Day Trips & Excursions: Vail Valley

Nearby Destinations

Discover charming towns and popular attractions within easy reach of Vail. Consider booking experiences through GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Glenwood Springs, approximately 1 hour west, offers world-renowned hot springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Leadville, about 1.5 hours south, is North America's highest incorporated city with a rich mining history. Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, 30-40 minutes east, feature Dillon Reservoir and outlet shopping. Breckenridge, about 1 hour east, is a historic mining town with a popular ski resort.

Popular Day Trip Destinations

Glenwood Springs: Hot springs & caverns.
Leadville: Mining history, scenic railroad.
Frisco / Dillon / Silverthorne: Lake activities & shopping.
Breckenridge: Historic town & skiing.

Natural Escapes

Discover serene parks, scenic landscapes, and seasonal wonders beyond the main resort.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Explore tranquil state parks and pristine wilderness areas.

Areas

Sylvan Lake State Park: Tranquil camping, fishing, hiking.
Homestake Valley: High-alpine lakes and trails.
Mount Holy Cross Wilderness Area: Challenging hikes.

Scenic Landscapes

Vast panoramas and serene waters await exploration.

Views to See

Ruedi Reservoir: Boating, fishing, quiet scenery.
Vail Pass: Panoramic mountain views, cycling path.
Various mountain roads: Driving for spectacular vistas.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Autumn Colors

Late September to early October.
golden aspen trees.
Throughout the valley.
Scenic drives like Vail Pass.

Summer Wildflowers

Late July to early August.
Peak season for high-alpine trails.
Colorful displays.
Beautiful photo opportunities.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites:Gilman Ghost Town (view from afar).
Historical Sites:Leadville (mining history).
Historical Sites:Frisco Historic Park & Museum.
Rural Villages:Minturn, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum.

Pilgrimage Sites:None specific to the region.
Local Life:Authentic glimpse into Colorado life.
Cultural Heritage:Explore the region's past.
Mining History:Dive deep into Colorado's heritage.

Tip: Explore Beyond the Resort

The surrounding areas offer diverse experiences from historical towns to natural preserves. Consider a car rental for maximum flexibility.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding extra days to explore more of Colorado's diverse regions.

Rocky Mountain National Park

2-3 days for alpine landscapes, hiking, wildlife. Trail Ridge Road is scenic (seasonal).

Denver/Boulder

1-2 days for urban centers, museums, breweries, dining, cultural attractions.

Aspen

High-end dining, shopping, and iconic Maroon Bells natural beauty.

Logical Next Destinations

Extend your journey to Colorado hubs or natural wonders.

Top Choices

Denver (for international flights).
Aspen or Breckenridge.
Rocky Mountain National Park.

Transportation Connections

Understand how to get to and from these extended destinations.

Travel Methods

Aspen: I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then Hwy 82.
Denver/Boulder: I-70, Bustang, Epic Mountain Express.
Rocky Mtn NP: I-70 E to Hwy 36 N (Estes Park entrance).

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Consider a loop trip.Comprehensive Colorado adventure.

Start in Denver.Urban exploration.

Explore Summit County.Frisco, Breckenridge.

Move to Vail Valley.Resort experience.

Continue to Glenwood Springs.Hot springs relaxation.

Visit Aspen & Leadville.Mountain towns & history.

Travel Planning Note

Road conditions vary by season.
Check passes (e.g., Independence Pass) for closures.
Plan routes carefully.
Consider travel time between destinations.
Book accommodation in advance for peak seasons.

Getting Around Vail

Navigating Vail Valley offers several convenient options for visitors.

Transportation Options

Public Transit

Vail offers a free in-town bus system. ECO Transit connects towns within the valley.

Taxis & Ride Shares

Taxis and ride-sharing services are available for convenient point-to-point travel.

Car Rental

Car rentals are available at Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Denver International Airport (DIA).

Walking and Cycling

Vail Village and Lionshead are highly pedestrian-friendly.
Heated cobblestone streets in winter.
Extensive paved recreation paths available.
Scenic cycling routes on Vail Pass and throughout the valley.
Consider bike rentals for summer exploration.
Many trails connect different areas of the resort.

Airport Transfers

From Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): Shuttles and taxis.
From Denver International Airport (DIA): Shuttle services like Epic Mountain Express.
Private car services are available for direct transfers.
Drive time from DIA is approximately 2 hours.
Drive time from EGE is approximately 45 minutes.
Book transfers in advance, especially during peak season.

Local Transport Tips

Vail Transit

Free in-town buses run frequently connecting villages and lodging.

ECO Transit

Public bus service connecting Vail to nearby towns like Avon, Edwards, and Leadville.

Gondolas

Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola offer scenic rides up Vail Mountain.

Note on Traffic

I-70 can experience heavy traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. Plan travel times accordingly.

Day Trips & Excursions