Long-time Vail residents fondly say, “Winter is great, but summer is why we live here,” despite the global popularity of its ski slopes. While the winter experience at the sprawling slopes of the Bavarian-style resort is spectacular, Vail’s summer adventures are next level. Offering an abundance of treasures one typically seeks in Colorado’s High Country for a summer getaway — great hiking, biking, golf, and sunny patios — Vail also throws in extras like llama picnics, a world-class farmers market, and one-of-a-kind festivals.
Berry Picker is a challenging trail with multiple access points from Vail’s base area. It weaves across streams, over thick roots, and around clusters of Columbines, wild roses, and berry bushes. The trail, measuring more than 3 miles with more than 2,200 feet of elevation gain, opens to colorful meadows with impressive views of the valley below.
If your knees aren’t up for the descent, you can also download the app for free on the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The big hub for hikers, however, is East Vail. While parking is no longer allowed at the trailhead for the incredibly popular Booth Creek waterfall hike, the free Town of Vail bus makes it easy to get there.
A bit farther into East Vail, you’ll find trailheads for a series of less-used but equally rewarding routes. Pitkin Creek Trail also leads to views of a glistening waterfall after about 3 miles of reasonably strenuous initial climbing through aspen glades, lodgepole pine, and wildflow.
