Places to visit in Vail, CO.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Vail, Colorado, is a picturesque mountain town renowned for its stunning natural beauty, world-class ski resorts, and vibrant outdoor recreation scene. With a rich cultural heritage, a thriving culinary scene, and a range of shopping and entertainment options, Vail is a destination that offers visitors a memorable escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, hike through pristine wilderness, or soak up the breathtaking views, Vail has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and prepare for an unforgettable mountain adventure!
Why is Vail, Colorado, a great place to visit?
- Scenic Beauty: Vail is set amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains, offering visitors breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, pristine forests, and sparkling rivers.
- Outdoor Activities: Vail is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with a range of exciting activities to enjoy, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
- World-Class Resorts: Vail is home to some of the world’s finest ski resorts, offering top-notch facilities, amenities, and services for visitors of all levels.
- Culinary Scene: Vail boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with various delicious dining options to suit every taste and budget. From fine dining to casual eateries, you’ll find everything from classic mountain cuisine to cutting-edge fusion dishes.
- Shopping and Nightlife: Vail is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of chic boutiques, art galleries, and unique shops to explore. The nightlife scene comes to life when the sun goes down, with a range of lively bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to enjoy.
- Cultural Attractions: Vail is a cultural hub with various fascinating museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore. From the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to the Vail Valley Art Museum, there’s no shortage of cultural attractions to experience.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Vail is an excellent destination for families, with exciting activities and attractions that suit visitors of all ages. From thrilling amusement parks to educational nature centers, there’s no shortage of fun for kids and adults alike.
Vail Ski Resort
Vail, Colorado, is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. This ski resort is located in the Rocky Mountains and is home to over five thousand acres of skiing terrain.
The Vail ski resort is known for its steep, deep, and wide open bowls. It also boasts a multitude of steep and narrow chutes.
Vail has a wide variety of lodging options to choose from. It is a popular destination for families, couples, and singles. Whether you are looking for a luxurious hotel or a cozy cabin, you will find something to suit your needs.
You can use the gondola system to travel between Lionshead and Vail Village or explore the resort on foot. In addition, you can find a host of apres-ski activities and nightlife in the purpose-built Vail Village.
Beginner skiers are well-served by Vail’s three beginner terrain parks. Depending on your skill level, you will find plenty of challenging terrain to conquer.
Intermediate and expert skiers will enjoy the varied terrain at Vail. However, for those looking for a more challenging ski trip, you can choose to stay in the Blue-Sky Basin. This area features many natural and artificial trails.
Lastly, you can try cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center. There are also several excellent ski schools to choose from at Vail. Whether planning a ski trip or just stopping by for a visit, you will love the experience at Vail.
Sage Outdoor Adventures
Sage Outdoor Adventures is a premier land-based outdoor activity provider located just outside Vail. This company has a longstanding reputation for offering top-notch service and equipment. As the name suggests, they specialize in the equestrian arts.
Aside from horseback rides, they offer other activities such as fly fishing, whitewater rafting, sleigh rides, and side-by-side RZR tours. These days, they can provide a door-to-door service, a feat which has not always been a given.
They also have one of the largest bases in the state of Colorado. Their base area is larger than the ski area in Vail. It offers some severe vertical relief at about 8,100 feet above sea level. The company is also impressive for its safety record. Amongst other things, they have a top-notch trail grooming program.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the premier alpine botanical garden in the country. It is located in Vail, Colorado, and offers fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains. The gardens are open to the public year-round. There is no charge to visit the gardens.
The Betty Ford Alpine Garden is made up of four distinct sections. Visitors can choose to stroll through each of the four gardens. Each unit features a different theme. In addition to the garden, there is a gift shop and an education center.
The gardens include an outdoor alpine rock garden with a rushing mountain stream. In addition, there is a Japanese garden with water lilies. Another area consists of a pond, a meditation spot, and a meadow. This makes it a great place to enjoy a peaceful walk or a quiet meditation.
Booth Falls Trailhead
If you’re looking for a great hike near Vail, look no further than Booth Falls Trail. This 2.4-mile trail passes by beautiful aspen groves and rewards hikers with gorgeous backcountry views.
The trail starts on the east side of the valley and ends at the top of the falls. Hikers will pass through dense aspen groves and open meadows along the way.
For a more challenging hike, you can also head to Booth Lake. This 4.1-mile roundtrip is strenuous. You’ll gain over 9k feet of elevation while passing through a variety of conifer trees and minor fields of wildflowers.
There are a few reasons why Booth Falls is so popular. First, it has a waterfall. Secondly, it’s easy to access. Lastly, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Colorado Snowsports Museum
Founded in 1976, the Colorado Snowsports Museum aims to celebrate and communicate the history and legacy of Colorado skiing and snowboarding. Its exhibits and film library give visitors a history of the sport, while a collection of artifacts and photographs illustrates ski and snowboarding milestones in the state’s history.
The museum is located in Vail, Colorado. The museum does not charge admission, but a donation of $10 is appreciated. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the museum. Guided tours are available for thirty minutes.
In the winter, the Colorado Snowsports Museum celebrates the world of snow sports, from the first skiers to the most accomplished racers. Their goal is to inspire and educate others about adventure and skiing.
Visit the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame to learn about famous people. Many have been influential in skiing, while others have shaped the sport’s history. You can see the Red Bull race helmet of Lindsey Vonn, the ramshorn helmet of Picabo Street, and more.
A special exhibit focusing on the 10th Mountain Division is also held at the museum. It features artifacts like snowshoes, ice axes, crampons, and skis. Also, visitors can see the original “Trooper Traverse,” an event during which 33 soldiers skied 40 miles from Camp Hale to Aspen in four days.
Best Things to Do in Vail, Colorado
Places to visit in Vail, CO:
- Why is Vail, Colorado, a great place to visit?
- Vail Ski Resort
- Sage Outdoor Adventures
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Booth Falls Trailhead
- Colorado Snowsports Museum