For art programs, road trips, hikes, and just plain fun, look no further than the Vail Recreation District's Youth Services. Call (970) 479-2292 for a detailed schedule of weekly program information: including Vail's Youth Center. Youth Services has expanded the program, from last year, and offers activities every day of the week, for children from 4-17.
Vail
Skate Park 14,000 Sq. Ft. Open Daylight
Hours Only June 1 -September 30 Top Level of the Lionshead Parking
Structure FREE Helmets Required
Nottingham Log Cabin is located at Nottingham Park in Avon,
where, you may rent rollerblades, mountain bikes, volleyballs,
basketballs and croquet sets. Paddle boat rides are available
at Nottingham Park for $ 6.-8. per hour, form Memorial
Day to Labor Day. For more information call (970)-949-5648.
During the summer months of June, July, and August, the exciting Vail Valley Music Festival presents chamber music, orchestra and jazz performances at breathtaking venues such as the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, the Vilar Center for the Arts in Beaver Creek and lodges and mountain residences throughout the Vail Valley. For more information call (970) 827-5700.
Check out the schedule for the Vilar Center. The Vilar Center for the Arts is a world class performing and visual arts center, located in Beaver Creek, Colorado, which strives for excellence in its diverse programming. The 530-seat theater is hosting its second winter season, with over 140 performances taking place. Enjoy classical music, jazz, piano, dance, theater productions, comedy, blues, and much more!
Check out three day mountain bike camps for kids age 7-12 offered by Vail Mountain Bike Camps
Check out Avon's new Recreation Center. The
Center offers a giant water slide, lap pool, hot tub, kiddies
pool, aerobics and cardio fitness area, and child care.
Triple G Outfitters offers visitors to the
Vail Valley, one of the best ways to see and experience the Colorado
wilderness on horseback. They offer guided trail rides, cattle
round ups, and overnight pack and fishing trips, both on private
land and land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and
United States Forest Service (USFS). Triple G operates from two
locations, The Four Eagle Ranch and State Bridge, and has
tens of thousands of acres of land to ride on.
At State Bridge your ride begins from the historic State Bridge
Lodge, birthplace of Colorado's first state sponsored bridge across
the Colorado River, and a real old-time western watering hole,
that was a hot spot during Eagle County's pioneer homestead area.
One-hour and two-hour rides head up the Colorado and Piney Rivers
to an ancient Ute Indian campsite, 1,500 feet above the valley
floor. Along the way you'll see the old homestead of Piney John
and Eagle's Nest built high in the cliff above.
At the Four
Eagle Ranch your ride begins on an original working ranch,
giving you an authentic cowboy experience. The Four Eagle Ranch
is located in Wolcott, on 595 acres. Homesteaded between 1850
and 1860 the historic Four Eagle Ranch was a working sheep and
cattle ranch, until 1990 and still grazes cattle in the summer.
At the Ranch during the Summer Triple G offers one-hour, two hour
and, half-day rides. If you have small children, there are pony
rides too.
No Experience is necessary. Triple G provides the experience.
They have horses for all ability levels and beginner or advanced
riders are sure to have a great time. All rides are guided and
children must be at least six years old. Reservations are necessary
as spaces are limited.
Triple G can put together a custom, one to five day, overnight
pack trip especially for you. You can ride in the most breathtaking
surroundings, fish for native Cutthroat Trout, abundant in these
high mountain lakes or, just enjoy the scenery. They have a base
camp located at 9,300 ft. and, four additional drop camps set
up, covering territory rarely seen by visitors to the Vail Valley.
You will get a chance to view the wildlife that summers high in
the mountains, from elk and deer to eagles and hawks.
The Four
Eagle Ranch is Triple G's base for year-round operation,continuing
to provide trail rides in the winter as well.
To get to the Four Eagle Ranch Exit I-70 at exit # 157 Wolcott.
Head west for less than one mile and take Rt. 131 north for 4
miles. You can't miss the ranch. State Bridge Lodge is 8 miles
further up Rt. 131 near mile marker 12. It will take you about
forty five minutes to get to the ranch from Vail, and even less
from Beaver Creek.
Don't pass up a visit to the Colorado Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame.
It is located under the Vail Transportation Center and admission
is FREE.
The Dobson Ice Arena is in Lionshead right on the Bus route.
For information on public skating call (970) 479-2270. Admission
to the Arena is: Adults $4, and, children $3. Skates can be rented
for $2..
Skate sharpening available at the Dobson Ice Arena or at Venture Sports in Avon 949-1318.
In-line Skating at Nottingham is great fun and safe on
the paved path. Skate rental is available Memorial Day through
Labor Day for $ 6. per hour.
