Biking
Explore the stunning bike trail along I-70l, connecting Glenwood Springs and Breckenridge. Spanning 102 miles, this car-free trail runs alongside the Eagle River and Gore Creeks/Rivers, offering safe riding options for cyclists of all levels and bike types.
Road Riding
Vail Summer Resort boasts a variety of Mountain biking and Road biking trails. The paved Vail Recreation Path, an easy to moderate road ride, runs along Gore Creek in Vail and stretches through the Vail Valley, passing through scenic locations like Dowd Junction, Avon, and Edwards. For a more challenging experience, try the Vail Pass path, an 8.7-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,831 feet. If the climb isn't your preference, shuttle a car to the top of Vail Pass and enjoy the exhilarating ride down! Find the Vail Pass Path Map and Information here.
Mountain Biking
Vail Mountain offers adventure, challenge, and enjoyment for all types of riders, from families to experts. Please note that children in bike carriers are not allowed, and all bikes must have functioning front and back hand brakes. Only Type 1 E-bikes are permitted, and they will be loaded on the Gondola inside the cabin. While helmets are not required, they are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at Lionshead or Vail Village ticket offices, and Bike Haul tickets are valid at both Vail and Beaver Creek.
Operating Hours
Gondola One and Eagle Bahn (#19) operate daily starting June 16th from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM through September 4th. On September 8th, operating hours switch to Friday - Sunday only, closing on October 1st. Food and beverage options are available daily at both Mid-Vail and Eagle’s Nest. Learn more about our summer dining options here.
For advanced cyclists, explore popular routes including US 24 to Leadville and US 6 near Wolcott, just minutes from Vail.
Hiking
Vail offers a diverse range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Explore our curated list of hikes, each offering its own unique charm and scenery:
The Best Easy Hikes in Vail
- Eagle’s Loop
- Distance: 0.7-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 41 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 30 min
- Fireweed Loop
- Distance: 2-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 168 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Strawberry Lane
- Distance: 2.7-mile round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 717 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
The Best Moderate Vail Hikes
4. Ridge Route
- Distance: 2.8 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 664 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
- Shrine Ridge
- Distance: 4.3 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Booth Creek Falls
- Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,358 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Upper Piney River Falls
- Distance: 6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 731 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
The Best Difficult Vail Hikes
8. Lost Lake
- Distance: 7 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 941 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Willow Lakes
- Distance: 17.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,424 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 2 days
- Berrypicker
- Distance: 6.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,286 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Pitkin Lake
- Distance: 10.1 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,950 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Gore Lake
- Distance: 12.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,890 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Tips for Hiking in Vail
- Acclimatize to the altitude.
- Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Leave no trace and practice good stewardship.
- Be courteous to fellow hikers and follow trail etiquette.
- The best time to hike in Vail is from mid-June through September, with lush greenery and pleasant weather. Late June through early August offers beautiful wildflower blooms, while the third week in September
Alpine and Nordic Skiing
Experience the magic of Nordic skiing amidst the snow-covered Vail Golf Course, now transformed into the enchanting Vail Nordic Center at Courtside Mountain Retreat in East Vail. With a convenient location just 4.4 miles away and easy access via the Vail Bus Line, this winter wonderland is at your doorstep.
Discover the thrill of Nordic skiing firsthand at the Vail Nordic Center, where pristine groomed tracks and trails await. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, the center offers equipment rental, clothing, lessons, and everything you need to embrace this immensely popular winter activity. It's not just a place; it's an adventure waiting to happen.
Immerse yourself in the world of Nordic skiing in Vail, complete with valuable tips, hints, and fascinating facts that will ignite the passion of any outdoor enthusiast. Glide gracefully across the snowy landscape and create unforgettable memories.
Learn more about Nordic skiing at the Courtside Mountain Retreat in East Vail: Discover Nordic Skiing
For those seeking the thrill of alpine skiing, Vail Mountain is your ultimate destination. This premier ski resort boasts manicured groomers that are nearly flawless each morning, an ever-improving lift system, and an expansive 5,317 acres of terrain to explore. Vail Mountain is a true winter paradise.
In the upcoming season, the ski area enhances its early-season snowmaking capabilities under the Mountain Top and Wildwood chairs, ensuring better terrain opens sooner in the winter. When the mountain fills with skiers, resist the urge to join the weekend crowds. Instead, opt for the tranquility of Northwoods or Game Creek Bowl, where you can enjoy unspoiled glades without the notorious lift lines.
If you're lucky enough to visit Vail on a weekday, relish the pristine powder of Blue Sky Basin, China Bowl, and Siberia Bowl with minimal company. Vail's Back Bowls, in particular, hold a special place in the hearts of many. After a day of exhilarating skiing, explore the rich history of the sport at the newly renovated Colorado Snowsports Museum or savor local spirits at the 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits Tasting Room in Vail Village.
Vail Mountain offers an unforgettable alpine skiing experience that will leave you wanting more. Come and make lasting memories in this winter wonderland.
Racquet Sports
Tennis & Pickleball at the Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort takes place in a setting like no other in the Vail Valley. When the snow melts away, the 8 outdoor tennis courts (including 3 clay courts) and 3 outdoor Pickleball courts are available. Spring, Summer and Fall play features views of mountain peaks, pristine forests and a cascading waterfall. The fresh, clear Rocky Mountain air heightens your senses and elevates your game to a new level. Pickleball has become a popular racquet sport among adults who’ve played tennis for years. This paddle sport combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two, three, or four players hit a type of wiffleball over a net. The sport rules are similar to tennis, with a few modifications. Stay & Play!
