Plenty of Vail regulars will tell you summer is the better season. The valley turns green, Gore Creek runs cold and clear through town, orchestras play under the open sky, and the days are long enough for a morning ride and an evening concert.
Here's our curated ranking for a summer week, cross-checked with live Google ratings. Classic Vail first, then culture, adventure and the slow days in between.
The Vail Moments Index
The 17 best things to do in Vail, curated.
A curated list, cross-checked with the MICHELIN Guide where it applies. Beside each one, its rating on Google Maps, live, and a tap to Tripadvisor to compare. Prefer the crowd's view? Sort by Google rating.
17 things to do
01
Photo: Eagle's Nest at the Ritz-Carlton by InvitedHome · Google Gondola rides and Epic Discovery at Eagle's Nest
Classic Vail · On Vail Mountain
Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead to Eagle's Nest for the Forest Flyer mountain coaster, a climbing wall, tubing and wide Gore Range views. Check the season's dates; it runs daily in the heart of summer.
- Families
- Non-skiers
- Adventure
02
Photo: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens · Google Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Classic Vail · Golden Peak
One of the highest botanical gardens in North America, full of alpine flowers and a rock garden. Free to visit; come mid-morning, before the afternoon clouds build.
- Free
- Couples
- Non-skiers
- 03
Vail Farmers' Market
Classic Vail · Vail Village
Sundays in Vail Village: Colorado produce, food stalls and artists filling the streets. Go before noon for the best of it.
- Families
- Free
- Non-skiers
04
Photo: Vail Golf Club · Google Vail Golf Club
Classic Vail · East Vail
The town course along Gore Creek, with mountain views on every hole. Tee times are easier early in the week.
- Couples
- Groups
- 05
Red Sky Golf Club
Classic Vail · Valley-wide
Two mountain courses by Tom Fazio and Greg Norman in Wolcott, west of Vail. Access depends on membership or resort-guest eligibility; ask about Stay & Play before you plan around it.
- Couples
- Groups
06
Photo: The Amp - Vail - Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater - Official Website · Google Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Culture & evenings · Golden Peak
Great orchestras in residence at the open-air Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater all summer. A lawn picnic is the local way; reserved seats go fast for the biggest nights.
- Evenings
- Couples
- Non-skiers
Photo: The Amp - Vail - Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater - Official Website · Google Vail Dance Festival
Culture & evenings · Golden Peak
Leading dancers and companies on the Ford Amphitheater stage. Opening night is one of the valley's summer highlights.
- Evenings
- Couples
- 08
Vail Jazz Festival
Culture & evenings · Vail Village
Labor Day weekend jazz, a relaxed way to close the summer. Book lodging early; the holiday weekend fills.
- Evenings
- Couples
09
Photo: Matt Fair · Google Fly fishing with Gore Creek Fly Fisherman
Adventure · Valley-wide
Gore Creek runs right through town, and local guides lead wade and float trips on the valley's rivers. A half-day suits beginners; mornings are best when the water is cool.
- Adventure
- Couples
- Families
- 10
Mountain biking on Vail Mountain
Adventure · On Vail Mountain
The gondolas carry bikes up, opening a network of trails and long descents. Rent in Lionshead and start with the easier routes from Eagle's Nest.
- Adventure
- Groups
- 11
Rafting and jeep tours with Timberline Tours
Adventure · Valley-wide
A long-running local outfitter for whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaks and jeep tours to places like Camp Hale and Piney River Ranch. Let the guides pick the river for the season's flows.
- Adventure
- Families
- Groups
12
Photo: Katy Jo Caringer · Google Horseback riding at Bearcat Stables
Adventure · Edwards
Trail rides in the hills above Edwards, from an hour to multi-day trips, including a Vail-to-Aspen trek. Book ahead for July.
- Families
- Adventure
- 13
4 Eagle Ranch
Adventure · Valley-wide
Horseback riding, zip lines, wagon-ride dinners and country dancing at a ranch in Wolcott. Plan a half-day, including the drive west.
- Families
- Groups
- Evenings
14
Photo: Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame · Google Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame
Easy days · Vail Village
The history of Colorado skiing and the 10th Mountain Division, free to visit. An easy hour between lunch and an evening concert.
- Free
- Families
- Non-skiers
- 15
Gore Creek Promenade
Easy days · Vail Village
The creekside walk through the village, with benches, public art and the covered bridge. Best in the early evening before dinner.
- Free
- Couples
- Families
16
Photo: Camp Hale Coffee · Google Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument
Easy days · Valley-wide
The high valley where the 10th Mountain Division trained, designated a national monument in 2022. A scenic drive south of Minturn; bring a jacket even in July.
- Free
- Non-skiers
- Views
- 17
Sylvan Lake State Park
Easy days · Eagle
A trout-stocked lake about 15 miles south of Eagle, with trails, cabins and yurts. The last stretch is dirt and a state parks pass is required; pack a picnic and make a day of it.
- Families
- Dog-friendly
- Adventure
Good to know
Afternoon storms. Summer thunderstorms often build in the afternoon. Plan hikes, rides and gondola time for the morning, and have a plan for getting off exposed ridges.
Free music. Hot Summer Nights brings free concerts to the Ford Amphitheater on select Tuesdays. Dates for Bravo! Vail, the Dance Festival and the GoPro Mountain Games are in our events calendar.
Getting there. Eagle airport flights are mostly a winter story; in summer, many guests fly into Denver. See Denver airport to Vail and the Eagle flights guide, then book your transfer.
Planning the week. Ranches in Wolcott, Sylvan Lake and Camp Hale are all drives, so plan the driving day by day. For dinner, see our restaurant guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Vail in summer?
Gondola rides and Epic Discovery at Eagle's Nest, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Bravo! Vail concerts at the Ford Amphitheater, the Sunday farmers' market, fly fishing, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and golf.
Is the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens free?
Yes. Admission is free.
When is the Vail farmers' market?
On Sundays in summer, in Vail Village. Arrive before noon for the best selection.
Are there free concerts in Vail?
Yes. Hot Summer Nights brings free concerts to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on select Tuesdays.
Can you fly into Eagle airport in summer?
Eagle has year-round service from Denver on United and Dallas/Fort Worth on American; most other nonstops are winter-only. Check with the airline for summer schedules.