Vail Area - Northwest Colorado

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Experience the Vail Area in Colorado including Avon, Beaver Creek, Dotsero, Eagle, Edwards, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff, Vail, and Wolcott

The VAIL AREA is in Eagle County; in northwestern Colorado along the I-70 corridor between Glenwood Springs and Copper Mountain; if you're looking for a Colorado mountain adventure in winter, spring, summer or fall, you will not be disappointed. Crisp, sunny days with early snowstorms is the premier season; even though most vacationers flock to the area for its' winter ski season. Golfers will want to bring their clubs in late spring, summer, and early fall; there are several high country courses to choose from in Gypsum, Edwards, Avon, Vail and Beaver Creek. The high mountain slopes allow for winter skiing and summer mountain biking along with hiking and leaf peeping in the fall.

TRAVEL TIP: Peak autumn leaf color is usually during the second half of September. There is good big game hunting and snowmobiling throughout the National Forest. The small Colorado towns of Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff and Wolcott all offer a slower pace than the 2 major resort towns of Beaver Creek Village and Vail Village. There are luxury condos and vacation homes, RV parks and campgrounds, small cabin resorts, and classic family hotels; the lodging options are endless!

The Holy Cross Wilderness - In White River National Forests near Minturn, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, and Vail - 150 Miles of Trails

The Red Cliff Steel Bridge Designed by King Burghardt and Built in 1940 - Along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway US Highway 24

The Vail Area revolves around two of Colorado's famous ski destinations Beaver Creek Ski Resort and Vail Ski Resort. During WWII, the US Army trained at Camp Hale; a 30 minute drive south of Minturn, Colorado. The 10th Mountain Division returned here after the war with the intention of opening a ski resort; in December of 1962 Vail Resort opened. Today these charming mountain villages are one of the world's premier winter destinations with their extensive terrain, high-speed quad chairlifts, and fabulous nightlife. Visit the numerous shops in Vail Village and Beaver Creek and enjoy dining at one of the many upscale restaurants that will please the most discriminating tastes.

1942 Camp Hale, Colorado Between Minturn and Leadville - The 10th Mountain Division Trained for Mountain Combat during WW II

The Ski Trooper - A Bronze Statue by Scott Stearman Honors the US Army's 10th Mountain Division - Their Motto "Climb to Glory"

MINTURN and RED CLIFF are both along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway on US 24, between I-70 and Leadville. Families will love these frontier vacation destinations away from the mega-resorts. Minturn is 10 minutes from Vail; and, Red Cliff is 8 miles south of Minturn along US 24. They are surrounded by Colorado's great outdoors with fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, rafting, kayaking and hiking in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area along with fantastic wildflower viewing.

In the late 1800s Minturn was primarily a railroad town serving the Rio Grande Line. Today, Minturn's Main Street features unique local shops and restaurants. Spend a day at the Minturn Bike Park where you'll find a variety of trails or at Little Beach Park that features a climbing wall, playground, picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater along Eagle River.

RED CLIFF, the oldest town in Eagle County, was established in 1879 as a mining town. It boasted an opera house, a main street packed with saloons and brothels, a bank, and several sawmills. Today, its' a quaint mountain community known for its' Steel Arch Bridge (One of Only Two Steel Arch Bridges within Colorado), Colorado's most beautiful and iconic bridge spanning the Eagle River!

DOTSERO is the small town at the confluence of the Colorado River and Eagle River, at the east end of Glenwood Canyon. Both rivers offer rafting and fishing. TRAVEL TIP: Spend a day driving or biking scenic Glenwood Canyon, relax in a hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs; and be sure to have a meal at "Slope and Hatch" - voted the best tacos in Colorado.

Fall in the Vail Area is Brief but Spectacular - The Changing Aspens Cloak the Mountains in Gold Before They are Blanketed in White

The Eagle River Provide Year Round Catch and Release Trout Fishing - Fish miles of crystal clear waters Rainbow and Brown Trout

EDWARDS and AVON are where the locals live. Edwards has a Riverwalk with shops and restaurants; along with Freedom Park featuring a small pond, skate and splash parks, playground, and walking trails. Avon's Nottingham Lake Park is the best kept secret in the Valley from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day Weekend your family can rent pedal boats, stand up paddle boards, or kayaks; fishing is allowed with a Colorado Fishing License; the playground has slides, a rope pyramid, and swing zipline; there are picnic tables and BBQ grills throughout the park.

WINTER ACTIVITIES include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, recreational racing, snowcat skiing, dog sledding, day spas, along with skiing, boarding and snowmobiling.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES include horseback riding, rock climbing, fly-fishing, open air concerts, rodeos, golfing, scenic drives, hot air balloon rides, art exhibits, and mountain biking.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE VAIL AREA

FISHING: Fish year around! White River National Forest provides ample opportunities for river, creek, lake, and excellent ice fishing. Lede Reservoir, 20 miles south of Gypsum, is a prehistoric glacial lake, in the 1930s four ranchers (Lundgren, Erickson, Doll and Engstrom) constructed the reservoir and dam; at 9,573 feet above sea level it is usually accessible from May-October.

GOLFING: The Vail Valley has the perfect summer climate for a golf vacation with average highs of 75 degrees and an average of 6 rainy days a month. Beaver Creek Golf Club has long, narrow fairways. EagleVail Golf Club has rugged manicured mountain terrain along creeks, ponds, and forest. Gypsum Creek Golf Course has 18 holes perfect for the family.

