Vail isn’t just a winter destination! When that world-class snow melts for the season, it uncovers some of the best summer fun you can find in Colorado. From sparkling lakes to towering peaks to luxurious lounge areas, Vail is the summer destination you need to add to your list.
As Colorado experts and enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to put together the top things to do when you visit Vail in the summertime! Pick the ones that work for you and build your future favorite vacation.
Ready to head to the mountains? Here are the top things to do in Vail during summer.
Things To Do in Vail During Summer
Best Activities in Vail for Families
Hotel Pools
Many hotel pools around Vail have impressive pools that your kids will love (and you will love the break to lie down and read a book!). Check out Four Seasons Resort Vail or Vail Marriott Mountain Resort for the ultimate pool day.
Vail Gondola
Take a scenic gondola ride up Vail Mountain for breathtaking views and access to hiking trails, adventure courses, and mountain biking paths. Kids will love looking out the gondola windows for thrilling views of the mountains below.
Epic Discovery
Located at the top of Vail Mountain, Epic Discovery Adventure Park offers zip lines, a mountain coaster, climbing walls, bungee trampolines, and more. It’s perfect for kids that need to burn off some steam and access their inner adventurer (in a controlled environment!).
Biking Trails
Rent bikes and explore the scenic Vail Pass or the town’s endless bike paths. There are options for all skill levels, including easy, flat rides through the valley and technical trails in the mountains.
Best Activities in Vail for Adventurers
Best Hiking Trails Near Vail
Booth Falls Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,358 feet
This stunning hike is a popular pick for locals and tourists that connects you to wildflowers, aspen groves, and views of a 60-foot waterfall. It’s a happy medium hike that will feel just the right amount of challenging for a half-day adventure.
Gore Lake Trail
Distance: 12.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 2,936 feet
If you’re looking for a challenge, Gore Lake is a great option. This hike has impressive elevation gains and a beautiful alpine lake as a reward. Take in the mountain views and seasonal wildflowers all day long.
Deluge Lake Trail
Distance: 9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
This trail may be slightly shorter than Gore Lake, but it actually has even more elevation gain. Get ready for stunning lake views, panoramic vistas, and sore glutes!
Piney River Falls Trail
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Another happy medium hike, this trail has milder elevation gain but still ends in a beautiful lake. Take in the Gore Range and the gushing Piney River Falls on this great half-day hike.
Water-Based Summer Activities Near Vail
Whitewater Rafting Near Vail
Vail is a great hub for some exciting whitewater rafting! The surrounding rivers offer various levels of rapids, from beginner and family-friendly to more challenging runs. Eagle River and Colorado River are the perfect locations around Vail to hop on a raft for a fun whitewater adventure.
An Upper Colorado Raft Trip is our to-go suggestion for adventurous families that want a non-stop fun in nature. Our full-day trip includes up to 5 hours on the river enjoying fun rapids and scenic stretches of water, and includes stops for a beautiful picnic lunch and a unique soak in a natural hot spring.
Kayaking Near Vail
The calm sections of Gore Creek and Eagle River offer ideal spots for beginners to practice paddling, and more exciting sections are sure to draw experienced kayakers. If you don’t already own gear, local kayak rentals and guided tours are great ways to get you on the river.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Near Vail
Nottingham Lake has the perfect waters for Stand Up Paddleboards. Paddleboarding is a great way to get a workout in, explore the lake, or help your kids get their wiggles out while trying to balance on the water. It’s also incredibly convenient with paddleboard rentals right on the lake!
You can also head to Piney Lake for stunning mountain scenery, wildlife viewing, and on-site rentals. The road to Piney Lake is open from June 21st to the last week of September, so make the most of it!
Fishing Near Vail
There’s no better way to spend the day than with a cool drink in one hand and a fishing rod in the other! For fly fishing, head to Gore Creek, Eagle River, and Colorado River to hook Brookies, Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout. There is also peaceful or family-friendly lake fishing on Piney and Nottingham Lake.
Best Indoor Activities in Vail
Spas and Hot Springs
Vail is one of the most upscale areas of Colorado, so you know it can offer an amazing spa day. All of the luxury hotels in the area have exclusive spas for full days of relaxation or even just an hour reprise for a quality massage.
Hot springs may not be fully inside, but they are still an excellent option for cold-weather days or moments of relaxation between adventures. These soaks are the perfect way to ease sore muscles after a long hike! Glenwood Hot Springs is just an hour from Vail and has the world’s largest natural hot springs pool.
Vail Village
Vail Village is a hit year-round with a variety of boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This street in the heart of the Vail Valley has quaint European-inspired architecture and interesting shops and galleries that can fill an entire afternoon with food and fun.
The air is fresh, the sun is shining, and the adventure is waiting – now is the time to escape and find some thrilling summer fun in Vail, CO! If you need any help planning your CO trip, visit our blog page! We cover some of the state’s best iconic stops and hidden gems.