Best Places to Go in Vail, Colorado During the Summer

Vail, Colorado is generally a hoppin' place in the winter, what with everyone going skiing and skating and snowboarding and whatnot. But what many folks miss out on is Vail's summertime beauty. Vail Village isn't so packed you can't get through the streets, and the weather is ideal for many activities that would be boring anywhere else.

If you're looking for a place that's not scorching hot in the summer, but don't feel like heading up to Canada or Alaska to cool off, check out these summertime activities in Vail, Colorado.

Cycling

Rent a bicycle in one of Vail's bicycle shops, and take the tour van up to the top of the mountain for a gradual downhill bike ride all the way. There are many trails to choose from, but the one we took follows the old Route 6 and sidles up near the current interstate in some areas.

Not only is the ride breathtaking, it goes pretty fast. It's downhill almost all the way, so make sure whoever leads the way isn't a dawdler!

Hiking

Take a gondola ride up the mountain and hike around wherever your heart desires. Nothing is marked off, so you pretty much have free reign over where you want to go. However, there aren't any forest rangers around, so if you get hurt, no one's going to come after you unless someone knows your whereabouts. So always travel with a partner!

Shops

Vail Village is home to some expensive and very expensive shopping. The Village itself looks like a bunch of Swiss chalets, so it's pretty just to tour the village area without actually breaking out your wallet.

Vail Village is also a pretty safe place to hang out. There are several security/police detail around to ensure that, but most of Vail's clientele are the upper cut anyway. You don't have to fear for your life when walking around in the dark at night, especially since most of the streets are lit up from the shops and restaurants.

Rafting

Summertime is great for beginning rafters since the huge deluges of waves have subsided after the spring melt. Vail itself doesn't have rafting guides, but there are guides a few miles outside of town that will pick you up and drive you to a rafting area.

Horseback Riding

4 Eagle Ranch is one of the most popular horseback riding retreats near Vail. They offer two levels of riding, beginner and intermediate. The beginning trail takes you around the ranch and around the outskirts of Turtleback Mountain. The intermediate trail takes you right up onto the ridge of Turtleback mountain for a great view of the outer lying areas and the ranch far below. You must take the beginner trail before they'll let you ride Turtleback Mountain, though.

Your horseback riding fees also include lunch at the ranch, which is pretty substantial and quite tasty. Meal options vary, but when we were there, I think the choices were a burger or a chicken sandwich with drinks and sides.

Vail and the immediate surrounding areas have a lot to offer during the summer months. Nothing is cheap, per se, but it's a lot less expensive than the busy season. It's a great place to take the whole family as long as everyone can handle their own bike, horse or paddle.