Summer Activities
Come for winter, stay for summer. Check our list of things to do during the summer in Vail.
Epic Discovery
During the summer season, Vail's Adventure Ridge transforms into Epic Discovery. Rated as Vail's #1 activity, Epic Discovery features adventure courses, ziplines, a mountain coaster, tubing hills, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and more.
Water Activities
The soothing Gore Creek runs directly through Vail Village. Take your kids and enjoy a picnic in the grass along the creek. If you're lucky you might catch some kayaking and fly fishing. There is also a nearby fountain play area, perfect for the little ones on a warm summer day.
Horseback Riding
Embark on a guided horseback adventure through quaking aspen groves and wildflower meadows. Ride alongside serene mountain lakes and streams with views of the Gore Range and Castle Peak Mountain. Two popular outfitters are Sage and Vail Stables.
Hiking
Vail is ideally located in the massive White River National Forest allowing access to countless hiking trails for all ability levels. There is also a walking trail that runs along the Gore Creek through all the villages for a more causal experience.
Playgrounds
Vail is host to a number of playgrounds. The closest to Montaneros is located between Vai Ski Tech and the ice rink of Vail Square. It was built in 2013 and features a jungle gym, rock climbing wall, and "giant birds nest." A perfect setting to spend some time outside of your condo.
The Nature Discovery Center
Families can explore an array of natural history exhibits about local wildlife like weasles, lynx, ravens, and black bears. The center offers nature hikes and snowshoe tours. Admission is free and the center is located in a yurt adjacent to the Eagle's Nest Building at the top of Gondola 19.
Mountain Biking
There is no shortage of mountain bike trails in Vail for all skill levels. For an adrenaline rush, purchase a bike haul pass and ride the Gondola up with your bike. You'll find numerous downhill single-track runs. Your pass lasts all day so you can ride up as many times as you like. Eagle county has tons of off resort bike trails as well. If you don't mind driving west for 30 minutes on the I-70 you'll be in mountain bike Mecca. Eagle has over 100 miles of single track trails.
Road Cycling
Vail has 15 miles of recreation trails in the town that are perfect for casual biking and sightseeing. Our favorite is the Gore Vall Trail which runs for 12 miles alongside the Gore Creek through Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak.
Whitewater Rafting
The Eagle River has some of the best whitewater in the state of Colorado. There are multiple sections: Dowd Chute, Lower Eagle, and Upper Eagle. Families will love the Class II & III lower and upper sections. Thrill seekers can take on the challenging Dowd Chute with exhilarating class IV rapids. There are six local outfitters can will take on guided trips.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy the warm summer weather. Spend a day enjoying some of Vail's most beautiful spots on the streams and rivers in the valley. A little west of the town itself you can fish along the Gold Medal Stream where the waters produce at least 60 pounds of trout per acre.