A visit to this part of Vail is incomplete without hiking the Upper Piney Lake Trail. This trail takes you right into the wilderness, with streams, picnic spots and other amenities. Fishing, hiking and horse riding are pretty popular here. Although, keep in mind that the trail might be closed in the winter due to the weather conditions.
Home to the widely popular Vail Ski Resort, the Vail Mountain is one of Colorado's most exciting winter destinations that allures vacationers from all over the globe. The mountain stands at a height of 3,450 feet (1,052 meters), with its snow-capped peak resting at an impressive elevation of more than 11,570 feet (3,527 m) above sea level, making it an unmissable landmark while passing Vail. A haven for winter sports enthusiasts, the mountain is sheathed in a string of sprawling ski expanses that feature over 193 ski runs and 33 ski lifts of varying difficulty levels. The ski paths cut through dense, alpine foliage, whereas aerial lifts, with their splendid trajectory, traverse the breathtaking landscapes that unravel underneath.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is one of the world's highest botanical gardens located at a height of 8200 feet (2500 meters) in Rocky Mountains. The garden is open everyday with no admission fee. It features numerous beautiful flora while the 120-foot (11-meter) waterfall is the highlight of the place. Curation, education and conservation are some of the missions that this garden is based upon.
The Piney River Ranch offers a complete retreat for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and hunting form the core of summer and winter activities at the ranch. They have log cabins, cottages and teepees for rent, and a restaurant on-site. Guests can also camp for a fee. They even welcome weddings for those who want Mother Nature to be their cathedral! See their website for all pricing information.
There's more to Vail than just skiing, well demonstrated by the famous Booth Falls Trail. This beautiful trail will take you through Colorado's countryside, with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the wilderness. Be advised that it is a rather tough trek for beginners and plan your hike accordingly.
Vail is predominantly a ski/resort town and of the best ski bowls in the region is the Blue Sky Basin. This massive area was acquired by the fabled Vail Mountain Resort in 2000 and has been a major tourist attraction since. Accessible via ski lifts, the basin is considered a great turf for intermediate or professional level skiers.
Camp Hale was a training facility of the army of United States of America in function since 1942. Located in the Eagle River valley, it is named after renowned General Irving Hale. At this facility, the soldiers were trained in mountain climbing, skiing, surviving in the cold weather, and also special martial arts skills. After World War II, this facility was decommissioned. It is a feature on the National Register of Historic Places. Designated as a National Monument in 2022, the place offers an opportunity to learn about the training and experiences of the army and to appreciate their important role in World War II.
A visit to this part of Vail is incomplete without hiking the Upper Piney Lake Trail. This trail takes you right into the wilderness, with streams, picnic spots and other amenities. Fishing, hiking and horse riding are pretty popular here. Although, keep in mind that the trail might be closed in the winter due to the weather conditions.
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, a non-profit organization, aims to help those with disabilities experience the wilderness through a series of inspiring and valuable outdoor programs. A climbing wall, rafts, and canoes, cabins and teepees, the center has many other resources for outdoor adventure. Varying seasonal activities like Alpine and Nordic skiing, whitewater rafting, and team and leadership development courses create lasting impressions on the youth. This is a great space where the youth can get in touch with themselves and nature.
An amazing science center, the Walking Mountains opens a door full of recreational and educational opportunities. The center is a non-profit facility which strives to educate about sustainable development with the use of solar and geothermal energy. The discovery center, which lies at the middle of this facility, shows a number of interpretive exhibits about mountain ecology and eco-friendly development. The center conducts a lot of other outdoor activities and summer camps to educate the children in a fun way. Programs for adults and families are also available at the center. The center facilities can also be rented for private events like parties, receptions or weddings.
Snow Caps Sled Dogs is a family run business first opened in 1984. They call about 150 huskies part of the family, and every year is it possible to visit the little puppies in their kennel - you can even adopt a husky and take it home with you. During the winter season the dogs pull sleds and during the summer they provide scooter tours.
Scattered with woodlands, meadows, and marshes, Sylvan Lake State Park is nestled in Eagle County in the state of Colorado. Covering an area of 1,548 acres (626 hectares), this state park overlooks the scenic Sylvan Lake. Opened in the year 1987, the park features a campground, a boat launch ramp, picnic areas, and a visitor center. Hike along the water-facing park and revel in the area’s flora and fauna. You can also camp the night for a beautiful stay in the lap of nature.