Your Vail Valley Questions: Local Tips From the People Who Know It Best
Whether you’re planning your very first trip to the Vail Valley or returning to experience another mountain getaway, chances are you’ve got a few questions.
To help answer some of the questions we hear most often, we asked the Visit Vail Valley team to share their insights. After all, who better to ask than the people who live, work, and explore here year-round? From practical travel advice to local favorites and hidden gems, these are the recommendations we find ourselves sharing with visitors time and time again.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week, or you’re a longtime local curious to see if your favorite tip made the list, we hope this guide helps you discover something new about the Vail Valley.
Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is Mount of the Holy Cross worth the hike? 
For many visitors, Mount of the Holy Cross is more than a hike. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the trail.
Twelve miles round trip, and on paper, it’s one of the most challenging hikes in the Vail Valley. But ask those who’ve experienced it, and they’ll tell you the numbers are only part of the story.
The mountain has a way of changing your perspective.
Some hikers make it all the way to the summit. Others choose to hike as far as they feel comfortable. Either way, the journey offers something meaningful. You encourage the people around you. You laugh through the difficult moments. You pause to take in the silence that only the high alpine can offer.
It’s both humbling and inspiring. A place that reminds you how small you are while showing you just how much you’re capable of.
For one local family, the hike became less about reaching the summit and more about what they discovered together along the way. It was a reminder that strength isn’t always found within yourself. Sometimes it’s borrowed from the people walking beside you.
Perhaps that’s the greatest lesson Mount of the Holy Cross has to offer.
Whether you hike a few miles, reach the summit, or simply admire the mountain from afar, Mount of the Holy Cross embodies what makes the Vail Valley so special.
Adventure isn’t just about where you end up. It’s about how the journey changes you.
Local Tip: Mount of the Holy Cross is best suited for experienced hikers. Start early, bring a map or mapping device, check the weather before heading out, carry plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing mountain conditions.
When is the best time to visit the Vail Valley?
Instead of asking when you should come, ask yourself what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Love powder days, cozy fireplaces, holiday lights, and après-ski? Winter is probably your season.
Prefer wildflowers, rushing rivers, hiking trails, and long sunny days? Summer is hard to beat.
Looking for colorful aspens, crisp mountain air, and quieter trails? Fall offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of the year.
Want fewer crowds, blooming landscapes, and excellent value before the summer rush? Spring is one of the Vail Valley’s best kept secrets.
The beauty of the Vail Valley is that it transforms with every season. No two visits feel exactly the same, yet each offers its own reasons to fall in love with the mountains.
Local Tip: If you ask ten locals when the best time to visit is, you’ll probably get ten different answers. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, wildflower hikes, vibrant fall colors, or peaceful spring escapes, there’s always something worth experiencing in the Vail Valley.
What is one thing visitors shouldn’t miss?
If you’re looking for an experience that feels like the heart of the local community, spend an afternoon at the beach volleyball courts at Nottingham Park in Avon.
You don’t need to be an experienced volleyball player to join in. Whether you’ve been playing for years or have never touched a volleyball, the courts are known for being welcoming and inclusive. It’s a place where friendly competition meets plenty of laughter, and where visitors and locals alike can connect over a shared game.
Set against beautiful mountain views and just steps from Nottingham Lake, it’s an experience that captures the laid-back, community-oriented spirit of the Vail Valley.
While the courts are enjoyable throughout the day, many locals gather in the late afternoon and evening, especially after 4 p.m. As temperatures cool and the sun sets behind the mountains, the atmosphere becomes even more memorable.
The sand volleyball courts are typically available from April through October, with the nets removed during the winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures.
Local Tip: Don’t have a full group? That’s okay. The volleyball community is known for welcoming newcomers, making it easy to jump into a game, meet new people, and experience the Vail Valley like a local.
Where Can I Experience Local Summer Markets?
Summer weekends are filled with opportunities to shop local.
Some of our favorites include:
- Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show (Sundays)
- Minturn Market (Saturdays)
- Edwards Farmers Market (Saturdays)
These markets combine local produce, artisan products, live music, delicious food, and the mountain community all in one place. They’re an excellent way to experience each town’s personality while supporting local businesses.
Do I Need a Car?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether renting a car is necessary—and the answer depends on the type of trip you’re planning.
If you’re staying in Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, or Edwards and plan to spend most of your time exploring the villages, shopping, dining, and attending events, you can comfortably visit without a vehicle. Free and low-cost public transportation connects communities throughout the valley, making it easy to get where you need to go.
If your itinerary includes hiking remote trailheads, scenic drives, or exploring areas outside the main towns, renting a car will give you more flexibility.
Looking for another way to explore? Rent a bike to experience the valley’s scenic recreation paths. Many outdoor adventure companies also provide transportation directly from your accommodations.
Local Tip: Plan your activities before booking a rental car. You may discover you don’t need one at all.
What if I’m not adventurous or don’t enjoy the outdoors?
You don’t have to be a thrill seeker to fall in love with the Vail Valley. If your ideal vacation involves slowing down rather than speeding up, you’ll feel right at home.
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day, join an indoor yoga or fitness class, or settle into a local cafe with a warm drink and a good book. Many hotels also offer inviting lounges, outdoor patios, and comfortable gathering spaces where you can simply take in the scenery, watch the snow fall in winter, or enjoy a peaceful mountain sunrise.
Sometimes the best way to experience the Vail Valley isn’t by checking off another activity. It’s by giving yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Local Tip: Your perfect mountain getaway doesn’t have to include a summit or ski run. Whether you’re unwinding at a spa, enjoying a meal with a view, or relaxing by the fire, the Vail Valley offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.
What are some fun indoor activities for kids?
Mountain weather doesn’t always cooperate, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. The Vail Valley offers plenty of indoor activities to keep kids entertained, active, and learning year-round.
One of the area’s standout attractions is Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon, where families can enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and educational programs that make exploring nature fun for all ages. 
For kids with energy to burn, Mountain Recreation in Edwards and Gypsum offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy indoor pools, gymnastics programs, trampoline activities, rock climbing walls, open gym times, and drop-in sports like basketball and soccer. It’s a great option for both rainy days and afternoons when little ones just need to move.
Looking for something a little more relaxed? Visit the Vail Public Library or one of the Eagle Valley Library District branches for children’s story times, creative activities, and cozy reading spaces. You can also spend an afternoon creating art at Little Bird Creative Community, catch a family movie, or explore one of the valley’s many community programs and seasonal events.
Local Tip: Don’t let a rainy day change your plans. Some of our favorite family memories are made indoors, and many recreation centers and community organizations offer drop-in activities that make it easy to jump into the fun without having to plan far in advance.
What advice would locals give first-time visitors?
Don’t try to do everything.
The Vail Valley isn’t just about checking attractions off a list. It’s about experiencing mountain life at its own pace.
After all, the best trips aren’t measured by how much you accomplished. They’re remembered by how the place made you feel.
While this guide covers some of the questions we hear most often, the best way to experience the Vail Valley is to explore it for yourself. Wander through a village, try something new, chat with a local, or take the scenic route. You never know what might become the highlight of your visit.
Still have questions? We’re always happy to help. Check out the rest of our website for trip inspiration, seasonal events, transportation information, activity guides, and even more local recommendations.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Vail Valley!