If your last vacation left you feeling like you needed another vacation, you’re not alone. It can be hard to unwind and take a step back from the daily grind. Luckily, a relaxing trip to Vail in summer offers a combination of natural Colorado beauty, peaceful outdoor spaces, luxurious pampering and easy access to activities that don’t demand a lot of effort or stress.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a long retreat, Vail gives you room to breathe, reconnect with yourself, enjoy slow moments and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Here’s how to plan a stress-free trip to Vail so you can unwind, disconnect and make your time away feel like a true vacation.
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Vail for a Restful Experience?
If you’re looking for quiet places to stay in Vail, consider a vacation rental or Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort in the residential area of East Vail, surrounded by trees and green spaces. You’ll have a good amount of privacy, plenty of space to chill out in style, beautiful mountain views and easy access to trails. To be a little closer to the action, Lionshead Village is a great option that’s quieter than Vail Village but still convenient to restaurants and top attractions in Vail, Colorado. No matter which part of town you end up in, choosing a rental or hotel with amenities like pools, hot tubs or spa access will enhance your relaxation.
Which Vail Summer Activities Will Help You Connect With the Outdoors?
One of the most powerful ways to relax in Vail is to spend time outside, whether you prefer slow-paced exploration or peaceful solitude. But instead of rushing to take photos or post on social media, pause and take a deep breath to soak in the crisp mountain air and focus on your inner peace.
Best Hikes Near Vail for Relaxation & Nature
Vail offers a plethora of hiking trails that abound with summer wildflowers, wildlife and craggy peaks. Routes that lead to lakes and waterfalls are especially scenic, including the Pitkin Creek/Lake Trail. This moderate-to-hard hike is worth the effort for the view of tumbling falls along the way and the serene turquoise body of water at the top surrounded by the dramatic Gore Range. Lost Lake Trail is a less-intense trek that rewards hikers with a quiet spot for a picnic next to the calm waters.
You can also take a scenic gondola ride to reach a variety of Vail Mountain hiking trails or simply bask in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the villages below. For a different approach, forest bathing is an ancient Japanese therapeutic tradition that offers appeal for those seeking to slow down. It entails the opposite of hiking to a set destination — instead, stopping along the trail to focus on details like the leaves, trees, flowers and sounds, with the objective of appreciating the small things around you.
Scenic Strolls & Parks
If you’re less into heart-pumping hikes or want to stick closer to town, the pedestrian-only Village Streamwalk Trail is a path that follows the north side of Gore Creek from the Covered Bridge to Ford Park. Here you’ll find the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and its impressive collection of plants that you can meander among in the different themed sections. Ford Park is also home to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (aka The Amp), which hosts open-air concerts and performances that are some of the best Vail events in the summer, including the classical Bravo! Vail Music Festival. Listen as the orchestral sounds fill the air while breathing in fresh pine scents on a beautiful summer evening. Other parks around Vail provide additional walking paths and picnic spots for relaxed outings.
Fly Fishing for Tranquility
Hire a local fishing guide to experience the calming rhythm of fly fishing on Gore Creek, the Eagle River or the infamous Colorado River. Half, full-day, private and group trips are all available. Experts will teach you the graceful art of fly fishing and help you discover why so many describe this as a meditative experience — a chance to be fully present in nature and disconnect.
Glamping at Piney River Ranch
Just outside Vail and accessible by a maintained dirt road, scenic Piney River Ranch is set at the foot of the Gore Range. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, Piney Lake is the centerpiece of a setting ideal for slowing down and savoring the moment. It’s not unheard of to spot bears, moose, elk, deer, fox and jumping trout. Three comfortable glamping tents are available to rent for those who want more than a day trip. And with no Wi-Fi, it’s easy to unplug for your off-the-grid escape under a starry night sky.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a great way to take your mind off the troubles of daily life. The rustic Vail Stables offers something for everyone and is only 1 mile from Vail Village. Rides of 1.5 hours to half-day trips are available to choose from. After your scenic ride on the picturesque trail, relax in their hammocks during Happy G.O.A.T. Hour while you let the mountain breeze help you unwind.
How Can You Make Self-Care a Priority on Your Vail Summer Trip?
When it comes to relaxing Colorado vacations, Vail makes it easy to recharge, give your mind and body permission to rest and even treat yourself a bit.
Vail Spa Experiences
You can’t leave Vail without visiting at least one spa. As the ultimate expression of self-care, let someone else pamper you. Enjoy unforgettable treatments like massages, facials, scrubs and more at renowned spas, including the Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, Sonnenalp Spa or Well & Being Spa at The Hythe. Several also offer saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy circuits or hot tubs to round out your rejuvenation.
Mindfulness Through Yoga & Meditation
Meditation and yoga in Vail offer a way to find your center, whether indoors or high above the valley. Local yoga studios provide calming classes for all levels, from gentle flows to restorative sessions designed to melt away stress. For a uniquely Vail experience, try Mountain Top Yoga at Mid-Vail, where fresh alpine air and panoramic views create a serene, elevated practice. Or, head to Vail Stables for Goat Yoga — a unique opportunity to practice alongside playful companions. Find a quiet place in nature to take a meditative break if you want a solo way to find stillness.
Relaxing Retail Therapy
If all else fails, there’s always retail therapy. Shop ’til you drop in Vail at The Golden Bear, Luca Bruno, Squash Blossom Vail, Perch, Kemo Sabe, Gorsuch and many, many more boutiques, galleries and shops. Sometimes feeling good starts with treating yourself.
Enjoy the Culinary Scene at Restaurants in Vail
No matter what type of relaxing trip you want, everyone’s gotta eat. Strolling around Vail you will quickly notice that you’re surrounded by amazing restaurants. Vail’s restaurant patios and decks compete to outdo each other with a bevy of floral planters. An array of nature makes for a gorgeous mountain vibe perfect for sipping a rosé or local IPA and digging into a meal at spots like the iconic Pepi’s or Up the Creek. For more of an indulgence, book a table at one of the fine-dining restaurants in Vail, from La Tour’s romantic atmosphere to sizzling steaks at Vail Chophouse. And what says “treat yourself” more than a decadent dessert? From ice cream shops to fresh baked treats and chocolate fondue, Vail has you covered.
