Top Things to Do in Vail in the Summer

Summer is a special time in the Vail Valley. Wildflowers blooming, alpine forests packed with greenery, and plenty of exciting outdoor adventures - we couldn’t dream of a better scenario for a summer getaway. Here are the top 5 things to do in Vail in the summer:

1. Summer Concerts at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (aka The Amp)

An outdoor amphitheater sits in a grassy field with a crowd watching a performance on stage, surrounded by forested hills under a blue sky.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, also known as the Amp, hosts a stacked lineup in July and August, including Greensky Bluegrass, Alison Krause, and Gov’t Mule. With a variety of events all summer long, like the Amp Summer Concerts, Bulleit Hot Summer Nights, Vail Dance Festival, and Bravo! Vail Music Festival, summer nights in Vail are meant for enjoying live music, dancing to the beat of the drums, and spending quality time with friends and family.

2. Hike & Bike

A hiker with a yellow backpack stands in a wildflower meadow, scenic mountains ahead, wearing a gray hat on a sunlit trail.

Summer adventures in the Vail Valley are marked by hours spent exploring mountain trails, lounging beside alpine lakes, and making memories.

Hiking: The moderately challenging Upper Piney River Waterfall trail is a favorite for Vail locals and guests. The 6-mile out-and-back trail has an elevation gain of about 688 feet, where you’ll weave through meadows, aspen groves, and cross a couple of streams until you reach the beautiful cascading waterfall. If you’re traveling with littles, the Gore Creek Path is an easy 1.8-mile paved path suitable for all ages and skill levels. And you won’t need to travel far, as it’s less than half a mile away from Vail Resort. Taking just about 40 minutes to complete, you’ll have plenty of time and energy afterwards to grab lunch in Vail Village.

Mountain Biking: Vail Resort offers over 50 miles of world-class biking trails and has trails perfect for every skill level, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rider. The Radio Flyer Trail is the resort’s most well-known trail, which spans about 2 miles and descends nearly 900 feet. The packed-down trail makes for a fairly smooth ride. Seeking the ultimate Vail biking thrill? Work up a sweat and hit the Grand Traverse Trail, which stretches over 5 miles. The work is worth it though! You’ll be greeted by sweeping views of Vail’s back bowls, Mount of the Holy Cross, and the Sawatch Range.

3. Get Out on the Water

A group of six people wearing life jackets and helmets navigate a blue inflatable raft with paddles down a rocky, white-water river.

While Vail is known for its mountain peaks, summer is also the perfect time to enjoy the area's lakes and rivers. Spend an afternoon fly fishing, paddleboarding across the calm waters of Nottingham Lake, or kayaking the gentle stretches of the Eagle River. Time on the water offers a refreshing change of pace on a warm mountain day.

4. Visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

A garden with colorful lupine flowers in pink, purple, and white in front of a house; leafy green plants fill the scene, sunny and vibrant.

As the highest botanical garden in North America, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is home to colorful alpine flowers, peaceful walking paths, and beautiful mountain views around every turn. It's the perfect spot for a quiet morning stroll, an afternoon picnic, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty that makes summertime in Vail so special.

5. Enjoy a Lazy Sunday at Vail Farmers’ Market

Stroll through rows of fresh Colorado produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and local artwork while live music fills the village streets. Grab a fresh pastry and a cup of coffee, browse at your own pace, and settle in for one of those easy mountain mornings that you'll wish could last all day.