and 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  You can rent a bike at a local bike shop.  They will help will show you which bike best fits you.