The Mountain Shoppe offers an array of apparel and high-altitude tennis balls for $5. Rental tennis racquets and pickleball paddles are available for $10. For more information, to schedule court times, or to schedule the Ball Machine, please feel free to contact our Front Desk 800-428-4840.
The Vail Racquet Club offers a variety of tennis lessons, cardio tennis, drills, camps, clinics and special events for both adults and juniors at every level of play. Knowing your NTRP is a plus for getting you scheduled to play.
All services can be scheduled through our pro, Greg Wanner at 970-390-3823. Class offerings: Cardio Tennis Doubles clinics Team practices Workouts preparing high school and college players for competitive play Children’s half day tennis camp Nike Tennis Camps.
Golf
Discover Vail's golfing gems with a range of 18-hole and 9-hole courses to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to tee off for some leisurely fun, Vail offers golfing options for everyone. The Vail Golf Club, located just 5 miles from the heart of Vail, is a municipal course offering 18 holes over 7,024 yards with a par of 71. If you're seeking a public course, the Eagle Vail Golf Course is a fantastic choice, situated 3 miles from Vail, featuring 18 holes over 6,819 yards with a par of 72. Explore additional nearby courses within a 20-mile radius for an unparalleled golfing experience.
- Vail Golf Club, Vail Course
- Address: 1775 Sunburst Dr Unit C, Vail, CO 81657-5566
- Phone: (970) 479-2260
- Description: A municipal course offering 18 holes over 7,024 yards with a par of 71.
- Eagle Vail Golf Course, Eagle Vail Course
- Address: 459 Eagle Drive, Avon, CO 81620
- Phone: (970) 790-1200
- Description: A public course featuring 18 holes over 6,819 yards with a par of 72.
- Eagle Vail Golf Course, Willow Creek Course
- Address: 459 Eagle Drive, Avon, CO 81620
- Phone: (970) 790-1200
- Description: A public 9-hole course.
- Beaver Creek Golf Club, Beaver Creek Course
- Address: 103 Offerson Road, Beaver Creek, CO 81620
- Phone: (970) 754-6212
- Description: A public course offering 18 holes over 6,646 yards with a par of 70.
- Country Club of the Rockies, Rockies Course (Private)
- Address: 676 Sawatch Dr, Edwards, CO 81632-5449
- Phone: (970) 926-3080
- Description: A private course featuring 18 holes over 7,367 yards with a par of 72.
- Sonnenalp Club, Sonnenalp Course (Private)
- Address: 1265 Berry Creek Road, Edwards, CO 81632
- Phone: (970) 477-5371
- Description: A private course offering 18 holes over 7,059 yards with a par of 71.
- The Club At Cordillera Valley Course (Private)
- Address: 101 Legends Dr, Edwards, CO 81632-6430
- Phone: (970) 926-5950
- Description: A private course featuring 18 holes over 7,005 yards with a par of 71.
- The Club At Cordillera Short Course
- Address: 100 Nine Greens Dr, Edwards, CO 81632
- Phone: (970) 926-3988
- Description: A public 9-hole course.
- The Club At Cordillera Mountain Course (Private)
- Address: 655 Clubhouse Dr, Edwards, CO 81632-6422
- Phone: (800) 830-6294
- Description: A private course offering 18 holes over 7,413 yards with a par of 72.
- Eagle Springs Golf Club, Eagle Springs Course (Private)
- Address: 28521 Highway 6, Wolcott, CO 81655-5034
- Phone: (970) 926-4404
- Description: A private course featuring 18 holes over 7,009 yards with a par of 71.
- The Club At Cordillera Summit Course (Private)
- Address: 190 Gore Trl, Edwards, CO 81632-6388
- Phone: (970) 926-5300
- Description: A private course offering 18 holes over 7,530 yards with a par of 72.
- Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club Fazio Course
- Address: 376 Red Sky Rd, Wolcott, CO 81632
- Phone: (970) 754-8425
- Description: A public course featuring 18 holes over 7,113 yards with a par of 72.
- Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club Norman Course
- Address: 376 Red Sky Rd, Wolcott, CO 81632
- Phone: (970) 754-8425
- Description: A private non-equity course offering 18 holes over 7,580 yards with a par of 72.
- Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club Norman Course
- Address: 1099 Red Sky, Wolcott, CO 81632
- Phone: (970) 754-8377
- Description: A public course featuring 18 holes over 7,580 yards with a par of 72.
- Frost Creek, Frost Creek Course (Private)
- Address: 1094 Frost Creek Dr, Eagle, CO 81631
- Phone: (888) 760-2326
- Description: A private course offering 18 holes over 7,300 yards with a par of 72.
- Copper Creek Golf Course At Copper Mountain Resort, Copper Creek Front 9 Course
- Address: 104 Wheeler Pl, Frisco, CO 80443-5754
- Phone: (970) 968-3333
- Description: A public 9-hole course.
- Copper Creek Golf Course At Copper Mountain Resort, Copper Creek Back 9 Course
- Address: 104 Wheeler Pl, Frisco, CO 80443-5754
- Phone: (970) 968-3333
- Description: A public 9-hole course.
- Raven Golf Club At Three Peaks, Raven Course
- Address: 2929 N Golden Eagle Rd, Silverthorne, CO 80498
- Phone: (970) 262-3636
- Description: A public course offering 18 holes over 7,413 yards with a par of 72.
Enjoy your golfing adventures in the Vail area!