Sophia May
Things To Do In Vail Colorado In July – Summer hiking in Vail usually has the wonderful benefit of spectacular mountain views. Photo: Town Vale / Jack Affleck
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Things To Do In Vail Colorado In July
A Vail Colorado summer vacation offers endless outdoor fun. From climbing or descending a mountain or wading along a river to exploring the landscape on foot or horseback, there’s adventure around every corner. While Vail is known for its epic ski slopes, the area offers much more in the summer. With warm sunny days, cool nights, clear skies and the backdrop of the Sankey Mountains, summer is the perfect season for outdoor adventures and enjoying nature. As a local Vail family from eight to 50 years old, we’re excited to share some of our favorite things to do during the summer months.
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Vail Resorts’ Epic Discovery at Vail Mountain truly has something for all ages. A gentle glide down the mountain on the Eagle Bahn Gondola is peaceful, relaxing, and awe-inspiring at the lush ski slopes and trees surrounding the mountain peaks.
When you reach the top of Mount Vail, the hardest decision is what to do first. From going down the mountain on the Forest Flyer or tubing hill, or soaring through the air on a zip line, to testing your skills on one of the ropes courses, there’s something for kids and adults of all ages. I recommend taking a break from the excitement and challenges to relax at the Nature Discovery Center while exploring the wildlife exhibits.
The views from the top of Vail Mountain are always spectacular. But I think autumn is the most beautiful. If you can do this in mid-to-late September, you can get as many golden aspen leaves as you’ll ever see.
It’s our top choice to do with kids in Vail because you won’t find other natural environments that combine wildlife and nature education with personal challenges and just plain fun.
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Rifle Falls State Park has a looping triple waterfall a mile past waterfalls and limestone caves that are perfect for exploring. Photos: Liana Moore
Western Colorado is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. This is truly a trip for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels. Our family even managed to hunt down a couple that delighted the little ones with hidden caves and waterfalls.
If you stay in Vail, you can go hiking. You can also ride the gondola and hike to the top of Vail Mountain. Or you can hike through the beautiful Betty Ford Alps, the highest botanical garden in the country, if that’s more your speed.
Vail Valley offers many adventures of varying levels. I think it’s worth going to Glenwood Canyon, 45 minutes west of Vail, for a trip to the famous hanging lake. Or, if you have young kids, a trip to Rifle Falls State Park for an easy hike to the top of the falls might be just the ticket.
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I can’t believe there is a better way to slow down, enjoy nature, and de-stress than to travel. Plus, there’s no better time to get your kids out into nature than now. If Vail hadn’t introduced Epic Discovery last summer and its unique blend of nature, education, adventure, and fun, we’d make it our top pick for things to do in Vail with kids. we would be
Vail is full of great fun parks for kids. One of our favorites is Sunbird Park in Lionhead Village. Photos: Liana Moore
Visit local parks! Every city has parks, and many are bigger than Vail. But I would argue that they are unique. Not only are they in an unusual outdoor environment, but they also encourage imaginative play and activities. Plus, it’s one of those FREE activities that kids will enjoy even more than the more expensive ones.
Sunnyvale Park, known as Nest Park by local kids, was named one of the best parks in the world by Travel + Leisure. Located in Lionshead, it has rope bridges, slides, a climbing wall and a splash park to keep kids active and entertained.
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Pirate Ship Park in Vail Village is another favorite. In the center is a large pirate ship with several levels, with a staircase leading to the eagle’s nest. From rowing boats on land to boardwalks, this structure inspires all kinds of imaginative play. Turns and river access are bonuses.
A crazy kid, horseback riding is a unique way to experience the mountain scenery and native flora and fauna on a Vail Colorado summer vacation. What a wonderful experience to ride the beautiful and gentle animals with experienced rangers guiding you through the mountains. My daughter, one of her friends, and I rode the Beaver Creek Trails this summer. Sometimes we felt like we were stuck in the middle. But then we would drive around the loop and enjoy miles of beautiful mountain views and ski slopes.
Horseback riding is one of those things you can do in the summer, but it’s even better in the fall. The blossoming trees turned to gold, dusted and glittered in the air. This is a great time to enjoy a family trip.
Whether you’re biking down the mountain or speeding along the river bike path, biking is sure to be a favorite summer activity in Vail Colorado. Photo: Town Vale / Jack Affleck
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For more adventure, mountain bike across Vail Mountain. Don’t you want to work with mountains like that? For an additional fee, you can take your bike to the gondola and ride it yourself. There are many more trails in the Vail Valley that can be considered the best mountain bike trails in Colorado.
Ride cruiser bikes along the Vail Bike Trail for a scenic ride. Follow the trail to the river and then stop at Lionshead or Vail Village for a picnic or ice cream.
Piney Lake, with the Gore Mountains as a backdrop, is the perfect spot for horseback riding, horseback riding or glamping. Photos: Liana Moore
The water is calm. Our favorite spot is Piney Lake, a few miles up the Vail dirt road at Piney River Ranch. The ranch rents canoes, but not paddle boards, so bring your own if needed. The view of the Gor mountain range reflected in the lake is unique.
The Top 5 Things To Do In Vail, Colorado In The Summer
Hire paddle boards at Nottingham Lake on Avon. So it might be a better option for guests who can’t bring their own gear. Here you will find other water sports and a small beach.
Local experts offer whitewater rafting for almost every skill level. Many tours have age restrictions, so check before you go. Our family loves a Father’s Day float on the Colorado River offered by Timberline Tours. This swim is so easy that kids can have a go.
The waters of the Vail Valley offer excellent gold medal fishing. Many local outfitters will supply you with the necessary equipment and take you to hidden fishing spots on Gore Creek or other nearby rivers.
On Sundays, the Vail Farmers Market offers not only produce, but art, music, food and more. Colorful vendors line the cobblestone streets, offering visitors the chance to pick up a souvenir from their vacation.
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There are natural mineral springs in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Bathing in hot water not only feels good, but the natural minerals in it are also good for your health. Many of these hot springs have a long history dating back to the 1800s. There’s even an official Colorado Hot Springs ring. Head west to Glenwood Springs for some great swimming options!
Vail Pass has a steep trail leading into Vail Valley. Photo: VLMDAC/ Jack Affleck
Some of the bike rental companies in Vail will rent you bikes and ride to the top of Vail Pass. You will then return to the village of Vail along the creeks, past the golf course. Talk about adrenaline!
Children of all ages will enjoy splashing in the Vail Children’s Fountain. Photo: Town Vale / Jack Affleck
Vail Mountain, Colorado: Summer Vacation Outdoor Activities
All the kids will have hours of fun at the Vail Village Children’s Fountain. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day. The sounds of joy and laughter do not stop. But beware, there is a sweet shop strategically placed near the fountain. It attracts
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