Vail, Colorado is best known as a world-class ski destination, but its summer season is just as spectacular, and far more diverse than most people expect. From alpine adventures and on-mountain thrills to farmers' markets, live music, and encounters with baby goats, summer in Vail has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a romantic mountain escape, or a solo adventure, here are the 10 best things to do in Vail this summer. For even more inspiration, check out our complete guide to things to do in Vail in the summer.
Mountain Biking
Vail transforms into a mountain biking paradise once the snow melts, with an extensive trail network spanning the valley floor, surrounding forests, and the mountain itself. Vail Mountain opens its lift-served bike park each summer, allowing riders to take the gondola up and descend on trails suited to every skill level, from wide-open flow trails to technically challenging terrain. Down in the valley, the Gore Creek Trail and Vail Pass Recreation Path offer scenic, accessible riding for those who prefer cross-country routes. Whether you're an experienced rider or renting a bike for the first time, Vail's mountain biking scene is world-class and absolutely worth building your summer trip around.
Hiking
With thousands of acres of White River National Forest surrounding Vail, the hiking here is nothing short of extraordinary. Trails range from easy, paved walks along Gore Creek to demanding summit routes with breathtaking views of the Gore Range and Sawatch Mountains. Some of the most popular routes include Booth Falls Trail, a moderate out-and-back hike that rewards with a stunning 60-foot waterfall, and the Berry Picker Trail on Vail Mountain, accessible via the gondola and offering sweeping alpine meadow scenery. Wildflower season peaks in July and early August, when the hillsides explode with color, easily one of the most beautiful times of year to explore Vail on foot. No matter your fitness level, there is a trail in Vail that will leave an impression.
Vail Epic Discovery
For families and adventure seekers looking to make the most of Vail Mountain in the summer, Vail Epic Discovery is a must. Accessible via Gondola One from Vail Village, the on-mountain activity hub offers a full lineup of experiences for all ages and energy levels. The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster sends riders winding through the trees at exhilarating speeds, while Eagle's Nest Tubing, the Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, and the Bungee Trampoline deliver plenty of adrenaline for thrill seekers. Younger kids will love the Marmot Mini Kids Tubing and Little Eagle Kids Zipline, both designed with small adventurers in mind. Round out the day with a round of Gore Creek Mini Golf or a stop at the Nature Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits explore the local alpine ecosystem and wildlife.
Spend a Day at Piney River Ranch
About 12 miles north of Vail Village, Piney River Ranch is one of the most beloved summer destinations in the entire Vail Valley. Set on the edge of Piney Lake at the foot of the Gore Range, this privately owned 40-acre retreat offers canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, fly fishing, hiking, and smoked BBQ at the on-site Lodge Restaurant, all surrounded by thousands of acres of White River National Forest backcountry. The Upper Piney River Trail, a 6-mile out-and-back hike to a spectacular waterfall, begins just outside the ranch entrance and ranks among the best hikes in the Vail area. The ranch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., running from June 21 through the last weekend in September. Plan to take it slow on the unpaved Red Sandstone Road on the way up, and bring layers, as the weather at elevation changes quickly.
Go Whitewater Rafting
The Eagle River and Colorado River offer some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in the state, and Vail is ideally positioned to access both. Timberline Tours, one of the most experienced outfitters in the area with over 30 years on the water, offers guided trips on multiple rivers ranging from gentle scenic floats to high-adrenaline whitewater runs, with options suited to families, beginners, and seasoned paddlers alike. Trips run throughout the summer season, with peak water levels typically occurring in June during spring runoff. If you have never rafted before, a guided trip with a knowledgeable local outfitter is absolutely the way to go, and one of the most memorable ways to experience the Colorado high country from a completely different vantage point.
Happy G.O.A.T. Hour at Vail Stables
One of the most uniquely Vail experiences you will find anywhere, Happy G.O.A.T. Hour at Vail Stables is exactly what it sounds like, and it is every bit as fun as it sounds. Located just one mile from Vail Village at 915 Spraddle Creek Road, the stables host a relaxed, come-and-go event where guests spend time with a herd of playful baby goats in a shaded beer garden with sweeping views of Vail Mountain. Adults can enjoy Colorado craft beers, canned cocktails, and wine while kids feed the goats, ride ponies, and play in the sandbox. Fair warning: the goats are notorious for knocking over drinks, which the staff considers a feature, not a bug.
Vail Farmers' Market and Art Show
Every Sunday from mid-June through early October, Meadow Drive in Vail Village transforms into a vibrant outdoor gathering featuring local farmers, artisan food producers, and Colorado artists and craftspeople. The Vail Farmers' Market and Art Show runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and draws both locals and visitors for fresh produce, handmade goods, live music, and the easy, unhurried energy that makes summer mornings in the mountains so enjoyable. It is a wonderful way to spend a few hours wandering the village, and a great opportunity to connect with local makers and pick something up to bring home.
Live Performances at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Set against a stunning mountain backdrop in the heart of Ford Park, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful outdoor performance venues in Colorado. Each summer, the Amp hosts a packed calendar of live shows spanning rock, pop, country, bluegrass, classical, and comedy, as well as the internationally acclaimed Bravo! Vail music festival and the Vail Dance Festival. The 2026 summer lineup features an impressive range of artists including O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and Ray LaMontagne, among many others. For those looking for a free night out, Hot Summer Nights concerts take place on select Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. throughout the season at no cost. Visit the Gerald R Ford Amphitheater’s website for the full schedule and tickets.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
A visit to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is one of those Vail experiences that tends to exceed expectations every time. Located in Ford Park just a short walk from Vail Village, this free public botanical garden is the highest in North America, perched at 8,200 feet above sea level and home to more than 3,000 alpine plant species from around the world. Open daily from dawn to dusk with no required admission, the Gardens are beautiful on their own, and a full summer events calendar that includes guided tours, chef demonstrations, family programming, yoga sessions, and expert talks makes it a place worth visiting more than once during a longer stay. This summer also marks the Gardens' 40th anniversary, making it an especially meaningful time to visit. For a closer look at this summer's events and what to expect, read our full guide on top events at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado.
Off-Road Jeep Tours
For a perspective on the Vail backcountry that most visitors never get to see, an off-road Jeep tour is hard to beat. Timberline Tours has been leading guided Jeep adventures in the Vail area for over 30 years, offering trips ranging from mild scenic routes through meadows and aspen groves to more advanced trails through rugged, 4x4-required terrain. Routes take guests through historic Camp Hale, Castle Peak, Piney River Ranch trails, and the Radium State Wildlife Area, with knowledgeable guides sharing local history and natural context at every stop. Nova Guides is another well-regarded option, offering guided tours deep into the White River National Forest with ascents reaching 12,500 feet in elevation and panoramic views of the Gore Range, Sawatch Range, and Continental Divide. Both outfitters offer tours for all experience levels, and either one makes for an unforgettable day in the mountains.
Make Austria Haus Your Home Base This Summer
The best Vail summers start with the right place to stay. As a boutique hotel in Vail Village, Colorado, Austria Haus puts you steps from Gondola One, Gore Creek Trail, the Farmers' Market, Ford Park, and everything else that makes summer here so special. After a big day on the mountain or an evening at the Amp, there is nothing better than returning to a cozy, beautifully appointed room right in the heart of the village. Explore our hotel amenities and book your summer stay at Austria Haus today! Summer weekends fill fast and we always recommend securing your reservation well in advance.
See you in the Rockies!