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.
Nottingham Gulch
Cache Creek Access Trail
Suicide Gulch
Skillman Gulch
Two Elk Trail
Cinnamon Gulch
Rock Island Gulch
Swift Gulch
Dewey Park Gulch
Brinker Gulch
Coberly Gap
Mckinley Gulch
Lloyd Gulch
Bachelor Gulch
Doig Gulch
Lehman Gulch
Graveline Gulch
Fredonia Gulch
Eaglesmere Trail
Montgomery Gulch
Third Gulch
Sawyer Lake Trail
Williams Fork Mountains
Argentine North Fork Trail
Warden Gulch
Beaver Dam Gulch
Salt Creek Trail
Lonesome Gulch
Surprise Trail
Mumford Gulch
Butler Gulch
Silver Dollar Island
Slate Creek Trail
White Quail Gulch
Thurman Gulch
Stray Horse Gulch
Sheep Drive Trail
Cow Camp Gulch
Rhoads Gulch
Sneve Gulch
Shane Gulch
Bordoux Gulch
Gore Range
Mesa-Cortina Trail
Dolly Varden Gulch
Red Canyon Stock Driveway
English Gulch
Alps Gulch
Erwin Gulch
Starr Gulch
Mcallister Gulch
Platte Gulch
Lake Charles Trail
New York Mountain Trail
Deluge Lake Trail
Frey Gulch
Tenmile Range
Stag Gulch
Little English Gulch
Laskey Gulch
Muggins Gulch
Denison Draw
Saint Kevin Gulch
Pigtail Gulch
Bishop Gulch
Neilson Gucch
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Horseshoe Sulfur Trail
Birdseye Gulch
Byers Peak Trail
Kearney Gulch
Eagle Vail Golf Club
Horton Gulch
Chapman Gulch
Williams Peak Trail
Continental Mountains
Conroy Gulch
Ford Gulch
Spring Draw 2
Cucumber Gulch
Rule Gulch
High Trail Gulch
Red Gorge
Gleason Gulch
Bartlett Gulch
Mccullough Gulch
Fence Gulch
Sulfur Trail
Harrman Gulch
Garibaldi Gulch
Mayer Gulch
Kinney Creek Trail
Gold Dust Trail
Keyser Divide Trail
Muddy Keyser Trail
Hardscrabble Gulch
Eagle County Historical Museum
Edwards Draw
Saint Louis Trail