Vail offers a wide range of trail experiences, from the pedestrian-only Village Streamwalk to challenging singletrack trails and extensive hiking and mountain biking networks. Seasonal winter offerings and a varied cultural program round out the options. When planning your trip, your preferred activities and travel dates are good starting points—including when searching for hotels in Vail.
Trails for a Range of Abilities
Vail’s recreational trail system includes more than 15 miles of paved, shared-use paths and connections to numerous hiking and mountain biking trails on unpaved surfaces. The Village Streamwalk is a smaller, clearly defined option: this 1/3-mile path is for pedestrians only and runs along the north bank of Gore Creek. The Gore Valley Trail is on a different scale. Its 12-mile route passes through open spaces, parks, recreational facilities and central village areas.
For challenging singletrack trails, consider both length and permitted use. The Vail Trail is about two miles long and allows mountain biking. The North Trail is seven miles long and designated for hikers and mountain bikers. Both are challenging, so the North Trail is considerably longer. This trail is also subject to seasonal wildlife-related closures.
Vail Mountain offers more than 35 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The Town of Vail lists Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak as access points. In addition to individual routes, there are extensive trail networks with varying levels of difficulty to choose from.
Winter Offerings and Seasonal Activities
Vail Golf Club offers a scenic golfing experience on an 18-hole, par-71 course. When snow covers the course in winter, it becomes Vail Nordic Center, with 17 kilometers of groomed ski trails and separate snowshoe trails spanning 10 kilometers. The switch from golf to Nordic activities depends on the course being covered in snow.
Seasonal scenic gondola rides include the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Gondola One. Offerings at Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge can also vary depending on the operating season; they include a mountain coaster and summer tubing. If one of these activities is a focus of your trip, check the specific seasonal dates against your travel dates.
When planning, keep in mind that Dobson Arena is undergoing renovations: it is closed to the public during the extensive work. It is scheduled to resume operations in November 2026. The arena’s program includes public skating sessions, classes, leagues and competitions.
Art, History and Events
The Colorado Snowsports Museum is a free attraction. Visitors can explore Vail’s legacy as a ski town and the origins and development of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Vail’s public art collection includes more than 70 works, including paintings, sculptures, murals, playground elements and site-specific art; the collection may change over time. One example is the interactive What Lifts You – Vail mural at the west P2 entrance of the Vail Village Parking Structure.
Several music events take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The Vail Dance Festival holds numerous performances there each year, and the Amp Summer Concerts also take place there. The Bravo! Vail Music Festival has used the amphitheater as a venue since its inception. If you’re choosing Vail for a festival, check the specific event dates against your travel dates.
The Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show fosters connections among visitors, locals and the makers who shape mountain culture. The program is seasonal; food, crafts and culture are part of its local context. When planning, you can consider trails, winter activities and culture as distinct priorities rather than treating them as a single fixed program.
Explore more destinations: Avon, Eagle, Basalt, Beaver Creek, Minturn, Edwards.
Go to the main travel overview: Eagle.
