Summer weekends in Vail are full of action and fun. But for those seeking a slower pace, it might be a little too lively. If you prefer solitude to sharing a trail, and get a little zing from finding a Vail, Colorado, hotel deal, then midweek is your prime time.
Midweek Travel: 5 Secrets for a Memorable Vail Vacation
Published: Mar. 26th, 2024
Published: Mar. 26th, 2024
1. It’s easier to get reservations at your favorite Vail restaurant.
Imagine this: It’s a Tuesday and you’ve just finished a peaceful hike along aspen-line trails. You’re craving the culinary magic of La Tour Restaurant & Bar, Mountain Standard or another Vail gastronomic hot spot, and you didn’t book a table yet. You meander into your favorite spot and — eureka! — the host seats you immediately.
While reservations are still the best way to guarantee a seat at Vail’s most popular restaurants, a midweek visit means you might just find a same-day table, or get lucky with a walk-in.
2. You’ll enjoy some much-needed mountain solitude.
Timing is everything in Vail, and that’s why midweek trips are so special. Mondays–Thursdays give the perfect opportunity to explore some of Vail’s most popular hiking trails, like the beloved Booth Lake Trail and the oh-so-scenic Upper Piney River Falls Trail. With fewer hikers — especially in the early mornings — the wildflower meadows, aspen stands and panoramic views will feel like your own private retreat.
Another midweek bonus is the extra parking space at trailheads, though public transportation is still your most nature-friendly travel option. Planning to bring your fur babies along on your adventure? They’ll love romping along the trails without the stress of other people and dogs — from the end of a well-secured leash, of course.
Try these family-friendly hikes under 5 miles
3. Midweek is perfect for finding sweet hotel deals in Vail.
Midweek means fewer visitors in Vail and more lodging options for your ideal vacation. Choose a hotel with a pool and enjoy your choice of lounge chair, or possibly a solo soak in the hot tub. Taking an adults-only trip? You can opt for accommodations like Gravity Haus Vail or Manor Vail Lodge that put you mere steps from on-site bars, where you’ll find shorter waits for drinks and plates. Or, go all out with midweek vacation specials at luxury digs. Sunday through Thursday, you may be surprised by the Vail, Colorado, lodging deals you find.
4. It’s even easier to get to Vail for a midweek adventure.
Midweek travel means less traffic if you’re driving I-70 from Denver — or really anywhere in the state. With open roads, you’ll spend less time traveling and more time playing in beautiful Vail. Imagine hitting the highway in the morning and being surrounded by mountain forests before lunch.
Or hop on a direct flight to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), just 30 minutes from the villages. This summer, Vail is introducing new non-stop trips to and from Houston (June 7–Aug. 18) and Chicago (June 7–Sept. 1). These United flights will arrive on Fridays and Saturdays and depart on Saturdays and Sundays. Other direct summer cities will include Denver and Dallas with multiple trips available daily.
5. Free live music — Hot Summer Nights on Tuesdays
Another plus to midweek Vail-cationing is attending amazing weekday events, like the free Hot Summer Nights concerts that only happen on Tuesdays. Other live summer performances include Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Vail Dance Festival. Get tickets for Sunday through Thursday evenings instead of Friday or Saturday to enjoy a little more blanket space on the lawn of The Amp (the locals’ nickname for the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater).
Midweek Ideas for Your Vail Vacation
Family-Friendly Itinerary:
Start your day with hearty breakfast options, like build-your-own omelets, meat-laden breakfast platters and delicate crepes, at The Little Diner. You’ll love the quieter weekday atmosphere — especially if you get an early-morning start. Get in a morning of horseback riding at Vail Stables, where kids ages 5 and up are welcome to ride. And don’t forget to visit the adorable goats!
With pizza slices, pastas and sandwiches, kids and adults will find tasty lunch dishes at Pazzo’s Pizza. Sunny midday is perfect for cycling along the Gore Creek Trail complete with wildflowers, stands of iconic aspens and few fellow adventurers. Bring towels to a quick dip in the water — you may even have the creek to yourselves.
Los Amigos is a great choice for supper with kid-approved meals, like burgers, cheese quesadillas and beef tacos. Plus, youngsters can get extra wiggles out at the Pirate Ship Park. Before bedtime, get in a few rounds bowling at Deca + Bol, midweek you may be able to book a same-day lane (though reservations are still recommended). And if the kiddos get hungry there’s plenty of shareable menu items, like wings, fish tacos and empanadas.
Thrill-Seeking Itinerary:
Don’t keep adventure waiting with a quick start to your day. Grab delicious breakfast burritos and sandwiches, fruit smoothies and coffee drinks at Loaded Joe’s. Monday through Thursday, your food wait will feel like just a blink! With a shorter line, you can hop on the Eagle Bahn Gondola and nom on your morning delights with a panoramic view at the summit (just be sure to pack out your trash). Hike down trails like Berry Picker which will feel like they’re only for you.
Keep adventuring until mealtime with a fresh picnic spread delivered to you by Picnic Vail, complete with a low table, dishes and cozy seating. Afterward, enjoy a two-wheeled exploration of Vail, from in-village paths to creekside trails and beyond, with Vail Segway.
The excitement never ends with dinner at a spot like Chasing Rabbits where inventive cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine meet arcade and dance-party fun. Enjoy some Vail bar hopping with tasty sips and fresh beats at places like Bridge Street Bar or Shakedown Bar — these are true bars with no food options.
Relaxation-Focused Itinerary:
Savor the morning with a leisurely brunch at Westside Cafe. Your taste buds will be fully satisfied with mouthwatering menu items, from corned-beef hash to berry oatmeal, plus mimosas with a twist. Complete your morning with a peaceful stroll along the lush paths of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. With fewer visitors to Vail midweek, a rock or bench makes a great meditation spot.
For lunch, indulge in elevated mountain cuisine, like wild game barbacoa tacos or Colorado lamb gyros, at Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails. Book a relaxing only-in-Vail spa treatment or opt for flavorful cocktail classes and wine tastings at Root & Flower. Sunday through Thursday is the perfect time for dinner at highly sought-after restaurants, like Vail’s MICHELIN-recommended Osaki’s or Sweet Basil, where you’ll find getting a table much easier. Round out your day at Pepi’s for people-watching, listening to live music and sipping Bavarian brews.
Want to Extend Your Mid-Week Stay?
You’ll get all the perks of midweek and be energized by weekend vibes, too. Find more summer itineraries perfect for your trip to Vail.
More Summer Travel Ideas:
Get adventurous with exciting mountain-biking trails in Vail
Experience Vail’s quieter side with family-friendly hotels
Find hidden-gem hikes with lakes and waterfalls around Vail