It’s always a bonus to go on vacation and find something special that can only happen there. Luckily, Vail is full of memorable activities — especially when the weather warms up. That’s right, there is plenty more to see and do after the slopes close. Check out these things to do in Colorado in the summer for the ultimate Vail Valley adventure. And, watch the video below to get a local’s take on what to prioritize on your itinerary.
Glamping in Vail
Glamorous camping, or “glamping,” at Piney River Ranch or 4 Eagle Ranch marries the best parts of ranch-life roughing it and a hotel experience. Sink into soft, cozy bedding and savor both rustic dining and stunning, 360-degree peak views. The chic accommodations of Vail glamping combined with the many outdoor adventures you can get into — like horseback riding, hiking and wagon-ride dinners — mean you’re in for a good night’s sleep in serene settings.
Piney River Ranch, 700 Red Sandstone Rd., Vail, CO 81658, 303-905-4439
4 Eagle Ranch, 4098 CO-131, Wolcott, CO 81655, 970-926-3372
Goat Yoga & Happy Hour at Vail Stables
Join the herd for Goat Yoga (or GOGA) arguably one of the most popular activities at Vail Stables. If taking a pose isn’t your thing, just lie there and let the bearded baddies sleep on your stomach for a moment you’ll never forget. Don’t miss Happy G-O-A-T Hour, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. most days. Spend the “happiest hour in town” with baby goats and pony rides in a beer garden surrounded by mountain views.
Vail Stables, 915 Spraddle Creek Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 855-743-3824
Hiking With Llamas
Looking for a guided trek with a light load and one-of-a-kind photo ops? Connect with Paragon Guides and let long-necked llamas lead the way. These beasts of burden haul your gear (up to 80 pounds each) as guides lead you through the Vail Valley, Eagles Nest and Holy Cross wilderness areas. Draw out the fun with multiday llama hikes that add on stops at various backcountry huts — you’ll be surrounded by wildflower studded trails, soft breezes and the gentle grunts of your trail companions.
Paragon Guides, 970-376-7868
Picnic Vail
Soak up vistas of craggy peaks flanked by deep green pines while enjoying a luxury dinner outdoors. Picnic Vail crafts one-of-a-kind meal settings by Gore Creek, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens or the Vail Nature Center. Dig into snack and meal boards from The Grazing Fox, with the taste of local produce, freshly baked sourdough bread and cured meats amplified by the scenery. You’ll also be set up with a Polaroid camera, games, a low table, cushy seating, glassware, cutlery and cozy linens. To take your picnic to the next level, look into add-ons like bright balloons, custom flower arrangements and even a professional photographer.
Picnic Vail, 970-279-1342
Cocktail Classes & Wine Tastings
For adults-only summer fun, head to Root & Flower for classes on wine tasting and cocktail making. Learn to create craft cocktails (then drink them!) or choose from a variety of sessions that teach you how to be the ultimate wine taster. Afterward, you’ll be able to show off to friends as you skill them on the subtle differences between Old and New World wines. Or you can keep the secrets to yourself and cap your evening with a Hot Summer Nights Concert.
Root & Flower, 288 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657, 970-470-4189
Vail Farmers’ Market Farm-to-Table Dinners
Pull up a chair for one of these chef-crafted dinners starring ingredients sourced straight from Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show. Bring your sense of culinary adventure and get ready to be wowed as renowned local chefs wow you with the freshest seasonal delights paired with the perfect wines and beverages. You’ll come for dinner, but leave with an appreciation for Vail’s food scene and all the ranchers, farmers and artisans who contribute to its excellence.
Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657
Art Classes
Throughout the summer, the Alpine Arts Center offers unique art classes in magical settings like the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Whether you’re new to art or a seasoned creative, instructors will guide you through the process of creating your own masterpiece — a very special souvenir. Both kids and adult classes are available in fun themes like Cocktails & Canvas/Clay or Cupcakes & Canvas.
Alpine Ars Center, 970-926-2732
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
At 8,250 feet above sea level, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are the highest botanical gardens in North America. They’re especially lovely come summer, when plants and trees are fat with breeze-rustled green leaves and a rainbow of blooms. Stroll through curated samplings of high-elevation ecosystems, and discover the surprises and delights of Vail’s flora. Check the calendar for special events like art exhibitions, crafting classes and more.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, 522 S. Frontage Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-0103
Art in Public Places & Art Walks
Add some color to your Vail summer by exploring the town’s impressive collection of public artwork. The collection boasts 55 pieces — with 35 works created by Colorado artists — and ranges from paintings, sculptures and murals to playground components and installations. Grab a map of Vail’s public art at The Welcome Center at Vail Village and Lionshead to take a self-guided tour, dipping into shops and restaurants as you go.
July through August, join the Vail’s Wednesday Art Walks for a free public art tour on the first and third Wednesdays. For the next hour, your guide will lead you through town while diving into fascinating history of the Vail Valley and highlighting public works of art.
Art in Public Places, 241 S. Frontage Rd. W., Vail, CO 81657
Only-in-Vail Summer Events
Vail’s calendar is packed to the brim and ranges from exciting outdoor competitions to arts festivals to celebrations of Colorado’s favorite beverage, craft beer. Signature summertime events include: GoPro Mountain Games, Vail Craft Beer Festival, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Vail Dance Festival and Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show.
Be sure to check the complete events calendar for ongoing details and updates on new and exciting things to do in Vail this summer.