Things to do & places to visit in Vail, Colorado, United States

North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favorite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.

Vail city in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 15:59.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Vail Recreation Path (190 reviews)
- Lovely walk into Vail
Biking Trails

This seven-mile, paved path meanders through alpine fields, aspen groves and Vail's picturesque villages. See more..
5.0 Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (The Amp) (174 reviews)
- Great Place to see a live show
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Each summer, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (The Amp) in Vail plays host to an array of cultural and entertainment offerings, ranging from internationally renowned dance and classical music presentations, courtesy of the Vail Dance Festival and the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, to the free weekly Hot Summer Nights concerts. In addition, local chorale and theater presentations annually grace The Amp stage, while headlining Amp Summer Concerts round out the summer calendar. See more..
5.0 Sunshine Massage Studio (110 reviews)
- Great massage!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Yoga & Pilates • Spas

Experience the best massage in Vail. We offer Deep-Tissue, Thai Massage, Couples Massage Lessons, Inversion Therapy enhanced with hot stones and back walking, Gongs, Cupping, Waterfall Massage and more at the heart of Lionshead Village in West Vail. We have a team of highly skilled and qualified therapists that have come from around the country to be trained by Sunshine herself. They each come with their own expertise and specialties. Our goal is to provide a unique experience that blows you away. The effects of Sunshine Massages are longer lasting than any 'regular' session you've had in the past. Walk away feeling taller, lighter, more flexible and mobile. You might even learn new tips and tricks to enhance your athletic hobbies or give you better posture to reduce chronic pain and allow you to thrive in life rather than survive. We are here for you! Come as you are, leave refreshed. See more..
5.0 Missouri Lake Trail (18 reviews)
- Truly worth the effort!
Hiking Trails

This scenic hike through canyon and along the river ends up at a series of glacial lakes and streams. See more..
5.0 J. Cotter Gallery (11 reviews)
- Incredibly beautiful Art and jewelry
Art Galleries

The J. Cotter Gallery is an internationally recognized gallery of contemporary designer jewelry, featuring designs by leading artists from the United States and Europe. Opening in 1970, the J. Cotter Gallery has proved to be a mainstay in the Vail art community with a second location in Beaver Creek as well. See more..
5.0 Grand Traverse (4 reviews)
- Insane scramble
Biking Trails
Starting from Eagle's Nest, this four-mile challenging trail is geared for intermediate mountain bikers. See more..
5.0 Fancy Pass Trail (4 reviews)
- Best hike in Colorado
Hiking Trails
Named after a miner from the 1800's, this trail offers hikers spectacular vistas. See more..
5.0 Bob Sled Run (1 review)
- Explendida experiencia
Ski & Snowboard Areas
One of the only public bobsled runs in America is at Vail Mountain. See more..
4.5 Vail Mountain Resort (2.303 reviews)
- Amazing!
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Offering more than 5,289 acres of downhill and cross-country trails, Vail is considered one of the best all-around ski mountains in the world. See more..
4.5 Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (870 reviews)
- Garden Solitude
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

This beautiful alpine botanical garden, located at the foot of Vail Mountain, is open to the public. See more..
4.5 Vail Valley (350 reviews)
- Gorgeous Vail Valley!
Neighborhoods

The heart of the city of Vail where most of the area's restaurants, shops and attractions are located. See more..
4.5 Booth Falls Trail (297 reviews)
- Perfect family hike
Hiking Trails

Six-mile hiking trail climbs 3,000 feet in elevation as it passes varied scenery including lakes, waterfalls and aspen forests. See more..
4.5 Piney River Ranch (217 reviews)
- Cozy cabins with incredibly beautiful views
Temporarily closed - Closed until Jun 20, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Ranches

We are officially closed for the 2022 season. See you June 21st 2023! Mountain ranch offering summer activities - hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, restaurant, lodging. Opened June 21st through the last Saturday in September annually. See more..
4.5 Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame (155 reviews)
- Free, Warm and Interesting
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Get a feel for the slopes without strapping on the skis at this museum chronicling Colorado's skiing history. See more..
4.5 Vail Scenic Gondola (119 reviews)
- What a View!
Trams

This was pricey, since we intended to ride (up and down) one time only before leaving Vail - but it was well worth it. The views are incredible. We went on Thursday morning and there were no lines. They will slow down the gondola for people who need extra time boarding. If you're planning on visiting Vail just one time (as I was), I highly recommend spending the money to ride the gondola. See more..
4.5 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company (85 reviews)
- Fun spot with live music and great drinks
Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Distilleries

The 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co. is Vail, CO's premier distillery. We share a love of the outdoors, a good time, and glass of whiskey to top it off. See more..
4.5 Vail Farmers' Market and Art Show (76 reviews)
- Vail farmers market is back!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets

The Vail Farmers Market is entering its 20th year in Vail on Meadow Drive. The event started with a few tents and now has grown to 16 Sundays of the summer. . Enjoy hiking and biking and spending time with your family in Vail. Parking for the Market is at the Vail Village Parking or Lionshead Parking. The Market begins on Father's Day June 20 and goes through October 3rd, 2021. Any vendors that are not Town of Vail businesses have made in Colorado products. Come join us from 9:30 am- 3:30 pm on Sundays! See more..
4.5 Camp Hale (65 reviews)
- WW II 10th Mountain Division Training Area
Historic Sites

Built in 1942 as a training camp for a WWII army force, this campsite is now home to Camp Jeep. See more..
4.5 Shrine Mountain Trail (64 reviews)
- Outstanding in June Magnificent Views
Hiking Trails

