Fall Adventurer

Fall Adventures & Excursions

The crisp air, changing leaves and serenity of fall is the best unkept secret Vail Valley has to offer. For those who like to escape the crowds or want to get their adrenaline pumping, then this section is for you. There are the 10th Mountain Huts, ATV trips with grand vistas, horseback riding, guided fly fishing trips and mountain bike trails for every level of rider— you can even try out the new and popular electric mountain bikes.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & E-BIKES

Biking can be one of the best ways to enjoy the autumn leaves. The canopies over the trails turn from green to gold making it absolutely spectacular when you ride under them! Check out the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance website that has information on trails and their conditions.

Eagle
The town of Eagle is the latest hit 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? Take a guided tour for an exhilarating journey down Vail Mountain’s network of mountain bike trails. Be sure to check the fall gondola schedule before you go. Vail Gondola Schedule  & Beaver Creek Gondola Schedule 

Looking for bike rentals? Venture Sports (Vail & Avon), Base Mountain Sports (Vail & Beaver Creek), Charter Sports (Avon & Vail), Kind Bikes & Skis (Edwards), Vail Sports Beaver Creek Sports

OFF ROAD ATV's

Off Road by Jeep or ATV, 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.
  • 4×4 Tours make exploring Beaver Creek’s mountainous terrain easy and exciting for all ages. Tours start at the Summer Adventure Center and highlight the natural beauty and history of the area.

Local tip: See our Scenic & Historic Drive section on where to go with your own 4-wheel drive vehicle. For ATV trails, visit the White River National Forest Service building for maps and information.

ZIP LINE CLIFF TO CLIFF

The zip line course at Zip Adventures are the first and the best ground-to ground zip lines in the country. Our zip line courses will get you pumpin’ – the farther you go, the higher the exhilaration! 6 unique zip lines give you a graduating progression of excitement and adventure, as well as a stunning view of our beautiful Colorado landscape.

Location: Wolcott

FLY FISHING

Guided Fishing
Wade fishing and float trips in the Vail Valley provide novice and experienced anglers alike an opportunity to experience Colorado’s breathtaking fall 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 providers such as Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, Nova GuidesSage Outdoor Adventures or Vail Valley Anglers.

Local’s Tip for DIY Fishing
Stop by the local fly shops Gore Creek Fly Fisherman and Vail Valley Anglers to receive insider tips on where to go fish. You have options of fishing in several different rivers and lakes. Whether you 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.

HORSEBACK RIDING

One of the best ways to see and experience the Colorado wilderness is on horseback (where you can relax and let your horse do the walking). Horseback riding through green meadows caters to groups of nearly all ages and abilities. You can even

Bearcat Stables, Beaver Creek StablesPiney River Ranch, & Sage Outdoor Adventures, are all great options for tours!

HIKING ON THE TRAIL

  • Berry Picker (Vail Mountain): This trail winds down from Mid-Vail or Eagle’s Nest to Vail Village or Lionshead. 3.2 miles (5.1 km), 2–3 hours one way
  • Upper Piney Trail (Vail, CO): The trail is mostly in open meadows above the Piney Lake and Piney River before entering aspen groves and becoming a bit rougher before reaching the cascading falls at just under 3 miles.
  • East Lake Creek Trail (Edwards, CO): The trail climbs steeply from the trailhead through aspen groves for the first mile, then climbs more gradually following along BoothCreek. At mile 2, the trail passes 60 foot Booth Creek Falls.
  • Eagle Lake (Eagle, CO): There are majestic views of the Sawatch Mountain Range, Burnt Mountain, and William’s Mountains. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for such animals as deer and elk.
  • Beaver Lake (Beaver Creek Mountain): This trail follows Beaver Creek as you hike through aspens and thimbleberry on an old wagon trail then onto single track up through coniferous forest to the Holy Cross Wilderness boundary

10th Mountain Hut System

An authentic way to enjoy the Colorado mountains is booking a night with the 10th Mountain Division Hut System, 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 with views that are breathtaking.

The 10th Mountain Huts is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that manages a system of 34 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, connected by 350 miles of suggested routes. We provide a unique opportunity for backcountry skiing, mountain biking, or hiking while staying in secure, comfortable shelter.

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.

Restaurants & Bars

In the Vail Valley, eating isn't merely sustenance - it's an important part of the lifestyle. From fine dining hotspots to casual comforts, it's not hard to find great food. Colorado is known for their locals breweries, distilleries and even wineries. Come sample a taste of Colorado and even international spirit favorites.

Activities & Sports

Sure, Vail is world-renowned for its skiing and snowboarding, but the Vail Valley offers plenty beyond vast bowls of bluebird powder days and grippin' groomers. Whether you prefer your adventure water-drenched, iced, air-borne, cliff-side, cycled, motorized or snowy out mountain recreation covers it- and much, much more.

Vail Valley Events

Ski terrain and wonderful snow put the Vail Valley on the map, but it's more than just a ski resort. The calendar is packed with events that are a big part of the Vail Valley's culture. From outdoor concerts at the Ford Amphitheater to bull riding at the rodeo, it's easy to stay busy.