Fun Things to Do in Vail, Colorado

Vail is a town full of majesty and natural beauty. It’s a small, cozy town that has a population of 5,000 but a spirit that is larger than life!

Vail was Incorporated in 1966 after the development of Vail Ski Resort. Vail is very much a skier’s paradise and is nestled near some of the most beautiful parts of the Rockies. It’s a hot destination for skiing and whitewater rafting, but don’t let that distract you from its other amazing attractions as well.

More than 5,000 part-time residents frequent the town’s vacation properties every summer. The town prides itself on combining beautiful tourist locations with a small-town vibe and hospitality. Quality of life is key here, not just for its permanent residents, but for its guests as well.

Adventure Sports and Outdoor Activities

Skiing is very popular in the winter but the summer is the most bustling time of the year. Vail has plenty of hiking, rafting, and sightseeing options for the whole family. There are more than 350,000 acres of land in the area with more than enough sights to see for the average adventurer! Former President Gerald R. Ford is from the area as well, and there is even an Amphitheater dedicated to his legacy.

Vail hosts a range of exciting activities that the entire family can enjoy. Below you’ll find the top 10 great things that Vail has to offer the average vacation goer, adventurer, or sightseer.

Vail Mountain Resort

Vail Mountain Resort is a great destination for skiers all over the country. Ranked #6 out of 36 things to do in Vail on TripAdvisor it is a quality pick for skiers. Both downhill and cross-country trails are available across more than 5,000 acres of land. As a mountain itself, Vail is world renowned for its beauty and the quality of its slopes. It’s a must-visit place for any skier for good reason, but it’s also newbie-friendly.

Whitewater Rafting

Vail is home to some of the most beautiful and cleanest bodies of water on the planet. All of these among the backdrop of lush forests and towering hills and peaks. It’s an aesthetic dream that’s refreshing for the senses. There is little debate that it’s one of the top rafting destinations in the state. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or an explorer who wants to experience the thrill of mother nature in a beautifully secluded part of the country, whitewater rafting in Vail is for you.

Lakota Guides is the premier rafting adventure company in the Vail area. We offer both half-day and full-day rafting adventure options. Our crafts are highly maneuverable, safe, and comfortable, with no expense spared. Lakota Guides specializes in trips down the Upper Colorado River in Avon. Our packages will allow you plenty of time to explore the rest of what Vail has to offer. These whitewater rafting trips are the type of exciting experiences that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You can’t go wrong by making a whitewater rafting experience the centerpiece of your trip to Vail, Colorado.

Customers and tourists have lauded Vail’s whitewater rafting as being an adrenaline rush that features breathtaking views, incredibly fresh air, and impeccably trained staff. Even if you are not a thrill-seeker, you’ll be in awe of the beauty of your surroundings on one of these trips.

If you’ve never considered whitewater rafting before, we highly recommend it. Whitewater rafting is a great form of exercise and team building, and also serves as a wonderful stress reliever. And isn’t the point of vacation to relieve stress?

Booth Falls Trail

This great hiking destination is a six-mile trail that climbs across lush aspen forests and shimmering bodies of water. These bodies of water are ripe for whitewater rafting, and other natural beauties. This destination is highly well-received, with a 4.5/5 score on TripAdvisor and a ranking in the top 5 of things to do in the region. If you’re a hiking junkie or just want to explore after an intense day of rafting, then Booth Falls Trail may be a perfect option for you.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Nestled at the foot of Vail Mountain and named after Gerald Ford’s first lady, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a public botanical delight that has been described by visitors as beautifully maintained and highly ambient. Scoring particularly high on TripAdvisor (4.5/5 and #2 of things to do in the town), these gardens are sure to be a great spot for anyone who enjoys stunning landscaping work and the beauty of mother nature with a landscaper’s touch.

Vail Scenic Gondola

When it comes to ski towns, nothing is more iconic than the gondolas used to transport people to the top of the mountain. Eager with anticipation as they climb the mountain, thousands of skiers have traveled via this gondola system to experience some of the best slopes in the world. Tourists agree that the ride is smooth, and the view is great, with some even saying that the gondola journey itself can compensate for the lack of a full-day pass at the resort. You can be the judge of that yourself!

Vail Valley

At the core of the town of Vail is Vail Valley proper. Most of the best restaurants and shops in the area can be found here amidst the beautiful, lush scenery. Featuring robust public transportation, Vail Valley is as easy to navigate as it is to enjoy. There are even small, well-maintained parks throughout the area – perfect for a picnic or afternoon stroll.

Vail features some great gastric options and perhaps does not get the credit it deserves in that regard. Dining options include the delicious Mexican/New American cuisine (Alpine Burrito), the decadent steakhouse Elway’s, and the bustling 7 Hermits Pub. You’ll be sure to find something that satisfies your cravings here.

Piney River Ranch

Although closed until June 2022, this mountain ranch has historically been a hot spot in the area. It is currently listed within the top 10 Vail locations on TripAdvisor, placing it amongst the excellent company listed above. It offers a wide array of activities, such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, dining, and lodging. This location is typically open from late June to September each year. Numerous tourists have expressed their enthusiasm for the knowledgeable and friendly staff as well!

Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show

Although one would not normally associate Vail with these sorts of activities, Vail is actually home to a great Farmers’ Market and Art Show that has been praised for its quality and friendliness. The Vail Farmers Market, located on Meadow Drive, has been around for approximately 20 years and is active for sixteen Sundays each year (from June to October). It has grown extensively from its humble beginnings as a few small tents. Enjoy hiking and biking and spending time with your family in Vail. Parking is easy, and many products are made exclusively in Colorado.

The art aspect of the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show is also growing steadily each year and seeks to underscore the natural beauty of the region! It has become a point of emphasis for the town: the wonderful Art in Vail Program is featured heavily on the town website. Be sure to check it out if you’re a fellow creative!

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater – named after the town’s most famous resident, of course – is a highly praised attraction located deep within the heart of the region’s beauty. It’s a beautiful outdoor venue nestled in the gorgeous hills near the foot of the mountain, offering a gorgeous backdrop for any entertainment.

Also known as the Amp for short, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is home to numerous cultural and entertainment attractions each summer. From the free weekly Hot Summer Nights concerts to world-class dance and classical music performances at the Vail Dance Festival and Bravo! Vail Music Festival, examples abound. Local choral and theatrical presentations, as well as summertime music concerts, are also popular attractions at the Amp. Both west coast and local musical artists tend to frequent this stunningly rustic venue.

Camp Hale

Camping is one of the prime outdoors attractions in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re going to enjoy activities in the heart of mother nature, you might as well go to the extra lengths and live there for a while as well! Only then can you get a full taste of adventure.

Or that’s what we would say, but Camp Hale is a completely unique kind of camp: it’s actually a former military facility from World War II that has been preserved in all its historical glory. One could argue that Vail’s history as a military hotspot is what helped turn it into the thriving tourist destination that it is it today.

Filled with museums and other historical attractions, Camp Hale would be a great destination for any history buff or someone who just wants to admire the stunning views from the top of the overlooks. It’s easy to see why the army would train their soldiers in rigorous physical activity here – the cliffs are steep; the wilderness is lush, but it is all so majestic and beautiful that it is certain to take your breath away!

We have only scratched the surface in regard to the great things that you can do in Vail. Keep in mind that many of these activities are seasonal – summertime in particular.  It’s a bustling town, full of history and natural beauty, but also ripe for modern adventure as well. Whether you’re in the mood for whitewater rafting, skiing, sightseeing, eating, or just relaxing, Vail is sure to satisfy your desires.