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.
Searle Gulch
Nottingham Gulch
Salt Creek Trail
Birdseye Gulch
Fence Gulch
No Name Gulch
North Barton Gulch
Tenmile Range
Dewey Park Gulch
Yates Gulch
Front Range
Little Porcupine Gulch
Neilson Gucch
Pawnee Gulch
Argentine North Fork Trail
Warden Gulch
Barger Gulch
Coberly Gap
Little French Gulch
Old Boreas Wagon Road
Thurman Gulch
New York Mountain Trail
Sugarloaf Gulch
Garibaldi Gulch
Stevens Gulch
Spring Draw 2
Skillman Gulch
Officers Gulch
Doig Gulch
Deluge Lake Trail
Beaver Creek Golf Club
Sulfur Trail
High Trail Gulch
Carter Gulch
Eagle County Historical Museum
South Barton Gulch
Slim Jim Gulch
Ute Peak Trail
Salt Lick Gulch
Kinney Creek Trail
Rhoads Gulch
Laskey Gulch
Scott Gulch
Continental Mountains
Corduroy Canyon
Creamery Gulch
Gerard Gulch
Dolly Varden Gulch
Ranger Gulch
Suicide Gulch
Little Sugarloaf Gulch
Little Stray Horse Gulch
Byers Peak Trail
Spring Draw 1
Two Elk Trail
Sneve Gulch
Sheep Drive Trail
Second Gulch
Gleason Gulch
Gold Run Gulch
Lloyd Gulch
Lake Charles Trail
Eagle Vail Golf Club
Platte Gulch
Cow Camp Gulch
Nottingham Ridge Trail
Wheeler Dillion Trail
Stag Gulch
Piney Gulch
Muddy Keyser Trail
Middle Barton Gulch
Harsha Gulch
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Stray Horse Gulch
Graveline Gulch
Gold Dust Trail
Selkirk Gulch
Mumford Gulch
Grays Peak Trail
Bartlett Gulch
Horton Gulch
Ford Gulch
Mckenzie Gulch
Miners Creek Trail
Muggins Gulch
Shane Gulch
Indiana Gulch
Surprise Trail
Third Gulch
Red Canyon Stock Driveway
Cache Creek Access Trail
Silver Dollar Island
Piney Lake Trail
Mesa-Cortina Trail
Red Gorge
Rock Creek Trail
The Seven Hermits
Kokomo Gulch
Charlie Gulch