East Vail Valley is a scenic area in the Rocky Mountains, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With the White River National Forest encompassing the region, East Vail Valley boasts majestic mountains, lush forests, and the serene Gore Creek meandering through its terrain.
It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and more. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, East Vail Valley offers an escape for residents to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Colorado Rockies. During your first year living in this gorgeous landscape, here are a few things to do in East Vail.
Explore one of the numerous hiking trails
In East Vail Valley, outdoor enthusiasts are treated to numerous hiking and biking trails showcasing the area's natural splendor.
Booth Falls Trailhead
3035 Booth Falls Rd, Vail, CO
Among the marked trails, the Booth Falls Trailhead is moderately complex and a favorite among hikers. Starting near East Vail, this trail leads adventurers to the captivating Booth Falls, where a cascading waterfall and rugged canyon create a picturesque setting.
Bighorn Trailhead
Vail, CO 81657
Another trail worth exploring is the Bighorn Trailhead, which gradually ascends through dense forests and unveils alpine meadows, treating hikers to panoramic vistas of majestic peaks.
Gore Valley Trailhead
Gore Creek Dr, Vail, CO
For a more leisurely experience, the Gore Valley Trailhead is suitable for hiking and biking and follows the path of Gore Creek. The trail provides a serene journey through meadows, aspen groves, and the babbling creek. Anyone wanting to conquer challenging hikes, enjoy strolls, or embark on scenic biking routes, will be satisfied by East Vail Valley's hiking and biking trails.
Go camping at Gore Creek Campground
White River National Forest, Vail, CO
Nestled along the banks of Gore Creek, Gore Creek Campground is the perfect camping destination. This campground offers a delightful escape into nature in the White River National Forest, just a short distance east of Vail. Surrounded by majestic pine trees, vibrant aspen groves, and idyllic meadows, campers are immersed in a beautiful alpine environment. No matter if you are camping in a tent or RV, Gore Creek Campground provides a range of campsites to accommodate different needs. Each campsite features amenities such as a picnic table, fire ring, and access to shared vault toilets and drinking water. The campground's location along Gore Creek offers breathtaking views of the rushing water, particularly during the spring snowmelt.
Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to do in the area, with opportunities for fishing in Gore Creek's trout-rich waters, exploring nearby hiking and biking trails, and partaking in kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife observation. One of the campground's significant advantages is its proximity to Vail, so campers can still easily access the town's amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Overall, Gore Creek Campground offers a delightful camping experience for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
Visit the local parks
Bighorn Park
4800 Juniper Ln, Vail, CO
Aside from trails and campgrounds, East Vail has a collection of stunning parks, including Bighorn Park and Booth Creek Park. Bighorn Park has expansive green spaces encompassed by majestic trees and awe-inspiring mountain vistas, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor gatherings and picnics. Children play on the playground equipment, while sports enthusiasts can access sports fields, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts.
Booth Creek Park
Manns Ranch Rd, Vail, CO
Another notable park is Booth Creek Park, with well-maintained walking trails leading into the surrounding forests. Residents can enjoy a peaceful hike or invigorating jog while admiring the area's natural beauty. Booth Creek Park is an idyllic spot for relaxation and contemplation with picnic tables, benches, and a serene creek. These parks showcase Vail's commitment to preserving open spaces and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Spend an afternoon at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
522 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a botanical sanctuary established in 1985, paying homage to alpine flora worldwide. The garden is the highest botanical garden in North America, at an elevation of 8,250 feet. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens boast acres of land displaying various alpine plants, including wildflowers, perennials, shrubs, and rare mountain species. Carefully nurtured to thrive in a challenging environment, these botanical gems offer a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the extraordinary beauty and resilience of high-altitude flora.
Beyond stunning floral displays, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens feature themed garden areas, highlighting different facets of alpine plant life. The Alpine Rock Garden is where hardy plants thriving in rocky terrains take center stage, or you can find solace in the Mountain Meditation Garden, designed to foster tranquility and contemplation. The gardens also are an educational resource, offering guided tours, informative lectures, and engaging workshops delving into the wonders of alpine plant life, gardening techniques, and environmental preservation.
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a horticultural masterpiece and a true treasure of Vail, celebrating these remarkable plants' delicate and resilient beauty.
Play a round at the Vail Golf Club
1775 Sunburst Dr, Vail, CO
The Vail Golf Club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, just minutes from the bustling Vail Village. The setting of the Vail Golf Club is truly remarkable, with sweeping views of the majestic Rocky Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
The course blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, showcasing the beauty of the rolling meadows and Gore Creek. Golfers can expect a challenging and rewarding round of golf on the 18-hole championship course, catering to all levels of golfers. Before teeing off, golfers can take advantage of the practice facilities, including a driving range, greens, and chipping areas. Lessons and clinics led by experienced professionals are also available for anyone looking to improve their skills.
The Vail Golf Club also has a welcoming clubhouse where golfers can relax, socialize, and enjoy the amenities. The pro shop is fully stocked with quality golf merchandise and equipment, while the on-site restaurant and bar provide a delightful dining experience. The Vail Golf Club hosts events and tournaments annually, bringing together golfers from everywhere. If you love to golf, the Vail Golf Club is the perfect destination to play amidst the stunning Colorado beauty.
Living in East Vail
Living in East Vail means accessing many activities, from golfing to hiking to camping. It doesn’t matter if you are adventurous or looking for an easy hike in nature—East Vail has it all.
Are you searching for a reliable partner for buying or selling a home in the East Vail real estate market? Look no further than
Ron Byrne and Associates. Nestled in the heart of Vail, the Ron Byrne and Associates team takes immense pleasure in assisting clients, friends, and associates in achieving their real estate aspirations.
Whether a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Ron Byrne and Associates are trusted real estate partners.
Contact Ron Byrne and Associates today to embark on your real estate journey to finding your perfect home in Vail.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