In-line skate instruction is available at Venture Sports in Avon.
Vail Skate Park 14,000 Sq. Ft. Open Daylight Hours Only June 1 -September 30 Top Level of the Lionshead Parking Structure FREE Helmets Required
Road and mountain biking are very popular
in the Vail Valley. The roads in the Vail area are very congested
with traffic in the summer. Many local cyclists ride on the breakdown
lane of the Interstate. This is legal and seems to be safe but
you can inhale exhaust and ride with traffic at home. If you wish
to ride on pavement, I would recommend riding on Sunday or riding
on the bicycle paths. One path goes from Vail Village through
the Golf Course and up Vail Pass. This is quite strenuous as it
climbs from 8,200 ft to 10,600 ft.
If you can load your bikes into a car, and drive down to Eagle
(exit #147 thirty one miles west of Vail) , you can take my favorite
ride. I love to ride up the Brush Creek Valley. This 20
mile round-trip ride is a gradual climb, on the way out and, an
easy coast back to Eagle. The road has only moderate traffic and
the scenery is beautiful. You will face the Snow Capped New York
Mountain Range as you peddle up next to Brush Creek. This valley
is the valley that will some day be developed. Enjoy it while
you still can. Typical Colorado ranches line the sides of Brush
Creek Road for ten miles where the road forks and turns to dirt.
The dirt roads lead into the National Forest and are used by 4-wheelers,
Campers, Hikers, Mt. Bikers, and Hunters.
To get to Brush Creek Road take I-70 to exit #147. Head North
towards downtown Eagle on Eby Creek Road for a quarter of a mile.
At Hwy. 6 take a right and then your next left at the rotory to
Capitol Street. When Capitol intersects 5th street you will see
the County Office Buildings and past them a park. You can find
a place to park at the park and then, ride your bike back to Capitol
Street. Capitol Street will turn into Brush Creek Road after two
blocks at the stop sign.
There is a U.S. Forest Ranger Station on Fifth Street and they
have information on the forest that lies past the end of the paved
road.
Another good ride is the bicycle path running through Glenwood
Canyon. This path begins at a parking lot west of Dotsero (exit
# 133) on the frontage road and follows the Colorado River down
for 17 miles to Glenwood Springs. For more Information about this
path, click here.
Some call it cheating, but others understand
that riding up the chairlift with a mountain bike is a great way
to gain entry to areas of the mountains that are otherwise accessible
only to marathon level athletes. Four chairlifts on Vail and Beaver
Creek mountains make it easy to reach new biking heights, and
nearly 100 miles of world class trails await mountain bikers of
all levels. Whether you are a first timer or an experienced single-track
hound, the Vail Valley has a ride for you.
Due to the popularity of the sport, Vail has doubled the mountain
biking terrain over the last five years. The system of biking
trails on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains span the same terrain
as the ski areas in winter--a whopping 6,272 acres (2,529 ha).
Riders can enjoy everything from the expansive scenery of Vail's
famous Back Bowls to the stomach-wrenching rolls on Beaver Creek.
A summer mountain map introduces riders to the multitude of options
and offers suggestions for riders of all ability levels. Experienced
riders can choose to start their ride at the bottom of either
area and are greeted in both cases by a steep and steady climb
during the initial ascent. Both mountains, however, offer a bikers
a brief opportunity to rest as they reach mid-mountain. Mid-Vail
Restaurant on Vail Mountain is a perfect place for such riders
to refuel with a cold beverage and a carbo-rich snack or meal
served on one of the outdoor decks. Sensational views of the Gore
Mountain Range present an ideal reward for the challenging terrain
already covered, while an up-close look at the rest of the ride
to the top offers an exciting glimpse of the fun to come. Riders
interested in a less strenuous ascent and a more enjoyable downhill
can try several routes that start at the top. A ride on the new
Eagle Bahn Gondola at Vail takes bikers to the top of Eagle's
Nest Ridge, where they find the top of the Liondown trail. A combination
of single track terrain and varying open road riding carries bikers
over six miles (10 km) on the way back down to Lionshead. Riders
at Beaver Creek can begin with a ride on the Centennial lift and
then work their way to the top on the challenging PHQ (Patrol
Headquarters) Hill climb.
The Colorado River has carved a spectacular
17-mile-long canyon deep into the landscape. A bike path runs
through the bottom of the canyon next to the river. This easy-to-ride
path has picnic tables and rest areas along its length. As you
ride along, you can watch kayakers and rafters going down through
the rapids. The path goes past a hydroelectric plant, and a hiking
trail leads up a side trail to Hanging Lake. You can use two cars
to work your own shuttle or you can call Canyon Bikes.
