Vail, Colo.
To appreciate the majesty of the Rocky Mountains during the summer in Vail is to take a ride on the Eagle-Bahn Gondola or Centennial Chairlift. In addition to providing fantastic views, the lifts give visitors access to various outdoor activities.
Vail offers six hiking trails designed for both beginner and intermediate hikers. The hikes allow nature lovers to take in the natural beauty of Vail in the summertime. Trails range in distance from one to four miles.
Since Vail is all about the outdoors, horseback nature tours are a great way to appreciate the surroundings. Tours are available for adults and children 7 years and older.
Learn the history of skiing and snowboarding at the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum. Exhibits look at everything from the legacy of the National Ski Patrol to the history of ski bindings and an archive of snowboards. The museum is also home to the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.
View peak flower season through August at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the world’s highest botanical garden. Several gardens feature diverse flowers and plants, while some showcase the Alpine landscape. The beautiful mountains surrounding the gardens make summer viewing all the more breathtaking.