What a strange past couple of years of life, and travel. Over the past few months our family explored the wide open spaces of our home state instead of wandering afar. We always love Colorado in the summer. So, the past couple of years just gave us the best excuse ever to enjoy where we live. Vail in Colorado is our hometown. In 2020 and 2021 Vail summer was busy. But it was very different from usual. In 2022 it is going to look more like previous years with events in full swing, and possibly even busier.
Header image courtesy Town of Vail and Jack Affleck.
Vail Concerts and Festivals Are Back in Full Force
Vail Valley festivals and concerts are returning in just about full swing for summer 2022. GoPro Mountain Games will kick off summer events June 7th. After a scaled back event last year due to limited planning time, it will be bigger and better than ever this year. Register to compete or just plan to come to wander Gear Town and watch Dock Dogs. There will be plenty of music with headliners Twiddle, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes & Grace Potter and The Wailers.
Mountain Games are closely followed by the Vail Arts Festival, Vail Beer Classic and the Vail Famers Market. Bravo! Vail begins their summer of world class orchetsral and chamber music mostly in the great outdoors on June 23. Vail Dance Festival follows July 29.
But don’t miss everything in between. One of our favorite events last summer was the farm to table dinners produced by Taste of Vail.
Why Vail Summer
There is a saying that the locals in Vail repeat incessantly, “We came for the winter but stayed for the summers.” This has little to do with the big concerts or festivals. It is because summer is the most beautiful time of the year in the Colorado Rockies.
Vail Weather
Sunny days and cool evenings can be found whether you are walking the path along Gore Creek, hiking or biking Vail Mountain, rafting on the river or simply having an outdoor picnic at an alpine garden. Vail locals have always valued their space, the fresh mountain air and the ability to easily access an outdoor activity. That is still the case this summer.
Vail Dining
The Vail village dining experience moved outdoors in 2021. You will see some of that carry over to this summer. Patios were expanded. Dogs were more welcome than usual. Live music will likely continue to be abundant.
Restaurants may continue to be short staffed. So, make reservations early. And, have a back up plan.
There are also some really great family-friendly Vail restaurants you won’t want to miss.
Fourth of July 2022
Fourth of July will likely be back to the scope previous celebrations. But perhaps close. The popular parade will return in its original form with patriotic floats, dancing, music and vehicles making their way from Vail Village to Lionshead Village. The big change is that the traditional fireworks are being re-imagined as a drone show. Likely the largest fireworks on the western slope of Colorado, in Avon, will once again happen with most of the regular festivities.
Vail Summer 2022 Activities
Even though all of your favorite things to do will be back, you might still want to experience something you’ve not thought to try before. There never has been a shortage of Vail summer activities and there won’t be this summer either. Our one tip here is to book in advance. Demand continues to be strong and some activities may have limited capacity for reasons other than the Pandemic.
Bike Vail Pass
A couple of local companies offer a Vail Pass bike ride. They take you up to the top of Vail Pass. Drop you off with a bike. And, you ride down.
Go River Rafting
Have you ever been river rafting? I really don’t like cold water. But there are many different levels of rapids. Every Father’s Day we take a river float with Timberline Tours. There are about three small rapids. No wet suits needed and you possibly could even avoid getting splashed by water if you really wanted to. Our guide actually pulled this off, even after acquiescing to the kids demands to go backwards through the rapids.
Hike.
Just go hiking. Use your own feet to take you somewhere green that you’ve never been before. It is refreshing. You can go easy and interesting like Rifle Falls, or get your heart beating with a hike up Vail Mountain. Up to you.
Insider Tip: Here are our favorite Vail area family hikes.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Vail has the highest botanical gardens in the United States, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. On a walk to the gardens you are likely to discover some unique art. There’s also a very fun park right next door for the kiddos. And, picnic tables down by the river.
Piney River Ranch
Up for a drive? Check out one of he most beautiful landscapes in the area — of the Gore Range at Piney Lake. A few miles up a dirt road on the north side of the highway is Piney River Ranch. This is a popular wedding destination because of the unmatched beauty. The Gore Range reflects on a pristine lake. There are cabins and tents available for rent. Beautiful hiking trails, canoes and fishing rods for rent. Horseback riding. And, a delicious casual restaurant.
Vail Farmers Market
The Vail Farmers Market will return in full swing.
Visit Beaver Creek
Want a smaller alpine experience? Check out Beaver Creek! While you may not have quite as much at your fingertips, it is all very accessible. There are plenty of restaurants with outdoor patios. The lifts open June 19. And, any of the tour companies will pick you up at your hotel to do any of the many things available in Vail and throughout Eagle County.
Play at Epic Discovery
Visit Epic Discovery Vail. Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola will once again take you to the top of Vail Mountain starting June 17, 2022. Following a reduced operating footprint last summer, guests can look forward to more activities on tap at on Vail Mountain for the upcoming summer season. Epic Discovery summer operations including the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Eagle’s Nest Tubing and Gore Creek Mini Golf should all be open.
Fly Fish
Have someone who likes fishing. Vail is an idyllic spot for fly fishing. If you have the equipment, you may be able to just catch some fish on your own. If not, there are plenty of outfitters ready to show you their favorite fishing spots and provide equipment and guidance.
Experience Art and Music
Love art? There’s plenty of art in public places. You might even find some unique installations in your hotel. And there are also lots of galleries to meander through. While large concerts have been postponed, you are sure to be able to find live music as you wanted the village.
Just Explore the Outdoors
Explore. Use this summer to get lost. Whether on a hiking trail, bike trail or just wandering through the village. There’s no better time than the present to discover Vail on your own.
Vail Summer 2022 Lodging Deals
One of our favorite condominium hotel, located in Lionshead village, the Antlers at Vail, is offering lots of fun specials and packages. With packages with value adds such as picnics and Gelato there’s sure to be something to make your visit to Vail special.
Insider Tip: Antlers at Vail is home to one of the pools on our list of best winter pools in Colorado. It is pretty great in the summer too.
A Safe Vail
All mask mandates have been removed. That doesn’t mean that caution has been tossed to the wind though.And, local businesses and event producers have the authority to implement their own safety precautions. But you will see events returning to full capacity and navigating preferences of their attendees.
Visitors should plan to bring their mask along in their pocket or purse so that they have it handy should the come across a situation where it is requested. But other that that we think you can expect this Vail summer to look more like those of 2019 and prior. Maybe there will also be a few of us locals even more grateful that usual to have you once again enjoying our beautiful home.
