Test Your Knowledge

Take the Vail Sustainability Quiz, fill out the form and claim your PRIZE!

Vail is one of the most beautiful places on earth. When you visit, you’ll not only create lifelong memories, but now you can also become a part of our sustainability efforts. It’s easy to learn about the 7 ways that you can help us protect our environment. We invite you to do your part for a place we all love.

Question 1 of 8

When packing for a visit to Vail, it’s best to:

Select an answer:

Bring a reusable water bottle

Buy big cases of disposable water bottles

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Vail’s water is the cleanest around, and it tastes great too!

Did you know that Vail’s Gore Creek and the Upper Eagle River are part of the headwaters of the Colorado River watershed? Humans purchase a million plastic water bottles per minute around the globe, and 91 percent of all plastic is not recycled. Do us all a favor and pack along a reusable water bottle. Plus, you’ll find ways to fill it up — for free!

Restore the Gore

A little wild goes a long way.

Gore Creek—the clear, rocky mountain stream that runs through the heart of Vail—offers a peaceful respite for residents and visitors, important wildlife habitat, and water supply for downstream...

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Question 2 of 8

How should you travel to your favorite trails in Vail this summer?

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Bus it to Hike it an take the free Vail Transit bus to the stop nearest to the trailhead.

Drive separately from those your hiking with and park multiple cars at the trailhead, wherever there is a pull off.

Please select an answer to continue

Help us protect the trails we all love and consider taking the free bus to the trailhead of your hiking or biking adventure. Parking spaces are limited at many Vail trailheads, and the bus system from Vail, Lionshead, East Vail and West Vail stops at or near the surrounding trailheads.

Just park (free in the summer) in the Vail Village or Lionshead parking structure. Buses to outlying trailheads leave from the top level of the Vail Village Transportation Center. If you park in Lionshead, take a FREE in-town bus to the Covered Bridge stop in Vail Village.

For seasonal bus routes and times, visit vailgov.com/bus-schedules or pick up a schedule at Vail Village Parking & Transportation Center.

SUMMER 2022: There is no parking at the Booth Lake Trailhead or anywhere in the surrounding neighborhood, violators will be ticketed and/or towed. Pick-up and drop-off from passenger vehicles will be allowed at the trailhead starting June 1. All shuttles must drop-off at the bottom of Booth Falls Rd., where designated, adjacent to the Booth Falls bus stop.
Visitors to the Gore/Deluge trailhead will see designated parking spaces and delineated no parking areas to address conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists on Vail Pass.

Free Bus to Trails Around Vail

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Question 3 of 8

When going on a hike, it’s better to:

Select an answer:

Stay on the marked trail and snap a photo from the trail.

Take shortcuts pick flowers and look for antlers.

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Keep to the Trail

Straying from a trail not only causes erosion, creates new trails and disrupts wildlife, but also can be extremely dangerous if you get lost. Stick to the trails! Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Take only photos and leave only footprints. Leave nature in its place.

Principle 2: Travel on Durable Surfaces/Maintained Trails

Using the trails around Vail offers some of the most spectacular views and mountain experiences you will ever encounter and we encourage you to get out there and make the most of this vacation adventure. While out in Mother Nature, rem...

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Question 4 of 8

When I’m done with my campfire, I should:

Select an answer:

Water it until it is completely out with no hot embers.

Let it burn out on its own.

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Always fully extinguish camp fires.

A Smithsonian study found that 84 percent of all wildfires are caused by humans. Take care to douse anything, even a cigarette butt, that can cause a major forest blaze. And especially in dry seasons, check and abide by local regulations for fire bans.

Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts

If you have come to the Vail area and plan on camping, there are some critical things you should know to ensure your safety and the safety of the surrounding wilderness.

First, think about the necessity of a campfire versus a stov...

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Question 5 of 8

When I see a deer, moose, or any wild creature I should:

Select an answer:

Stay where I am and do not approach further.

Get closer to get a better photo.

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Keep wildlife wild.

We know you want that perfect photo to brag to your friends, but respect wildlife and they will respect you.

Principle 6: Respect Wildlife

Vail is home to incredible wildlife and if you’re lucky, you will see several examples during your vacation. We know how exciting this can be, especially for young children! But, we ask that you view and learn about our wildlife th...

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Question 6 of 8

When I’m walking through town or on the trail and I don’t want to carry something anymore I should:

Select an answer:

Find a trash can or recycling can OR put it in my pocket to throw away later.

Throw it on the ground and keep exploring.

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Pack it in, pack it out.

Find trash on the ground? Pick it up to leave a place better than you found it.

Question 7 of 8

When my furry friend takes a potty break in town or on the trail, I should:

Select an answer:

Pick up their poop and carry it out, all the way to the trash can.

Let them off leash and poop in the wild. It will decompose, right?

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Always pick up your pet waste.

Otherwise, it washes into our streams, harming wildlife and polluting our water

Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly

Proper disposal of waste, regardless of where you are and what it is, is important to avoid pollution of water sources, negative implications of someone else finding it, and the possibility of spreading disease. “Pack it in, Pack it ...

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Question 8 of 8

When hiking or biking the trails of Vail I should

Select an answer:

Move aside for uphill traffic and listen to nature, or wear headphones if listening to tunes.

Blare music from my portable speaker and make it difficult for other to pass me on the trail.

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Uphill travelers have the right of way. Be aware of your surroundings.

In many places, there’s an expectation that hikers will yield to equestrians, and that bicyclists will yield to both hikers and equestrians on trails. And uphill travelers have the right of way. Let them keep their speed and step aside for them to pass.

We understand you may want to listen to music but be sure to have the volume down enough so you can hear others near you and let others enjoy nature. Don’t blare your music.

Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other People

Vail is visited by guests from all over the world, and everyone is looking for the best experience as they venture out into the wilderness to enjoy the incredible offerings. One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to ...

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Our Partners

Thank you for completing the Vail Sustainability Quiz.

If you are in Vail or will be visiting, fill out our form to win a dry bag to carry and protect your prized possessions. Available only at the Vail Village or Lionshead Welcome Centers.

WIN A PRIZE

Who is Love Vail?

The Town of Vail’s commitment and plan to continue to the stewardship and protection of our unique mountain environment.

What is Leave No Trace?

This concept has developed into a national ethics creed which protects the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly.

What is Care for Colorado?

Learn about Colorado’s efforts to educating Coloradans and visitors to protect the state’s extraordinary natural and cultural resources.

What is Mountain Ideal?

A sustainability standard and certification which supports any mountain destination in elevating its sustainability performance, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and recognition as a global leader.