Recreation Paths
What would the ideal summer vacation headquarters be without plenty of no-cost options for fun?
One of Vail's hidden jewels, The Vail Recreation Path, is right in
town, winding from Vail Village to East Vail, parallel to the Vail golf
course. The path is relatively flat, making it the perfect place to
take a leisurely ride or stroll in the mountains.
Visitors and residents alike enjoy the 1,100 acres of open space
accounting for 30 percent of Vail's town-owned land; 350,000
surrounding acres of national forest, crowned by 5,289 skiable acres on
one of the largest and best mountains in the world; 15 miles of
recreation paths; the highest botanical gardens in the world; and, an
outdoor amphitheater.
Hiking is Vail's most popular summer activity. It's free, as easy as
you want to make it, and the views are incredible. Walk among the
wildflowers, tackle a "fourteener," which is a mountain with a
14,000-foot peak, or just head along the Vail Recreation Path.
Explore the North Trail, which is a bit of a secret, except to the
locals. You'll find it in West Vail, above the Safeway. It takes you up
on the hillside overlooking all of Vail. It's for moderate ability, and
is typically never crowded.
Booth Falls is another longtime locals' favorite. The 60-foot,
cascading waterfall two miles into the hike is well worth the steep
climb. Watch for the abundant columbine, paintbrush and larkspur
wildflowers along the way.
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