Off-roading assures a bumpy good time that opens your senses to yet another side of the Rocky Mountains. If you’ve never ridden an ATV before; it’s one for the bucket list – and a simple task to learn. Guides will instruct you and then let you (safely) play.

• Discover the mystery of the most recently extinct volcano in Colorado through Sage Outdoor Adventures.
• Nova Guides offers a rich perspective of mountain history, this time in the form of Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Army Division trained for divisive battles won in World War II.

Biking can be one of the best ways to enjoy the Vail Valley and get some exercise in. Check out the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance website that has information on trails and their conditions.

Eagle: Eagle is becoming known as a biking destination for both local and out-of-town enthusiasts with a wealth of trails and a flourishing biking subculture. The Haymaker Trail in Eagle is a great introduction to mountain biking for all ages and abilities, with easy trailhead access and plenty of parking.

Vail & Beaver Creek: If the downhill is your favorite part, let the lifts do the work at Vail or Beaver Creek. After a scenic ride up on the gondola, you can proceed downhill at your own pace. First time? Ask about a guided tour. Be sure to check the fall gondola schedule before you go: Vail Gondola Schedule & Beaver Creek Gondola Schedule 

Looking for bike rentals? View our list of providers here.

Local’s Tip: Take a ride in the fall when the Aspen trees turn from green to gold making it an absolutely spectacular experience!

Guided Fishing: Wade fishing and float trips in the Vail Valley provide novice and experienced anglers alike an opportunity to experience Colorado’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife, as well as the opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. Access to our rivers and streams, including Gore Creek, the Eagle River, Brush Creek and the Colorado River can be tricky if you’ve never fished here before. We highly recommend booking an experienced guide through one of these providers.

Local’s Tip for DIY Fishing: Stop by a local fly shop to receive insider tips on where to go fish based on the season. You have options of fishing in several different rivers and lakes. Whether you’re up for a challenge or the guaranteed bite for beginners, the local fly fishing guides have the best knowledge for where to fish and what to use for your flies.

One of the best ways to see and experience the Colorado wilderness is on horseback. Enjoy a one or two-hour family friendly ride through a meadow, or a day trip into the mountains. Browse our providers who offer horseback riding here. If you are looking for a multi-day trip, contact Bearcat Stables who offers a four day excursion.

An authentic way to enjoy the Colorado mountains is booking a night, or more, with 10^th Mountain Huts, a series of shelters set in intervals in a triangle between Vail, Aspen and Leadville. The cabins come with cooking supplies, pre-cut logs to warm the huts in the wood stove, and decks to enjoy the stars.

10^th Mountain Huts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that manages a system of 34 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, connected by 350 miles of suggested routes. They provide a unique opportunity for backcountry skiing, mountain biking, or hiking while staying in secure, comfortable shelter. Backcountry exploring is amazing, but not without risk. Watch our Respect the Backcountry video for some quick tips before your adventure.

The name honors the men of 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, who trained during World War II at Camp Hale in central Colorado. Hut visitors share the special spirit of these individuals, especially their pursuit of excellence, self-reliance, and love of the outdoors.

Once the snow runoff increases the water level in the rivers, you can’t help but feel the adrenaline rush. Jump on the Eagle, Arkansas or Colorado rivers with one of the rafting companies – you won’t be disappointed, we promise.

Nothing beats a day on the mountain and we are lucky to have access to both Beaver Creek and Vail! Vail Mountain’s wide variety of terrain, back bowls, and 5,289 skiable acres are one-of-a-kind. Paired with pristine conditions, skiing Vail is truly like no mountain you’ve experienced before. Beaver Creek Mountain provides access to every level of skier, making it great for families. You’ll delight in the meticulously groomed corduroy runs as you explore 1,800 acres of terrain, as you dip into each of the three distinct base areas.

Click here for a complete list to rental providers.

Colorado back country is the best place to find… you guessed it, snow. Deep powder, magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles and miles of trails. Nova Guides offers a half-day and full-day excursion at their Camp Hale location. The most popular tours, the Top of the Rockies tour, includes endless miles of open meadows and spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of four surrounding mountain ranges including the Continental Divide. Sage Outdoor Adventures offers exciting snowmobiling tours at Sage’s private mountain and snowmobile trail system, an area that is larger than Vail Mountain.

Ziplining is a one-of-a-kind adventure, as you soar among cliff faces and between treetops! Check out Zip Adventures in Wolcott or AVA Rafting and Zipline out of Idaho Springs. These zipline courses will get you pumping – the farther you go, the higher the exhilaration!