Vail offers many outdoor activities.
Although known for its winter sports, it
provides for outdoor fun year-round. People
from all over the world visit Vail to enjoy
hiking, cycling, golfing, tennis, fishing,
canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or just simply
relaxing.
For the cycling enthusiasts Vail offers
some great riding and most of it is on safe
bike paths thanks to interconnecting network
of paved bicycle paths with Summit
County (see Summit
County Bicycle Rides for more rides
connecting to Vail via the Vail Pass Bicycle
Path). More...
Vail offers many outdoor activities.
Although known for its winter sports, it
provides for outdoor fun year-round. People
from all over the world visit Vail to enjoy
hiking, cycling, golfing, tennis, fishing,
canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or just simply
relaxing.
For the cycling enthusiasts Vail offers
some great riding and most of it is on safe
bike paths thanks to interconnecting network
of paved bicycle paths with Summit
County (see Summit
County Bicycle Rides for more rides
connecting to Vail via the Vail Pass Bicycle
Path). For the mountain bike enthusiasts
there is plenty of mountain bike trails,
many of which reach mountain summits approaching
14,000 feet in elevation. With its expansive
valley and great mountain roads, you are
certain to find the terrain to fit your
cycling needs when you are in Vail. Less...
The best time to cycle in or around Vail is from
late spring through early autumn, when mountains
temperatures are warmer and more comfortable.
High summer season is June, July, and August. Less...
Climate and
Weather
Vail’s 40 degree latitude provides pleasant,
average daily temperatures throughout the
year. Because of its low humidity, the temperatures
feel comfortable between late May and early
September.
Vail receives over 19 inches of precipitation
each year, consisting of both rain and melted
snow. Normally, there is very little moisture
during July and August, and so these are
the best months to visit for summer activities.
The average temperatures during cycling
season are (Fahrenheit/Celsius): 59/15 in
May, 69/20.5 in June, 75/24 in July, 73/23
in August, 67/19.5 in September, and 57/14
in October. Less...
How
to Get There
If you are
traveling by air, you will likely arrive
at DIA (Denver International Airport). From
DIA, your best transportation option is
a rental car, taxi, or shuttle bus to Vail.
Vail is located off Interstate 70 approximately
95 miles west of Denver about 1 hour and
45 minutes drive from Denver International
Airport. If you are traveling westbound,
take the second Vail exit off I-70 (Exit
#176), turn left at the end of the exit
ramp, then go under I-70, through the roundabout,
and exit it onto Frontage Road heading east.
The Vail Village parking garage will be
½ mile on your right; there you will
also find the tourist office to help you
with your accommodation needs.
If you are driving eastbound, take the Vail
exit ramp off I-70 (Exit #176), turn right
at the end of the ramp onto a roundabout
and exit it onto Frontage Road heading east.
The Vail Village parking garage will be
½ mile on your right. Less...
Accommodations
Vail has plenty of world class accommodations,
ranging from fancy (and really fancy) hotels
and B&Bs to small, functional establishments.
However, it is recommended you make reservations
ahead, especially if you are traveling from
out of state and/or during high season (June
– August). Less...
The Roads
Although most
cycling routes around Vail and Summit
County are over recreational multi-use
paths, you will also encounter rides that
travel over county roads. The surface of
Vail and Summit
County roads is generally very good;
however, due to extreme temperature changes
between seasons, roads take a lot of abuse,
and as a result, you may find occasional
road hazard in form of cracked pavement,
pothole, gravel or sand.
Paved bike paths are usually open by late
April, although the Vail Pass Bicycle Path
may not open until late May, and occasionally
some sections may be temporarily affected
by late spring snow. Most paved bike paths
will be covered by snow by mid to late-October. Less...
What
You Need To Know
Cycling in Vail, Colorado can be demanding on
your body, especially if you are not used
to cycling in altitude. Most terrain is
above 8,000 ft /2,400 m and some rides and
mountain bike trails may take you over 12,000
ft/3,658 m high passes. If you are unaccustomed
to altitude, it is recommended that you
acclimate for few days before attempting
some of the more demanding rides.
Keep in mind that mountain weather can change
rapidly. A warm and sunny morning can quickly
change into torrential thunderstorm or even
a snowstorm. Beware of lightning, especially
if you find yourself riding above timberline
(best if you set out to ride early in the
morning as most thunderstorms in the mountains
occur in early afternoon). Additionally,
it is always wise to check the weather forecast
before setting out on a long ride. With
frequent afternoon mountain thunderstorms
and sudden temperature drops, hypothermia
can become a critical issue very fast.
Wear proper UV protection for skin, lips,
and eyes. Due to its high altitude, Vail
has an especially high UV index.
If you are riding backcountry MTB trails
during Colorado’s hunting season (mid-September
through October), make yourself visible
by wearing bright colors and stick to popular
trails that travel through open spaces.
Although most cycling routes in Vail are
over recreational multi-use paths, you will
also encounter rides that travel over county
roads. The surface of Colorado roads is
generally very good; however, due to extreme
temperature changes between seasons, roads
take a lot of abuse, and as a result, you
may find occasional road hazard in form
of cracked pavement, pothole, gravel or
sand.
Paved bike paths are usually open by late
April, although Vail Pass bike path may
not open until late May, and occasionally
some sections may be temporarily affected
by late spring snow. Most paved bike paths
will be covered by snow by mid to late-October.
Mountain bike trails are rarely open before
the end of May, and you should not expect
to ride trails above 10,500 feet before
the end of June, and above 11,500 before
the end of July. Less...