Lovely walkable hike with magnificent views and wild flowers. You could just stand in one place for hours it is so gorgeous. If you want a short hike or a long hike it is perfect to capture one of the prettiest views I have seen in the Vail area. See more..
4.5 Minturn Mile (29 reviews)
- Always fun, have ski patrol sign off
Hiking Trails

Did it today. Pretty good coverage except for one section near the creek. If you are debating the run, talk to ski patrol to get a read. If they say no, don’t do it. They said yes today. Long walk from the end of the run to the Saloon, but always worth it. Got an Uber after about 20 min of trying. Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Ford Park (24 reviews)
- The Fords Brought the World to Vail
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds

Ford Park may not be well known in general, but in the Vail-Avon-Beaver Creek area, it is a much-appreciated amenity for Locals & Visitors, especially during the Summer. It is a Public Park with Free Parking. The Park includes the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Picnic Areas, & more. Well-kept Football, Softball, Rugby, Soccer & LaCrosse Athletic Fields run alongside Hwy. 70. There are 3 elaborate Playgrounds ~ all custom designed & built ~ for different ages. Loved the Suspension Bridge! Ample semi-private areas for Picnics, beside or near the clear beautiful Creeks. See more..
4.5 Piney River Trail (Upper) (19 reviews)
- This Has To Be On Your List!!!!
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

This has to be the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Amazing! Every step is picturesque. The 6 mile, round-trip, trek is not particularly hard, but as Floridian flat-landers the altitude gave it some challenge. Saw children, elderly people, moms with babies on back carriers, and dogs, getting through with ease. This has to be on your list if you are in Colorado. It is a very bumpy dirt road in, so I don't suggest a economy or compact rental car. Also, don't make my mistake. When the road forks, head left for Piney Lake, and not the other way. See more..
4.5 Booth Falls (19 reviews)
- Wonderful Hike
Waterfalls

The hike to Booth Falls and Deluge Lake should be on everyone's "must do" list. The trail is well-marked and maintained. It's a popular hike, so you will meet other hikers on you way up & down, but it wasn't overly crowded. This IS NOT a hike for those who are out of shape or have't adjusted to the altitude. There is a steady uphill with a few steep areas (particularly at the beginning.) There are areas with tree cover, but there are also lots of open, sunny spots. Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat and pack lots of water. The views are incredible. Plan on 3-4 hours (with stops, round-trip) if you go the the fall. Add another 2-3 hours to make it to the lake. See more..
4.5 Shrine Pass Road (17 reviews)
- Color viewing adventure
Scenic Drives

We returned home from Vail via Shrine Pass. Was an easy leisurely drive over the 11094 ft. Pass. The views were great and color of trees beautiful. Saw several places for picnics and camping. Recommend starting on east side as it is not as steep as west side. Can make it easy without 4x4. See more..
4.5 West Vail Dog Park (15 reviews)
- MY dog luvs the West Vail Dog Park
Parks

My dog gives this 5 bow wows, and claims the park is Paws for Cause, because he luvs it so. Lots of room to roam, and it can't be beat, Gore reek flows thru it for a quick cool down and/or clean up See more..
4.5 Lost Lake Trail (8 reviews)
- Fun Hike
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

Pretty long and windy drive on dirt road to trailhead...but well maintained...so manageable in normal two wheel drive car...at least in early June. Compared to most hikes..not too much elevation gain...about 800 feet over 3.5 miles. If yiu take it slow...easy hike. As we got to the lake lots of snow covering trail and quite marshy. We just followed the gully right to the lake. It was beautiful. Took us 3.5 hours roundtrip...but we were hauling...well as fast as a 51 year old guy in pretty good shape can go. Trail is much smoother than many. Good picnic location. See more..
4.5 Bighorn Park Off Leash Dog Park (7 reviews)
- Pond was Lab approved!
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Parks • Playgrounds
We arrived in Vail to rain showers. What do you do in Vail with your dog when it is raining? Go play in the water! This was a great little park with easy access to the water. There was no fence around the park, but that was no issue for us. Thank you Bighorn Dog Park!! See more..
4.5 Chaos Canyon (7 reviews)
- Fun place to play
Ski & Snowboard Areas
An Adventure Zone or special area just for kids offering an ancient Indian Burial Ground, old fort, teepee village and three runs called Thunder Lane, Tornado Valley and Richochet. See more..
4.0 Vail / Beaver Creek Resort (419 reviews)
- Awesome conditions, no wait - Vail wins again
Ski & Snowboard Areas

One of the premier ski areas in the world, Vail and Beaver Creek offer excellent skiing and many other attractions. See more..
4.0 Adventure Ridge (219 reviews)
- Snowtubing at Vail!
Ski & Snowboard Areas

DISCOVER SUMMER AT VAIL Zip, fly, tour, tube: how will you discover Vail Mountain? With Adventure Courses, Ziplines, a Mountain Coaster and much more, the options are endless at Epic Discovery, the ultimate playground! Summer in the mountains is taking on a whole new feel with Vail's newest summer experience, Epic Discovery. Epic Discovery provides a unique, connected, on-mountain summer experience, immersing you in activities which provide big-time thrills, allowing you to challenge yourself physically, guiding you to explore and better understand your natural surroundings, and ultimately create lifelong memories. WINTER Play in the afternoon and well into the night at Adventure Ridge with ski bikes, kids snowmobile track, a slippery slope of rip-roaring tubing lanes and more. Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Adventure Ridge is snow park the size of a football stadium, complete with family food favorites like Bistro Fourteen. The Eagle Bahn Gondola runs from breakfast till night. Drink hot chocolate and watch the sun set over the bowls. Adventure Ridge, a family experience Like Nothing on Earth. See more..