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.
Gore Range
Ranger Gulch
Butler Gulch
White Quail Gulch
Beaver Creek Golf Club
Nottingham Gulch
Berry Gulch
Thayer Gulch
Platte Gulch
Suicide Gulch
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Purgatory Gulch
Kokomo Gulch
North Barton Gulch
Continental Mountains
Little French Gulch
Pease Gulch
Frey Gulch
Spring Draw 2
Red Gorge
Eaglesmere Trail
Wilder Gulch
Cache Creek Access Trail
Piney Lake Trail
Beaver Dam Gulch
Saint Louis Trail
Sulfur Trail
Gerard Gulch
Wheeler Dillion Trail
Byers Peak Trail
Saint Kevin Gulch
Harsha Gulch
Lloyd Gulch
Officers Gulch
Slim Jim Gulch
Bachelor Gulch
Stray Horse Gulch
Coberly Gap
Yates Gulch
Williams Peak Trail
Tates Gulch
Keyser Divide Trail
Shane Gulch
Half Moon Trail
Mumford Gulch
Front Range
Mount Massive Golf Course
Spring Draw 1
Stockyard Gulch
Rhoads Gulch
Eagle County Historical Museum
Chapman Trail
Selkirk Gulch
Spaulding Gulch
Charlie Gulch
Fisher Gulch
Indiana Gulch
Darling Creek Trail
Starr Gulch
Silver Dollar Island
Little Porcupine Gulch
Harrman Gulch
Mayer Gulch
Pigtail Gulch
Cinnamon Gulch
Erwin Gulch
Hamilton Gulch
Creamery Gulch
Bordoux Gulch
Garibaldi Gulch
Tenmile Range
Little Evans Gulch
Little Stray Horse Gulch
Gold Dust Trail
Lime Creek Canyon
Bishop Gulch
Piney Gulch
Graveline Gulch
Monitor Gulch
Rule Gulch
Searle Gulch
Slow Trail Gulch
Skillman Gulch
Deluge Lake Trail
Ute Peak Trail
Gore Range Trail
Rock Island Gulch
Mcginley Gulch
Beecher Gulch
Mesa-Cortina Trail
Kinney Creek Trail
Laskey Gulch
Chokecherry Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Rock Creek Trail
Putnam Gulch
No Name Gulch
Antone Trail
Cucumber Gulch