1 miles to city center. Go Mountain Biking. Updated: April 10, 2023. In 2019, the Booth Lake Trail, a 4-mile there-and-back path to Booth Creek Falls that’s one the valley’s most popular hikes, logged 30,637 users. Embarking on the best summer hikes in Vail Colorado is a truly unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Booth falls/lake (east vail) · 2. 1. Dogs are not allowed up the gondolas, but they are allowed to download (if you hike up). Logistics: Meet at Arrowhead Ski Area for your Private Llama Outing. It features the woods, mountains, the Bear Creek waterfalls and a lake as well. Contact: Beaver Creek Ticket Office at 970-754-5200. m. Spring: 30°- 50°. 0. Most rapids near Vail are fit for rafters of all experience. 8. Hiking and Backpacking Vail summer activities offer miles of scenic hiking trails for all ability levels. Trail and Resort Maps. And I saved the best for last – Adventures on the Vail mountain at Epic Discovery as the names imply was epic! We started off with a Scenic Gondola Ride up to Eagle’s Nest at the top of Vail Mountain. Gondola One, which departs from Vail Village, and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which leaves from Lionshead Village, operate during the summer and winter months, allowing you to take in two very different but equally beautiful panoramas during the year from the comfort of the cozy cabins. Programs include: hiking, beaver pond tours, wildflower viewing, campfire talks, and creekside nature tours. But after a couple miles it enters into several great aspen groves. Evenings can be chilly, going down to the 40’s or even dipping into the 30’s. Along the Booth Falls Trail is the aptly named Booth Creek Falls, which is a 60-foot waterfall along the banks of Booth Creek. Note that downloading the Scenic Gondola is free, and a paid ticket is required for two way travel. daily. May 25, 2023 This guide will walk you through. This California town in the Eastern Sierra draws adventure travelers with a long ski season, but its 300-plus miles of trails that curve. 1h 49m. 18 in. Fun Events. 4. 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. During the summer months, Vail Mountain features nearly fifty miles of winding downhill trails for mountain. and the best airport to fly back from. Difficulty: Challenging. Most trailheads are located just a few minutes from the village. 7-mile out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado. Be sure to wear brightly colored, reflective clothing and call the trails hotline at 970-754-1023. It's a busy trail, so be considerate. 5 hours. Fall Creek Trailhead: South of Minturn and five miles up Tigiwon Road No. Go on a food tour. Moderate • 4. Gondolas in Vail are an easy way to get an elevated view of the fall foliage. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. The Eagle Bahn Gondola runs from breakfast till night. The chairlifts and gondolas operate all summer, which makes it extremely easy for hikers to explore the mountain. For hunters, Vail Pass is a hot spot for hunting elk and deer during. m. The Falls Creek Loop is a short, yet sweet trail located in the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango. 3. 5: Fall Colors Half-Day Hike East Lake Creek, free ($10 for transportation) Tuesday, Oct. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views as these Gondolas, known as Vail’s Gondola One and Eagle Bahn, whisk you up above 10,000ft. In the summer, visitors to Vail can hike the mountain ranges and explore the valley below. summer. Access from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Always a. 5. Crystal Lake in White River National Forest. This beginner-friendly trail suits people of all ages and skill levels, and you can expect to spend around 40 minutes hiking. There are, however, plenty of places to rest along the way, take. An hour of open-air Hatha yoga at 11,000 feet helps curate that summer glow (inside and out) and gets you loose for the optional backcountry wildflower. k. Gore Creek Path is another good option for an easy hike in Vail. The start of the trail is on a dirt service road and can be a little boring. Access from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. 12 Scenic Vail Hikes That Will Blow Your Mind 1. Length: 5. 278 Hanson Ranch Rd, Vail Village; 970-470-4028. CardMatch. 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Vail, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The summer months are becoming an increasingly popular time to visit. YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE AWAITS DISCOVER THE BEST LODGING DEALS IN VAIL. A street fair, concert, or gallery show is always held in the town, and it is always lively. Heading from the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Gondola One, the Fireweed Loop combines Upper Fireweed and. Hike to Hanging Lake. If a parking lot is full when you arrive,. Reservations are required to hike Hanging Lake so don’t leave home without booking. Vail Ski Resort is an extremely popular winter destination, but summer in Vail is just as fun. Very good. Immerse yourself in the beauty and quiet of the Holy Cross or Eagle’s. Perfect for kids that are a little older or put younger children in a kid carrier. 