Canyon Bikes- (970) 945-8904 or 7149
Glenwood's Largest
Selection of Rental Bikes
Adult & Children Sizes - Tandems
Children's Trailers & Trailer Bikes
Helmets, Packs & Locks Included
Canyon Bikes' has combined with Blue Sky Adventures to offer our guests
savings on raft trips on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon.
Canyon Bikes' offers those renting bikes from us a 10% discount
when rafting with Blue Sky Adventures. You do not have to do these
two activities the same day. We suggest that you do one activity
a day.
The path ends in Glenwood at the hot springs where you can finish
the day with a dip.
One word of caution, during the peak of the spring run-off, parts of the bike path are often under water. This can go on for 2-4 weeks-usually at the end of May. Call Canyon Bikes for a report. Canyon Bikes is located at The Hotel Colorado, one block from the end of the bike trail.
Visit Canyon Bikes new website at www.canyonbikes.com for up-to-date prices and information.
The best Golf deal in The Vail Valley is the
Eagle Vail Course.
Eagle Vail -(800)-341-8051- Eagle Vail is located between
Vail and Beaver Creek on Route 6 Either go east from Avon (exit
167 I-70) or west from the Minturn exit (171) and look for Eagle
Rd. to the south. Follow Eagle Rd. up the hill to the club house.
Red Sky -Following
in the footsteps of its sister course, the Greg Norman-designed
course at the Red Sky Golf Club has been named by Golf Magazine
as one of the top 10 new courses in the U.S. for 2003. This pick
marks Red Sky's second time in the top 10 after its Tom Fazio
course was chosen for last year's list.
Greg Norman's 7,580-yard par 72 course, called a "terrific
challenge" in Golf Magazine's February 2004 issue, opened
in June 2003. The course skillfully allows the treasures of the
natural landscape to dictate the flow of play, resulting in an
unparalleled wilderness golf experience at an elevation of 7,880
feet.
Developed by Vail Resorts Development Company as part of the Red
Sky Ranch luxury community, the Red Sky Golf Club is located just
25 miles west of Vail and is proud to be home to the first and
only Greg Norman-designed course in Colorado.
"The Shark has crafted a fair but demanding test for those
who choose their tees sensibly," according to Golf Magazine.
"But if you put valor before discretion and play for the
tips, you'll face a punishing 7,580 yards."
For more information on the Red Sky Golf Club or the residential
community of Red Sky Ranch, visit www.redskygolfclub.com or call (970) 477-8400
or toll-free (866) 873-3759.
For up to date information go to the official
Copper Mountain website at www.ski-copper.com
Mt. Massive Golf Course-(719)-486-2176
- Located 3.5 miles west of is North America's highest golf course
alive. 9,640 feet. Watch your ball fly forever. From Vail take
I-70 west to the Minturn exit #171 and head into Minturn going
south on route 24 which by the way, is designated Scenic Byway.
Leadville is 30 miles
up the road and the course is 3 miles on the other side of town.
A quality 9-hole mountain course with reasonable rates. Friendly,
relaxing atmosphere with outstanding views of Colorado's highest
peaks.
Glenwood Springs Golf
Courses-These two courses are a real deal and are worth
the drive. Combine a round of golf with a dip in the hot springs
pool and dinner in Glenwood for a full day of entertainment for
the whole family.
The names of the other courses in the Vail Valley are The Vail
Golf Club, The Sonnenalp Golf Club (SIngletree), Beaver
Creek Golf Club, Cordillera (semi private), Eagle
Springs (exclusive, private),The Vail Valley is the Eagle
Vail Course, Arrowhead (exclusive, private), and our
newest golf course is the Cotton Ranch Club (open to the
public for now) in Gypsum.
For more information on Vail area golf courses and courses in
the U.S. Canada and Australia visit Golf.Com they have an excellent site with
tons of information.
.
Ford Park Tennis Center (970) 479-2294- With locations around Vail, and clay
and hard courts the Tennis Center offers affordable court times,
and a variety of programs including clinics and lessons. Hard
court fee is $10 for up to an hour-and-a-half. Clay courts run
$20
Eagle Vail Tennis Club-(800)-341-8051-Located near, and
also operated by the Eagle Vail Metro District, are 8 latex-ite
tennis courts. Court fees are $8 per one-and-a-half hours. To
get to the tennis club, go west on I-70 to exit 171, and continue
west on Hwy. 6 /24 . After passing under the interstate, take
a left on Eagle Road and a right on Eagle Drive. You will see
the courts as soon as you turn right on Eagle Drive.
Sand volleyball courts are located near the
Athletic fields, just west of Golden Peak, in Vail. These brand
new Free courts are open daily for drop-in and group play.
