Enjoy all that the Vail Valley has to offer, including some scenic drives through the mountains and canyon. Leaf-peepers will find their haven in the Vail Valley during the months of September and October. Snow bunnies will relish in the winter wonderland November through March.

Here are some additional handy links make your vacation planning as seamless as possible, and read on for some of our favorites things to do if this is your first time exploring the Vail Valley.

• Click here for information on lodging
• Click here for information on the bus, shuttles, airports and more
• Click here for information on how to Respect the Vail Valley

Be sure to stop in one of the welcome centers to grab maps, and if you’re looking for deals, grab the local newspaper, the Vail Daily, as soon as you arrive in the valley. It will have all the local specials running during your vacation and range from spas to restaurants and activities.

The Vail Welcome Center is located on the top deck (level 4) of the Vail Village parking garage and on the lower level at the southwest corner of the Lionshead parking garage. Beaver Creek Guest Services can be reached at (970) 754-4636.

Winter or summer, spring or fall, this is one sport that spans them all. Paved trails along the Eagle River provide smooth pedaling for people of all ages and abilities, while dirt trails winding down mountainsides range from beginner to advanced (with or without chairlift access — your choice).

Looking for trail riding? Check out the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance website that has information on trails and their conditions.

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

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.

Glenwood Canyon, the gateway to Glenwood Springs, was carved over 3 million years by the power of the Colorado River. This 16-mile canyon provides endless opportunities for recreation including hiking, biking and rafting. In addition to endless fun, this natural beauty is a geological and engineering feat.

Hanging Lake, a famous hike in the canyon, is a Colorado treasure and a rare example of a travertine geological formation. You can hike up to the scenic lake, but please be advised that if you have physical limitations, it will be challenging. The trail is steep and rocky (length: 1.2 miles). A permit is required to visit Hanging Lake.

Grab a good pair of shoes and hit the trails! There is a hike for everyone and a range of options taking hikers through wildflower fields, under canopies of shimmering aspen tree leaves, and to the top of mountain peaks. Here are some to get you started:

• Village Loop is an easy trail from Beaver Creek Village. It can range from 1 to 6 miles, roundtrip and provides a lot of options and potential bailout points. Combine it with Buddy’s Way to make a loop, or more ambitious hikers can hit Aspen Glade, along with Cinch, Allie’s Way and the Overlook Trail to add more adventure.
• Overlook Trail is 3.5 miles one way. Find this trail at the base of Beaver Creek near the Centennial Express Lift to hike your way into the aspen and pine trees. The trail is a 2,000-foot uphill challenge with some switchbacks that help moderate some of the ascent. Toward the top, hikers are rewarded with views of the ski resort and peaks in the Sawatch Range. Once at Spruce Saddle Lodge, hikers can stop for a bite to eat or a drink. The hike back down is optional — you can save your knees and some time by jumping in a gondola car on the Centennial Express Chairlift for a free ride back to the village (weather permitting). Make sure the chairlift is open that day before counting on a ride down.
• Piney River Falls begins at Lower Piney River Trailhead at Piney River Ranch. Head out of the valley for one of the most beautiful destinations in the state that can be accessed by a car (with high clearance). Drive up to Piney Lake, located 11 miles out of town from Red Sandstone Road, and park at the trailhead to start out on this 6-mile trip to the falls and back. The trail stays along Piney Lake, then heads into an open meadow and up into the forest. At every fork, stay right, and once you reach an overlook point looking back at the valley and the lake, you’re about 15 minutes from the falls.

Local’s Tip: Remember that you are hiking at a higher elevation so be sure to pack plenty of food and water. Learn more about respecting the Vail Valley and responsible recreation here.

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 if you’ve ridden before. Browse our providers who offer horseback riding here.

Crisp mountain air, star-lit skies, and a horse-drawn sleigh await you at Bearcat Stables and 4 Eagle Ranch. Enjoy a ride in the carriage with your family and then enjoy a warm meal in an authentic ranch setting. Both locations let you experience a piece of Colorado history.