Summer in Colorado has to be my second favorite season. During the summer, I live for planning weekend mountain trips, hiking, biking, rock climbing and other summer activities. Colorado is laced with amazing ski resorts turned summer adventure land. Vail (in our humble opinion) is at the top of the list as of one of the best places to spend the summer. Why do we love it so? During the summer, Vail becomes this wild flower, lush green mountains, a "River Runs Through It" WONDERLAND.
Most ski resorts will have mountain biking, hiking, and other organized summer activities on the mountain. They turn the slopes into hiking and biking trails. Usually, at the top of the mountain some will have some sort of adventure activity center for kids (and adults alike). For Vail, they offer the usual hiking and mountain biking. They also have a toboggan/coaster and tubing on the top of the mountain. Although most resorts will have a variation of these kinds of activities, year after year, we keep going back to Vail not only for the mountain itself, but the beautiful hikes, creeks and rivers that surround the mountain.
This year was extra special as we had planned to celebrate my birthday there. There was no other place I wanted to celebrate my birthday than Vail. In years past we have hiked Vail mountain itself and smaller hikes around the area. For my birthday, we decided to hike Gore Creek Trail. We we were glad we did. The wild flowers were blooming, the hike was quiet and the alpine lake was divine.
Although quite long (12+ miles out and back) the Gore Creek and Lake hike was definitely worth the hike. Some people will camp out on the lake, which I think would be so amazing and beautiful. I can only imagine the stars out on a clear night above the lake.
This particular summer was also made extra special because I was also able to share the beauty of Vail with one of my best friends (also his birthday) and his husband. This visit was long overdue and I wanted to show them how amazing Colorado living was. Where better place to do that than Vail.
I took them to our favorite hike, Booth Creek Falls / Lake. The hike to Booth Creek Falls is a short (but fairly steep) 2 mile hike from East Vail. It's quite popular due to its beauty, proximity to Vail and length of the hike to the falls.
Most stop at Booth Creek Falls as the altitude start affecting sea-level dwelling visitors. However, the hike to continue on to the lake is even more beautiful and dramatic. I was pleased my friends were able to keep going.
At the end of the hike you are rewarded by phenomenal views of Booth Lake. And if you are lucky, maybe a herd of mountain goats (can you see them below?).
We think the best part about Vail is the fact that there is something for everyone. If you want a super posh accommodations with top notch dining experience, Vail has it. If you want incredible camp sites and beautiful hikes, Vail has it. If you want relaxing river tubing, fishing and rafting, Vail has it. If you want convenience of mountain activities combined with breathtaking scenic mountains, Vail has it. If you want weekly farmer's market, music, dance and food festivals, Vail has it. We could keep going, but it's best to find out for yourself why Vail is even better in the summer.