Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.fs.usda.gov
)
This paved car-free bike path stretches 8.7 miles from East Vail to the top
of Vail Pass (elevation gain 1831ft), before descending 14 miles into Frisco (nine more if
you go all the way to Breckenridge). If you're only interested in the downhill, hop on a
shuttle from a Bike Valet and enjoy the ride back to Vail.
Vail Nature Center
( 970-479-2291;
www.vailrec.com
; 601 Vail Valley Dr; walks adult/child $12/6, hikes from $35; Jun-Sep)
The
Nature Center offers guided tours all summer long, from half- and full-day backcountry
hikes to more family oriented activities. Free creekside nature tours run on Sundays; other
popular kids' activities include wildflower walks and evening trips to the beaver pond or
stargazing with s'mores. There are also four short interpretive trails open to the public.
HIKING
HIKING
Booth Falls & Booth Lake Trail
(Booth Falls Rd; Jun-Oct)
A 2-mile hike to the 60ft Booth Falls follows USFS Trail 1885 in-
to the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. The trailhead is off N Frontage Rd west of I-70 exit
180 (East Vail). Continue beyond the falls to encounter meadows filled with wildflowers
and views of the Gore Range. The trail continues to Booth Lake, 4.1 miles from the trail-
head, and climbs about 3000ft.
Bearcat Stables
( 970-926-1578;
www.bearcatstables.com
; 2701 Squaw Creek Rd, Edwards; 1/2/4hr ride $60/90/160; by reser-
vation)
One of the best horseback operations in the Vail Valley, Bearcat offers one- and two-
hour rides, as well as four-hour backcountry rides, four-day rides to Aspen and
horsedrawn sleigh rides in winter. Trips are always fairly intimate with an eight-person
maximum. Children must be seven or older.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Vail Stables
( 970-476-6941;
www.vailstables.com
;
Spraddle Creek Rd; rides 1/2/3hr $65/90/160; May-Sep)
This
family-run stable offers horse-riding classes and camps for kids, and one- to three-hour
rides in the Gore Range. Kids need to be six and at least 40in tall.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Gore Creek Fly Fishermen
( 970-476-5042;
www.gorecreekflyfisherman.com
; 675 Lionshead Pl; half-day/full-day trips per person $280/375;
8am-6pm)
This Lionshead fly-fishing shop and outfitter will set you up with new and
used gear for rent or purchase. You can also get Gore Creek fishing tips and sign up for
FISHING