HORSEBACK RIDES: Plan a classic "Colorado Bucket List" outing! Ranch wranglers lead horseback rides from late spring to early fall. See eagles, hawks, and elk while riding acres of western terrain.

MOUNTAIN TRAILS: There are multiple trails throughout the area for hikers, equestrians and bikers with excellent wildlife viewing from easy paved paths to rugged mountain trails. Both ski resorts have great trail systems.

OFF-ROADING: There are trails around Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained for winter warfare during World War II. The Hardscrabble Recreational Area Trails between Gypsum and Eagle, Colorado, feature mountain bike single track routes; ATV and motorcycle routes near Gypsum.

RAFTING AND KAYAKING: The Eagle River is one of the only rivers in Colorado that is completely free flowing, relying 100% on snowmelt. Avon Whitewater Park is 350-feet long along the Eagle River; it's an exhilarating experience for beginners through advanced kayakers; the course starts under "Bob the Bridge" and keeping with the humor, the three features are named: Baby Bob, Bob Jr., and Bob Sr. TRAVEL TIP: The best whitewater is from late-May to early-July.

SWEETWATER LAKE STATE PARK: Colorado's 43rd Park in Gypsum, Colorado is at the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness in White River National Forest, offers spectacular scenery, and is certainly off the beaten path (10 miles up Sweetwater Creek Road, 7 miles north of I-70 off exit 133.) At 7,700 feet, fresh cool mountain streams wander down the mountains and through the meadows, where they form babbling pools. Here, you will be able to find the true meaning of relaxation and serenity. Spend a day fishing, hunting, boating, birding, nature photography, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and hiking. A boat launch is in the works; in the meantime, standup paddle boarding, row boats and canoes are all welcome. PLEASE NOTE: There is a protected raptor nesting area, pay attention to signage asking you to keep your distance.

Sylvan Lake State Park a Winter Wonderland - Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Fishing, and Snowmobile Trails

Photo Courtesy of AJ Brink Outfitters

Explore the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Sweetwater Lake State Park on a Guided Horseback Ride

SNOWMOBILING: White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake State Park and and the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area trail systems allow riders from novice to pro to embrace their need to get away from the crowds and enjoy the natural wonder of the forest or meadow covered in snow. Wolcott, Minturn, and Red Cliff are all bursting with snowmobile trails and open space.

SYLVAN LAKE STATE PARK: Discover a multitude of opportunities for play and solitude just south of EAGLE, Colorado at Sylvan Lake. In Spring, Summer and Fall you can fish, hike, boat, picnic and relax in this park. Winter activities are abundant as well with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing along with access to snowmobile trails. 40-acre Sylvan Lake, is the perfect place to bring your small-boat and catch the big ones! Fish from your boat or off-shore for brook and rainbow trout. This is one of western Colorado's best kept secrets; Sylvan Lake beckons you to leave the highway, and the ordinary! Geo-caching on site!

Driving Directions and Location: Avon, Beaver Creek, Dotsero, Eagle, Edwards, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff, Vail, and Wolcott, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is along I-70; 175 miles east of the Colorado-Utah Border; and 97 miles west of Denver, Colorado in northwestern Colorado. If you wanted to drive to each town in one day the 75 miles route would take you one hour and 45 minutes starting in Vail and ending in Dotsero. All but Red Cliff, Minturn, and Beaver Creek are just off I-70. Minturn and Red Cliff are along US 24; and Beaver Creek Village is 7 minutes north of Avon.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by the Eagle County Regional Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Vail Area is near: Glenwood Springs & Summit County

Premium Vail Area Businesses

Beaver Creek Vacation Rentals - VHR Travel
Boutique Condo Rentals, vacation in a luxury studio to 3-bedrooms. VHR Travel, inc 30+ years personal knowledge of Beaver Creek Valley. Hike, spas, horseback ride, wildlife, ice skate, snowmobile and ATV.

          

Featured Vail Area Businesses

Aunt Sara's River Dance RV Resort and Campground
Near Gypsum off I-70 along Eagle River; Aunt Sara's = BIG RIG RV Resort: Room for slideouts, 50amp, pull-thru. Campground between Vail and Glenwood Springs. SKIERS, Stay Here: Ski Vail, Beaver Creek!

         

Beaver Creek Vacation Rentals - VHR Travel
Boutique Condo Rentals, vacation in a luxury studio to 3-bedrooms. VHR Travel, inc 30+ years personal knowledge of Beaver Creek Valley. Hike, spas, horseback ride, wildlife, ice skate, snowmobile and ATV.

          

For more travel information contact:

Eagle Visitor & Information Center

Vail Area Activities & Maps

National Historic Sites and Landmarks:
Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark

Scenic Byways:
Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway

Fishing:
Eagle River & Vail Area Fishing Map
Middle Colorado River Fishing Map

Rafting & Kayaking:
Eagle River Rafting & Kayaking

Ski Areas & Resorts:
Beaver Creek Ski Resort
Vail Ski Resort

Snowmobiling:
Vail & Red Cliff Park Snowmobile Trails

Local Area Maps:
Aspen & Crystal River Valley Area Map
Summit County Area Map