Spring First Timer

Spring Fever

When the snow melts, the river fills, and the Vail Valley begins to bud green trees. The most fascinating aspect of the terrain is going from high alpine to high mountain desert— just take a 30 minute drive west and the adventurers can enjoy white water rafting, fly fishing, and mountain biking. Try out the new mountain electric bikes and venture from village to village.

ELECTRIC, CRUISER & MOUNTAIN BIKING

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.

If the mountain bike trails are still too muddy, then it’s time to try out an e-bike and enjoy the paved path connecting town-to-town.

Check out the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance website that has information on trails and their conditions.

Looking for bike rentals? Check out one of these shops: Venture Sports (Vail & Avon), Base Mountain Sports (Vail & Beaver Creek), Charter Sports (Avon & Vail), Kind Bikes & Skis (Edwards)

ON THE WATER

Join Sage Outdoor Adventures for a day on the water. Sage’s whitewater rafting program is the most thought out. They own conveniently located river rafting outposts on the Eagle, Arkansas and Colorado rivers. Once the snow runoff increases the water level in the rivers, you can’t help but feel the adrenaline rush. It’s important that safety and fun are the two pillars for Sage Outdoor Adventures in these conditions. This is truly the best way to take in the pure beauty of Colorado’s natural surroundings. You will not be disappointed.

GLENWOOD CANYON

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, river rafting at Shoshone on the Colorado River and more. In addition to endless fun, this natural beauty is a geological and engineering feat.

ADVENTURE PARK & HOT SPRINGS

Glenwood Springs’ most popular attraction is the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring cave tours, thrill rides, restaurants, kids’ activities, special events, and more. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is burstin’ with fun and adventure. Explore stunning caverns and formations in Colorado’s largest showcave. Then fly down the mountain on USA’s first alpine coaster, hang on to your seat in Colorado’s first 4D Ride Theater and soar through the air out over scenic Glenwood Canyon in the Glenwood Canyon Flyer.

On your way back to the Vail Valley stop and soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. These hot springs cater to all who appreciate relaxing surrounded by mountain views. Glenwood Springs newest hot spot offers 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools and a freshwater family pool with a jetted spa. All are located alongside the Colorado River, just across from the base of the tram at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, with Rocky Mountain views that soothe and inspire.

3 STOP SCENIC & HISTORIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE

Stop 1: The Minturn Saloon is the most historic restaurant in the Vail Valley. Folks have been enjoying great food and drinks at this location since 1901 from a variety of owners sporting various restaurant names. The Minturn Saloon is a “must” for valley locals and visitors alike.

Stop 2:
The Town of Red Cliff is the oldest town in Eagle County, established in 1879. It was the first County Seat for Summit County, which included the current areas of Summit and Eagle Counties. At 8,650 feet, Red Cliff boomed at the turn of the century as a mining town with saloons, a bank, sawmills and even an opera house. Today it is a quaint mountain community that continues to attract rugged individuals from business entrepreneurs to outdoor enthusiasts.

Stop 3:
 Camp Hale Memorial Campground sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, offering guests a wonderful setting for recreation and relaxation. Camp Hale is historic because the 10th Mountain Division, an unit of 15,000 men, trained here in mountaineering and skiing techniques during WWII.

ZIP LINE CLIFF TO CLIFF

The zip line course at Zip Adventures in Wolcott are the first and the best ground-to ground zip lines in the country. Their 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.

INFORMATION CENTERS

Vail Welcome Center: Located on the top deck (level 4) of the Vail Village parking garage and in the new Welcome Center on the lower level at the southwest corner of the Lionshead parking garage, the welcome centers have numerous publications, maps and information on Vail.

Beaver Creek Guest Services: Whether you’re seeking hours of operation, Dial-a-Ride Transportation, activity information or general recommendations, BC Guest Services is here to make your vacation as seamless as possible.

Insider Tip: If you are looking for deals, we know where to find them. 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.

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.

Activity Providers

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.