Location: Vail
Top Things to do in Vail
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Vail, Colorado (CO)
North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favorite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.
Restaurants in Vail
1. Bob Sled Run
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One of the only public bobsled runs in America is at Vail Mountain.
2. Fancy Pass Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Named after a miner from the 1800's, this trail offers hikers spectacular vistas.
3. Missouri Lake Trail
4. Vail Recreation Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
This seven-mile, paved path meanders through alpine fields, aspen groves and Vail's picturesque villages.
Reviewed By 15deannah
We had a great ride meandering through Vail and riding along the creek. We were able to hop off for a cup of coffee at Yeti's in the Village.
5. Grand Traverse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Starting from Eagle's Nest, this four-mile challenging trail is geared for intermediate mountain bikers.
Reviewed By Visitor6985 - Jefferson City, United States
This trail is a steady uphill climb at first, but ends up with a breathtaking vista overlooking deep valleys and several snow-capped mountain ranges. Take the gondola up about half the way, then hike the loop from there. A great climb of only moderate difficulty. Pack a light lunch and enjoy the journey.
6. Piney River Trail (Upper)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By abradrichardson - Beaver Creek, United States
As others have said, the drive from the VAIL area takes about forty-five minutes to an hour on a bumpy road. Recommend driving in a SUV. Signage is not great, so pay attention to the few road signs you see to Piney Lake. Once there, try to go to the second parking place, as it gets you slightly closer. We primarily went for the hike, so we didn't spend much time at the restaurant or gift shop. Restrooms are available. We found the hike to be moderate, certainly not easy as some have suggested. The 6 mile round-trip hike starts at 9,400 feet and goes up to over 10,000 at the waterfalls. We saw several people that were struggling to get up and down. If you are not in good shape, then I would not recommend it. I also recommend wearing hiking shoes over tennis shoes as there lots of rocks, roots, small creeks, etc. If you are in good shape, then this is a great hike. The hike takes about an hour and a half to get to the top, starting relatively flat and in the sun. About a mile into the hike, you begin an incline, then the last half mile you descend to the falls (which is an incline on the way back and is where we saw most people struggling). Once you get to the falls, I suggest first going to the left which is a nice area in the trees. Next go to the right, which is more of the intense falls. For the best view, carefully climb down the falls about 50 feet to look back up at the drop off. Some people we talked to went further down the falls, but we decided it was not worth the effort to go any further. Take sun screen, water, and an energy bar, and enjoy the hike.
7. Gore Creek Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By MountainMan-Kim - Copper Mountain, United States
Gore Lake lies within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Approach from the Gore Creek Trailhead east of Vail on Bighorn Road near Gore Creek Campground. The hike is approximately 7 miles and 3,000-vertical feet, one-way, and is completed as both a day hike and overnight backpacking experience. Wilderness rules apply: dogs on leash (at all times); pack-in and pack-out; no campfires (none); campsite at least 100 feet from waterways. The trail follows Gore Creek east toward Red-Buffalo Pass. At 4 miles, there is a junction of Gore Creek Trail and the Gore Lake Trail. Turn left and continue 2 miles up a steep, well-worn trail to the shore of Gore Lake. Circle the lake for another 1 mile to high, flat, dispersed campsite locations. Be prepared for visits by mountain goats, marmots, and other wildlife (secure food and dogs).
8. Vail Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A 1940s homestead perched between a mountain meadow and the forested bank of Gore Creek houses the Vail Nature Center. This seven-acre facility, in the heart of Vail, is a tranquil gem to explore the web of trails along Gore Creek or come inside to learn from the exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Programs include: hiking, birding tours, beaver pond tours, wildflower viewing, stargazing, and creekside nature tours. All ages, donations accepted. Skip driving and take the in-town bus to the Soccer Fields stop on Vail Valley Drive to visit.
9. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
This beautiful alpine botanical garden, located at the foot of Vail Mountain, is open to the public.
Reviewed By J2500FMmindyh
This is a lovely and calm place to visit. Highly recommend especially with Covid because they require masks in the indoor areas and plenty of space to social distance in the outside areas. Great playground also for kids and educational displays. Something for everyone!
10. Vail Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,249 reviews
Offering more than 5,289 acres of downhill and cross-country trails, Vail is considered one of the best all-around ski mountains in the world.
Reviewed By travelhacker22 - Miami, United States
Plan your trip well and you shouldn’t have to deal with lift lines and the skiing is unique. It’s all about the back bowls for me!