Volleyballs may be rented from the Vail Tennis Center at Ford
Park. Reservations for large groups can be made by calling the
Vail Recreation District's Sports Office at (970) 479-2280.
Three sand volleyball courts are located at Nottingham Park in
Avon. Courts are free to use and balls can be rented an
the Log Cabin next to the lake.
Blue Sky Adventures, Inc. is an equal opportunity service provider
and operates under special use permit for the White River National
Forest.
On some trips, if you have a car, you may be able to save money
by driving to the put-in yourself. When you drive yourself to
the river, you won't need to ride all around town, picking up
and dropping off the other guests and you can include other stops
into you itinerary. For example if you decide on Brown's Canyon
you can stop in Leadville.
If you decide on the Glenwood Springs area, you can stop in at
the Yampa Hot Springs.
Kayakers put in all along the Eagle depending on conditions. Wherever
the road crosses the river, cars with kayaks on the roof find
a place to park and put in. Many kayakers meet other kayakers
and set up shuttles over stretches of river. The same is true
in Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River and Brown's Canyon on
the Arkansas.
Hiking and Backpacking has its own page. Go
there to find descriptions of Vail's Best Hiking Trails as well
as rental information and other useful information for planing
a great outing.
Nova Guides offers Guided Jeep Tours. Visit their website for details and pricing.
Take a drive to Leadville elevation 10,430 and take a step
back into Colorado's history. You can tour the National Mining
Hall of Fame & Museum, take a ride on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad,
shop for antiques and mineral specimens, fish in Turquoise Lake
or the Arkansas River, play an inexpensive round of golf or shoot
trap at the Leadville
Rod and Gun Club. Leadville
has lots of reasonable restaurants, campgrounds, and hotels. Stop
by the visitor center in the center of town and get all the info.
From Vail go west on I-70 to exit #171 and head south on Rt.24
through Minturn on a scenic 30-mile drive over the Continental
Divide. You can also continue on through Leadville on Rt.24 then take Rt. 82 over Independence
Pass alive. 12,000 ft. to Aspen. Rt. 82 Continues through Aspen
back to Glenwood Springs and then
I-70 takes you back to Vail.
For more information on driving Colorado's Scenic Byways visit
the Great Out Doors and Recreation Pages. This link will
take you to their page on Colorado Scenic Byways and Recreational Drives.
Glenwood Caverns and Fairy Caves
Originally opened for public tours in 1886, the Fairy Caves were
touted locally as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
World War I put an end to the tourist operation, and what little
visitation to the caves that occurred in years since essentially
came to an end several decades ago. Since the caves were closed,
numerous pristine rooms and passageways have been discovered including
two of the largest rooms in Colorado. After being closed to the
public for 82 years, we are excited to reopen the historic cave
and the newly discovered areas for your enjoyment.
The Vail Rod & Gun Club (970)-476-3639
is located in Wolcott (exit 157, I-70). two hundred feet south
of the exit, after the cattle guard, take a right on the gravel
road and go half a mile. The Club has a 16 field course with 20
different stations. A round of Clays runs about the same as a
round of golf. With gun rental, shells and 100 targets you can
expect to spend at least $75. To save bring you own gun and but
your shells at Walmart, then a round off 100 targets will only
set you back $ 35.00.
Georgetown Loop Railroad-(800)-691-4386-Open from May 25-Oct. 6., this hour
and 10-minute ride, on an antique steam driven train, runs from
Georgetown to Silver Plume. These two towns are just two miles
apart but the elevation difference is over 600 feet. The rail
line twists and turns over 4.5 miles of track to gain the elevation.
The Devil's Gate Viaduct, 300 feet long and almost 100 feet high,
forms a spiral where the track actually crosses over itself. The
train ride can also be combined with a tour of the Lebanon Silver
Mine.
Catch the train at either of the two departure locations. At I-
70 exit #226 Silver Plume, or exit #228 Georgetown, and go south
on 15th street and west on Argentine Drive.
Leadville,
Colorado & Southern- (719)-486-3936- Open from May 25-Sept.29,
this trip leaves from Leadville's
century-old depot and travels over the old High Line, following
the headwaters of the Arkansas River up to a spectacular view
of Freemont Pass. Then it's down to the French Gulch water tower
to view Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. Depot is located
in Leadville just off
Hwy.24. From Vail exit #171 of I-70 then head south through Minturn
and stay on Hwy 24 for 30 miles. This road is designated Scenic
Byway and is a great ride with lots to see.
Beaver Creek Resort offers a wide variety of
special activities. You can stop by the Resort Concierge located
in the Park Plaza Hotel or give them a call at 845-9090.