5 star rating from 170,133 community reviews. Located in the Colorado Rockies just 100 miles west of Denver, Vail’s delightful pedestrian. For hikers seeking a less strenuous option, I recommend the guided llama lunch hike. Temperatures are in the mid-70s, perfect for cycling over Vail Pass on the bike path or going backpacking with llamas. THE BEST WAY TO SKI SUMMER 2016 HIKING AND BIKING TRAIL GUIDE CHARGE YOUR WIRELESS DEVICE. The Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village is open from 9:30 a. 0. Service 4. Difficulty: Hard. Head out on this 2. Playgrounds in Vail Gardens in Vail Nature & Wildlife Areas in Vail Ski & Snowboard Areas in Vail Biking Trails in Vail Hiking Trails in Vail Waterfalls in Vail. 11. 00 / person. 9-mile round-trip. Sunscreen and Sunglasses : Vail's sunny climate means sunscreen is essential for all outdoor activities, no matter what season it is! And sunglasses will help protect from strong sunlight that can be intense during those bright mountain days. At 365 feet in height, these falls entice visitors and adventurers from all over the world to hike, bike, four-wheel drive, ice climb, and explore the surrounding wilderness. best vail wildflower hikes Vail’s vast alpine meadows and high, hidden country make the perfect setting for one of Colorado’s favorite summer pastimes: wildflower watching. James Peak Wilderness. In the winter, this stunning waterfall freezes, creating one. m. Contact. The area’s flagship trail is the one to Crater Lake from Monarch, hands down one of the best hikes in Colorado. Book. 8 What Else to Know about Visiting Vail, Colorado with your Family. Red Rock Canyon – Colorado Springs. Though Vail itself possesses plenty of stunning hikes, the Overlook Trail in Beaver Creek, just a 10-minute drive to the West. The parking area for the Booth Lake Trailhead in Vail will be closed for the summer. 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. 4. 4 miles, so this short, easy hike is a great choice for beginners. Wander around Vail Village. Large parking lot is on the left a mile or so in and fills up quickly so arrive early. Elevation: 8,150 feet. Vail Valley. You can easily get to Gore Creek Path via driving, walking, or. Though Vail itself possesses plenty of stunning hikes, the Overlook Trail in Beaver Creek, just a 10-minute drive to the West. Read more Consider taking a day to visit the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park, or the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. With an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet, this trail isn’t super steep and leads to a beautiful mountain lake. The trail is not maintained or marked once it diverges from the South Fork (Rogers Pass) Trail. 6 miles in all—crisscross the mountain’s frontside and, in a couple of. Subscribe to newsletters. I highly recommend doing it even if you aren’t going to stay in Grand Lake. 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. This weather is extremely pleasant for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. The structure of the valley means Vail boasts hiking trails on three out of four sides: to the east is the fantastic Gore Range, to the south Vail Mountain rises up out of the ski village and to the north lies the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. However, the 3,000 feet climb is worth trying as you’ll see lakes, waterfalls and aspen forests along the way up. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake, a short distance from the Echo Lake Lodge, Campground, and the entrance to Mount Blue Sky Road. Take on the rapids at Gore Creek that cuts through Vail Village or raft along the Upper Colorado River. Hiking around Vail - Where to go hiking near Vail AZ. Epic Discovery Vail is open until October 1st. Evans Wilderness. The hike is. The Clayton Lake Trail is an unofficial, undesignated trail that ascends steeply from the creek to the lake. Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road. 6-mile round-trip hike. Epic Discovery. 5. Search over 400,000 trails with trail info, maps, detailed reviews, and photos curated by millions of hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Hiking Booth Falls Trail in Vail, Colorado. Perched up at 8150ft above sea level, Vail sits in the valley of the Eagle River and boasts snowshoeing trails on three out of four sides: to the east is the fantastic. Choose from One King, Two Queens, or the Sebastian Classic-One Queen, the smallest room category, an. Jack Affleck / Getty Images. Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years old) Vail Ski Resort allows free uphill access when the lifts are not running (up to 15 minutes before they start running in the morning and starting 30 minutes after the lifts close in the afternoon) on two designated routes: Simba and Riva Ridge. Summer Hut Trips. Filter; Copy to my lists;. You’ll find a simple restaurant serving food and drink from 11 am to 6 pm along with a small gift shop. This hiking trail is not for the weak. 9 miles of beautiful views, and incredible terrain and spans the top of the mountain. Location: Pasayten Length: 12 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,550 feet Highest Point: 7,200 feet Best Season: July - October Horseshoe Basin. It is 4. Value 3. 11 contributions. 0. 6. Often times these stunning scenes are well defended with butt-busting elevation. The Lost Lake trail was described as EASY by the Vail hiking guide and we felt that was accurate. Walk, bike, or run along the path to take in the gorgeous autumnal leaves. Sage Outdoor Adventures. It prides itself as one of the best ski destinations in the world with terrains catering to beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers. Read more Squaw Creek. Whether you're looking for a scenic stroll, a challenging climb, or a family-friendly outing, this guide will help you find the perfect trail for your summer vacation. 6 mi • Est. Looking for the best hiking trails in Aspen? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 84 scenic trails in the Aspen area. The round-trip distance from the lower trailhead is around 8 miles depending on your route, including some road walking, but the upper trail is actually an easy 4-ish. 3: Hiking Through History: Ranger Brown Trail, free ($10 for transportation) Monday, Oct. Nate Free - Mt Guide. 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. We recently stayed at Bluesky, and it is beautiful, but it is up the. The Best Way to Spend a Summer Weekend in Vail (Photo: Discover Vail). Hartman Park. Terrible. From the Three Elk Trailhead you'll go south along the old logging road. Some of Vail's best events take place in late summer including: Moe's Original BBQ Hot Summer Nights , Vail Kids Adventure Games, Vail Dance Festival , Vail Jazz Festival, and Mountain Top Yoga. Grouse Creek . Pajamas. the first turn in the road. As the easiest trail in the Vail Valley, the Lost Lake Trail keeps its elevation gain under 1,000 but over-delivers with its swaths of golden aspens. Good to Know: There are also plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as the. Summer Dog Sledding. 10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona! Are you looking for a fun, outdoor way to spend time with your four-legged friend in Arizona?. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Parking is limited and tends to fill up early. The top stops along the way from Denver to Vail (with short detours) are Denver Botanic Gardens, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and Pearl Street Mall. Contact: Beaver Creek Ticket Office at 970-754-5200. The longest run is 4 miles, and it has 31 lifts. Fireweed Loop. Image: Zach Mahone. Mount of the Holy Cross is located on the northern end of the Sawatch Range of Central Colorado. Fireweed Trail. Adventure Ridge, a family experience Like Nothing on Earth. 5+ people $99 each. An excellent choice for all skill levels, the route features colorful wildflowers in the summer, a waterfall, and forested landscapes of the San Juans. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 3: Hiking Through History: Ranger Brown Trail, free ($10 for transportation) Monday, Oct. Beyond summer, golden aspens shine in late. The 12 Best Hikes Near Breckenridge. This incredibly scenic hike is one of the most unique spots in the state, and also home to some of Colorado’s prettiest waterfalls. Other popular stops include Mt Evans, Coors Field, and Winter Park Resort. 241 South Frontage Rd. In the winter it’s a super popular spot for snowmobiling, and in the. With 300 sunny Colorado days a year, hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy Vail's summer weather with the family! Here are our recommended family-friendly hikes in Vail: Strawberry Lane: Starting from Vail Village, this hike takes you through forests of aspens and wildflowers, streams, and awesome views of Vail and Lionshead Village. Gore Creek Path Spanning 1. This Vail Village classic meanders along Gore Creek beginning in Vail. A beautiful wooded trail between Eagle’s Nest (Eagle Bahn Gondola) and Mid-Vail (Gondola One). Ski lifts, shops, restaurants, and other amenities are all within walking distance and the beautiful cobblestone streets invoke the charm of a Swiss. Vail, Colorado hiking is one of the best ways to get off the beaten track and witness some of the untouched beauty in the area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. to 5 p. Vail Valley. The panoramic view from the North Trail lookout point, about 1. in the road. Best New Hiking Products for Late Summer and Early Fall. Just outside Vail Village is the hilly trailhead that leads up to the stunning, remote Booth Lake. Style: Point to point. Whitewater Rafting. The trailhead is on the left just past mile marker 55 on Highway 82, with plenty of parking available. All ages, donations accepted. 