Vail
Vail, Colorado is on the rise, outgrowing humble roots to bring you a skiing and winter retreat experience you will never forget and always treasure. What started as a small business ski resort in the 1960s--named after Charles Vail, who routed U.S. Highway 6 through the Eagle Valley in 1940--has become an incorporated city in Colorado.
When Pete Seibert founded the ski area, the business was doing so well in the first year that he erected a small village at the base of the Vail Pass so visitors and employees would have better access to the mountain. From there, Vail has grown exponentially over the last few decades into a must-go for any traveler ready to hit the slopes or scratch that foodie itch.
Vail's Popularity
If you are traveling to Vail, be on your guard: the city is notorious for turning travelers into Vail locals. The town of Vail hums with a population of 5,400 residents, which makes this city more of a community. The locals all know each other well and are more than eager to welcome travelers into the fold.
The landscape promises hiking adventures, fishing excursions, blue skies, and snowy slopes to please any ski enthusiast. A fantastic food scene and quirky artistic side will keep your senses delighted when the adrenaline rush finally wears off. It is easy to see why this winter wonderland has become a destination vacation for so many eager travelers.
Vail's Location
Clocking just over 8,000 feet above sea level, the small city of Vail is surrounded by the White River National Forest, with the Mount of the Holy Cross visible from Vail Mountain. The Gore Creek meanders east to west through the center of town. Vail�s elevation in the Rocky Mountains promises you warm, pleasant summers, and cold, long winters. From late September to early May, temperatures will begin dipping below freezing, so pack layers! With an average of 200 inches of snowfall per season, be ready for occasional road closures in the wake of heavy snowfalls. Your highest temperature in the summer will reach the 80s, thanks to mountain winds rolling through the city, making any summer activity a breeze. Vail, CO private flights typically land at Eagle County Airport, about 30 miles west of Vail.
Vail Attractions
Once you have settled into Vail Village, it is time to start exploring this enchanting city. Fuel up at the Yeti�s Grind or Unravel Coffee before hopping on the Turtle Bus for dancing and mingling--on your way to tubing or rafting down the Colorado River. For a more seclusive experience, the Gore Creek Trail offers 11 miles of wildflowers and fun water crossing points.
Skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in summer abound in the ski areas up on Vail Mountain. Then take in a show at the Ford Amphitheater or follow the live music you hear pouring into the streets as you start an evening of eating at world-class restaurants or bar hopping. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or get to know the city in the lap of a beautiful mountain, there is no wrong decision when you are in Vail.
Gold Dust Trail
Gerard Gulch
Fredonia Gulch
Mount Massive Golf Course
Dewey Park Gulch
Yates Gulch
Chokecherry Gulch
Butler Gulch
Shingle Mill Gulch
Sulfur Trail
Tenderfoot Gulch
Miners Creek Trail
Officers Gulch
Saint Kevin Gulch
Birdseye Gulch
Ironedge Trail
Selkirk Gulch
Nottingham Gulch
Lehman Gulch
Bordoux Gulch
Indiana Gulch
South Evans Gulch
Kokomo Gulch
Williams Peak Trail
Horton Gulch
Yoder Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Red Canyon Stock Driveway
Half Moon Trail
Pawnee Gulch
Piney Lake Trail
Whites Gulch
Denison Draw
Warden Gulch
Pease Gulch
Hardscrabble Gulch
Garibaldi Gulch
Bishop Gulch
Neilson Gucch
Frey Gulch
Graveline Gulch
Platte Gulch
Antone Trail
Slow Trail Gulch
Little English Gulch
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Lund Gulch
Boran Gulch
Barger Gulch
The Seven Hermits
Horseshoe Sulfur Trail
Leeman Gulch
Harsha Gulch
Thurman Gulch
Kinney Creek Trail
Cinnamon Gulch
Middle Barton Gulch
High Trail Gulch
Tenmile Range
Cow Camp Gulch
Muddy Keyser Trail
Two Elk Trail
Burro Trail
Nottingham Ridge Trail
Red Gorge
Rule Gulch
Slate Creek Trail
Grays Peak Trail
Brinker Gulch
Spring Draw 1
Front Range
Silver Dollar Island
Wheeler Dillion Trail
Iowa Gulch
Searle Gulch
Surprise Trail
Laskey Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Little Porcupine Gulch
Pigtail Gulch
Lake Charles Trail
Mayer Gulch
Summit Gulch
Alps Gulch
Gore Range
Harrman Gulch
Stockyard Gulch
Main Range Trail
Horseshoe And Idlewild Trail
Darling Creek Trail
Lloyd Gulch
Lime Creek Canyon
Lonesome Gulch
Thayer Gulch
Charlie Gulch
South Barton Gulch
Little Evans Gulch
Mckinley Gulch
Galena Gulch