The Vail Valley is known around the world for its breathtaking mountain views, charming villages, and world-class skiing. While winter is undeniably iconic, summer brings a different kind of adventure. As the snow melts, the valley transforms into a playground where locals and visitors alike embrace the outdoors in new ways. Mornings might begin with a scenic hike, afternoons are spent exploring miles of bike trails, and evenings often wind down with community yoga or recreational sports. No matter your pace, summer offers endless opportunities to stay active while taking in the beauty that makes the Vail Valley so special.
Hit The Trails
One of the easiest ways to enjoy summer while staying active in the Vail Valley is by simply heading outside. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or an all-day adventure, there’s something for everybody!
- Neighborhood Walks
- No matter where you are located, simply step outside and explore your neighborhood while enjoying breathtaking views, peaceful streets, and fresh mountain air.
- Beginner-Friendly Hikes
- New to hiking, not used to Colorado’s elevation, or simply looking for something more relaxed? Vail offers a variety of beginner-friendly trails that make it easy to explore without tackling anything too difficult.
- Gore Creek Path- A great option for those looking to enjoy mountain scenery at a relaxed place.
- Eagle’s Loop (Vail Mountain)– Take the gondola up Vail Mountain to enjoy high elevation views without doing the high elevation climbing.
- Lower Piney River Trail- Located just outside of Vail, this easy 2.2-mile hike showcases the beauty of the Piney area.
- Moderate Hikes
- Looking to take your hike to the next level? Moderate hikes are the perfect way to work up a sweat while being rewarded with beautiful mountain scenery, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildflowers.
- Meadow Mountain Trail- Located right outside the cute and historic town of Minturn, enjoy a hike on this trail with expansive mountain views.
- Fancy Lake- Located in the Holy Cross Wilderness, this scenic hike winds through alpine forests, streams, and mountain scenery before reaching beautiful Fancy Lake.
- Lost Lake Trail- A rewarding hike with alpine lake views where you can enjoy mountain reflections on the glassy water surface.
- Challenging Hikes
- For experienced hikers looking for a full-day adventure, these challenging trails offer unique ways to see incredibly scenery.
- Berry Picker Trail- Starting in Lionshead Village and climbing up towards the top of the gondola, this trail is a favorite, especially if you’re planning to enjoy lunch, fun activities, or a scenic gondola ride back down.
- Missouri Lakes (Holy Cross)- An alpine gem featuring wildflower filled meadows, and gorgeous lakes and streams.
- Gore Lake Trail- One of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in the area that leads to breathtaking alpine lake views.
- For experienced hikers looking for a full-day adventure, these challenging trails offer unique ways to see incredibly scenery.
- Looking to take your hike to the next level? Moderate hikes are the perfect way to work up a sweat while being rewarded with beautiful mountain scenery, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildflowers.
- New to hiking, not used to Colorado’s elevation, or simply looking for something more relaxed? Vail offers a variety of beginner-friendly trails that make it easy to explore without tackling anything too difficult.
Explore on Two Wheels
From leisurely rides through town to exciting mountain adventures, biking is one of the best ways to experience the Vail Valley. With miles of scenic paths and world-class trails, there are plenty of options for riders of all experience levels.
- The Vail Valley Recreation Path
- A paved path connecting Vail, Avon, Edwards, and beyond! It is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely ride, short or long, through the Valley, and you can always explore the towns and what they have to offer along the way!
- Mountain Biking
- Vail has plenty of mountain biking trails around the valley, whether you are in the mood to downhill on Vail Mountain or tackle the challenging climbs up Wildridge, there is plenty of fun to be had for all skill levels.
- E-Bikes
- A great option to cover miles easily while still taking in the scenery.
Community Classes
One of the best parts about being in the Vail Valley is that almost everyone enjoys an active lifestyle. Throughout the summer, local organizations offer fitness opportunities like free yoga, pilates, and even sports for every age and ability.
- Free Yoga
- Free outdoor yoga is all over the Valley! Enjoy a free class on Saturday mornings at Solaris in Vail, Little Beach Community Park in Minturn, and Avon Performance Pavilion, or Sunday at the Town Park in Eagle. Or, if Wednesday afternoon works better for you, head over to the Centennial Lawn in Beaver Creek. It is a great way to stay active and spend time outside—and it’s free!
- If you’re more of an indoor yoga person, head over to the Vail Public Library on Tuesday mornings.
- SUP Yoga
- SUP Yoga is a super fun and unique way to stay active throughout the summer. Rent a paddle board and go to any lake in the valley, or if you prefer an instructor, The Westin Athletic Club offers SUP yoga classes at their outdoor swimming pool.
- Drop-In Sports
- The Town of Avon and the Town of Vail offer drop-in sports, adult leagues, and tournaments throughout the summer.
- Fitness in the Park
- The Town of Avon offers free Sunset Yoga and Pure Barre pop-ups at Nottingham Lake.
Â
Summer Sports
Another great way to move your body in the Vail Valley is the array of summer sports we offer. If you’re a pro or trying something new, there are many opportunities to let your competitive side out and stay active.
- Golf
- Eagle County has some of the most scenic courses; it is seriously a golfer’s Whether you’re a public or private course kind of person, you are guaranteed incredible mountain views throughout each hole. View the Valley’s 15 Golf Courses here.
- Pickleball
- One of the fastest-growing sports in the country has become very popular in the Vail Valley. Whether you’re a beginner or play every day, feel free to visit one or more of the many courts throughout the Valley and enjoy the beautiful summer weather!
- Tennis
- Prefer tennis? Well don’t worry, just like pickleball there are plenty of courts around the Valley that make it easy to enjoy a match all summer long!
- Rock Climbing
- Whether you’re a seasoned climber or wanting to try it for the first time, the Vail Valley offers both indoor climbing gyms and outdoor climbing areas that offer a unique way to challenge yourself and enjoy Colorado’s landscape.
From peaceful walks, scenic hikes, bike rides, fitness classes, and summer sports, there are countless ways to embrace an active lifestyle in the Vail Valley. Whether you’re visiting for the summer or fortunate enough to call this mountain community home, this is the perfect time to get outside, explore, and enjoy this beautiful place!
Spread the word.