3 people $165 each. Ride a Gondola or Chair Lift. Both sun and shade. Hiking Trails at Vail Nature Center. 0-star Hotel Class. Vail, CO 81657. The four peaks of Aspen are accessible via shuttle, so getting to each one is not an issue. HIKING IN VAIL Welcome to Vail. San Isabel National Forest. HIKE (754. Elevation Gain 318 ft. Harvard Lakes are two small beautiful lakes hidden at the base of Mt Columbia. 157. The snow has finally melted and guests can paddle the rivers, hike up mountains (with or without llamas) and bike beautiful valley trails of Vail. The panoramic view from the North Trail lookout point, about 1. 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. How we rank things to do. Best access points are at the Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon Bikeway parking lot or the trailhead off C. 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. The Vail ski resort in Colorado is home to two Gondolas that take riders from Vail up into the mountains. For the more adventurous, get your heart pumping with a mountain bike ride up and then down Vail Mountain. Rainy days will come and go through the summer months, so it’s best to bring appropriate gear for your hiking excursions or walks around town. 190 reviews. There are a series of remote huts that you can access for overnight stays summer and winter. 8 miles) one-way, 2½ hours, easy. Mornings: 8:30 -12:30. Discover the beauty, tranquility and grandeur of the Rocky Mountains along one of several hiking trails chosen by our guide to fit your desired terrain, duration and activity level. Picnic with a llama! Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Epic Discovery is one of the best things to do in Vail in the summer, complete with adventure courses, ziplines, a. Best things to do in Vail in summer. Children in bike carriers are not allowed. Found on Highway 82, this trail starts from the Lost Man Campground about 7 miles outside of Aspen and winds its way 8. 4 people $135 each. Hiking trails, ranging from short, easy loops to long backcountry treks, are in abundance all across the state. This steep route is not recommended as a winter. It’s more of a dirt road and has a more meandering approach to the 2,000-foot elevation gain, but it’s a long trail — about 4. Join #VailBen as he shows you his favorites, from glassy Piney Lake. 9 mi • Est. 2 miles out-and-back, 3 miles each way to Elk Park for wildflowers. Booth Falls (moderate, 4. Cost: Adult $36, Child (5-12) $18, Adult with Lunch Ticket $42. The variety along the trail was impressive, with frequent views up into higher country starting after about two miles. The trails in East Vail, West Vail, and on Vail Mountain provide gorgeous. Immerse yourself in the beauty and quiet of the Holy Cross or Eagle’s. It prides itself as one of the best ski destinations in the world with terrains catering to beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers. Guided Backcountry Hikes Near Vail. Few things beat hiking high up on the Continental Divide or through shimmering aspen groves before seeing vibrant little flowers punctuate the trail’s edge, burst. Booth Lake. Great loop. Upper Piney River Falls Trail is a 5. Length: 2. A 12-mile round trip hike that gains more than 3,400 vertical feet as it climbs to the summit. 9-mile round-trip. 4. Located just off Vail Pass, the Shrine Ridge Trail on Copper Mountain is ideal for mountain biking and hiking. 53m. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Vail, AZ. 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. Summit County might just be the best place for wildflower hikes in Colorado. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. In 2023 it is bigger and better than ever with events in full swing. Vail, Colorado 81657. Ned is charming, and you should for sure scope out New Moon Bakery and Cafe. Wednesdays – Saturdays | 10:00am – 3:30pm. Biking is also a huge part of Vail's summer culture. 4 miles, so this short, easy hike is a great choice for beginners. Hike Booth Falls Trail. 11. 75 miles into the “western section. Copper claims to be the only ski resort in the nation that offers free lift rides. For outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting and Colorado’s best hikes, summer is the perfect season. 4h 17m. Still. 395 East Lionshead Circle. (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. 0. This trail is on Vail Mountain and therefore easily accessed from the resort. Vail Village Welcome Center. Step outside into the great outdoors this summer! Explore the very best of Vail's outdoor beauty by taking a hike on the mountain, bike riding, or simply relaxing by the pool. There is something for everyone, with hikes ranging from easy, paved trails, to diffi cult,Crested Butte: With an ascent of 7,001 ft, Bear Creek, Deadmands Gulch, DoubleTop, Italian Creek and Flag Creek has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. This is a great destination for the whole family to enjoy. Another one of the best hikes in Vail to see fall colors is Meadow Mountain in Minturn, CO. Llamas have a curious, gentle and intelligent nature making them an ideal addition for your backcountry adventure Camps are situated in secluded alpine settings or at high 10th Mountain Huts surrounded. After 1. Visiting in Summer? There are many ways to explore Vail Mountain, whether you're on a mountain bike, a scenic hike, or exploring an Epic Discovery Nature Trail. Storms Pass & Estes Cone Trails. Vail. com. although most people will be content with a trail run or hike on the nearby network of approach routes. Looking for the best hiking trails in Telluride? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 54 scenic trails in the Telluride area. You’ll find all sorts of summer fun and activities here. A very short 0. If you’re hiking to the top of a mountain, then start around 5 or 5:30 am to beat crowds and dangerous storms. Moderate Summer Hike In Vail: Shrine Ridge. What Teens Will Love About Summer in Vail. Photo by Vicki Devine. The spectacular Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. After years of trekking through the hut system, our guides have learned all the routes, shortcuts, and best lunch spots available in and around each hut. Best condo in Vail Village: Eagles Nest. The Rocky Mountains and our summer resort are waiting for you. Epic Discovery & Ziplining. Find the right card for you. 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. Nature Discovery Center, Vail Mounatin. A Fall Hike Near Vail. In 2016, Vail Resort’s $25-million Epic Discover investment turned this ski area into a year-round playground. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Raft the Blue River, hike the Booth Falls Trail, or take a hot air balloon ride over the White River National Forest. The ticket also covers the gondola at beaver creek, also if you buy the gondola ticket after 3:30pm you get to ride the next day as well. Colorado has some of the best mountain golf courses in the world, and they’re also. Aspen, my pick for the best of the three. Spending some time at Epic Discovery, located at the top of Vail Mountain, is one of the best things to do in Vail in summer. 6 km, to a cascading waterfall. Topping out at nearly 13,000 ft it is Silverthorne’s most iconic climb. Print/PDF map. com recommend several popular national parks in Colorado. Featuring: 8 eateries. 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. Beaver Creek. BV is. 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. 1-mile out-and-back trail near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For beginners, we suggest Berrypicker, a trail that starts in Lionshead and takes you to the top of Vail Mountain. Elevation: 2975 feet. No trace on the trail. VAIL, Colo. The trail offers a number of activity options and is. 9 miles (one way) Difficulty : Moderate. 5 miles out-and-back for panoramic views. Bundle up and see the winter landscape via horseback. 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. 3. 4 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy to moderate Après-Hike: Nine-month-old Marshdale Burger Co. This is one of the most heavily-trafficked trails in the area. Easy hike along a beautiful creek up to a great view of the Reservoir and mountains. Rock climbing, mountain biking, ATV and snowmobile trails radiate in all directions. 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. Vail has two gondolas that will take you to the top of the mountain: Gondola One (leaves from Vail Village) and Eagle Bahn (leaves from Lionshead). On the same hike, you can explore Spouting Rock Falls, and even walk behind the waterfall. 5 miles out-and-back for panoramic views. Photo: Michael Wyszomierski. The gondolas operate in both the summer and winter seasons transporting riders to the many activities available on. Located in the heart of the Gore Range, Piney Lake has. Make sure you check out our newest dedicated. Always a. Take a scenic ride up to the top of Vail Mountain, a world of mountain peaks, wildflowers, Adventure Ridge, family activities, outdoor barbecues, and more. Squaw Creek. Here are among the top hiking trails near Fort Collins: 1. Courtesy photo. The trail is literally breathtaking, beginning at 10,350 feet and meandering across the top of the resort eventually connecting with Ptarmigan. 8 miles and with an elevation gain of only 209 ft. Year-round, one of the best ways to experience Vail is by hiking. Located off of Highway 24 West, Red Rock Canyon Open. Located conveniently in the Lionshead district of Vail, Lion Square Lodge East 310A is located 3. 5 miles until a junction with the Notch Mountain Trail. 🛏️ Best Budget – Christiania Lodge by Hyatt Hotel. 5 miles. The Stagg Gulch hike can be done as a loop with Squaw Creek or as an out-and-back by itself. Bring food. Nestled within the stunning Rocky. 0-mile out-and-back trail near Vail, Colorado. 3. › Vail Easy Hikes. The springs are best used from summer to early fall. Vail Village is the best place to stay in Vail. 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.