Vail - The Finding Spot

⛷️ Discover Vail, Colorado

There’s a lot to say about Vail. It’s famous for snowboarding and skiing during the winter season, but in the summer, it transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor festivals. The town itself is charming, with a European alpine village vibe—cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and a wide variety of dining options. It’s definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Colorado, and one that should be on your list if you're planning a trip here. Vail is very walkable and has a free bus system that takes you around town and to the ski lifts. The two gondolas—Vail Village and Lionshead—are open during the summer months and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The ride isn’t free, but it’s worth the price. As of now, you can still visit both gondolas with a single ticket.

🚗 Getting There

The drive from Denver to Vail is approximately 2 hours. I’m using Denver as the main reference point since most visitors fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) when coming to Colorado. Vail is located about 100 miles west of Denver via I-70 W, and the drive itself is scenic—especially in spring and fall.

🌟 My Personal Observation

Eagle Nest Gondola: The lift takes you from Vail Village to the top of the mountain. Depending on the season, you can enjoy panoramic views, hiking trails, and dining at the Eagle's Nest restaurant. At the top you can also take a short hike to the top of Vail Mountain. Eagle Nest has roller coaster and zip line rides for the adventurous. All the attractions are open during the summer months. During the winter months, the gondola is used to access the ski slopes. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit—spring, summer, fall, or winter—the views in Vail are always spectacular. Whether you're carving through fresh powder or hiking wildflower-lined trails, the scenery never disappoints

🥾 Other Hidden Gems

Booth Falls Trail: A scenic 4-mile hike through aspens and alpine terrain, ending at a stunning waterfall. Great in spring and early summer. 📍 Trail Info
Piney Lake: A peaceful spot for canoeing, hiking, and photography—especially beautiful in late spring when the wildflowers bloom.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: The highest botanical garden in North America, showcasing native plants and alpine landscapes.
Berrypicker Trail: A moderate hike from Vail Village to Eagle’s Nest with panoramic views and wildflowers in spring.
Gore Creek Path: A relaxing walk or bike ride along the creek, perfect for spring mornings.

🛏️ Places to Stay

I stayed at Marriott’s StreamSide Douglas at Vail during the spring and highly recommend it. The rooms were clean, the customer service was excellent, and it’s conveniently located close to town. They offer a free shuttle to Vail Village and the gondolas, which makes getting around super easy.