Vail is Spectacular in the Fall
Vail locals will assert that fall is the favorite season of all and the hidden gem of Colorado. The days are warm and the nights dip down to quite chilly! Fall activities and adventure in Vail are endless. Explore the trails by hiking, biking, horseback riding or trail running to see the leaves changing and take countless photos of the vibrant colors.
Leaf Peeping in Vail by Hiking
The North Trail runs along the mountains to the north of Vail, and has several trailheads or access points. The route basically parallels I-70, across the valley from the ski area. Several spots offer vistas that make you stop in your tracks to whip out your camera to capture the vibrant colors.
The Deluge Lake trail is about 9 miles out and back with a 3,200 foot elevation gain. Of course you don't have to reach the lake to get great views and fall colors to blow your mind.
More Ways to Leaf Peep in Vail
If you're looking for that quintessential western adventure on your Vail vacation, look no further. Vail Stables provides the best horseback riding experience in the Vail Valley. With stables only 1 miles from Vail Village, Vail Stables will ensure that your horseback riding experience will be second to none. Learn More about Vail Horseback Riding
Vail is home to miles-and-miles of mountain biking trails to get the heart pumping – grab a map, consult the Sonnenalp concierge for direction, and get ready for some incredible rides on Vail’s surrounding mountains!
The hardest part is keeping your eyes off the vibrant colors and stay focused on the trail!
Try hunting mushrooms in Vail! Wild Mushroom foraging is not only a fun outdoor activity but it also allows you to provides unique flavors to many or your favorite recipes. Popular mushroom hunting areas in the Vail Valley include Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Mountain, Vail Pass, Shrine Pass, Tennessee Pass, the Black Lakes region also at Vail Pass. Ask the Sonnenalp Concierge for some direction. PS - Don't eat the red ones!
At the top of Vail Pass at 10,600 feet you can find true solitude on the Black Lakes! Stand up paddle, fishing or just basking in the sun with a good book are great ways to spend a crisp, autumn afternoon in Vail.
The Vail Pass Recreation path is a popular route for cyclists who seek a paved off-road route through spectacular mountain scenery especially for leaf peeping. From Vail Village, Vail Pass National Recreation Trail is an 18-mile long out and back trail that features scenic views of the Gore and Tenmile Ranges and Copper.
The Vail Pass Recreation path doesn't stop in Vail! You can ride all the way safely to Breckenridge and around Lake Dillon stopping for a hearty lunch along the way. Ask the Sonnenalp Concierge for directions. The leaf peeping in Vail doesn't get any better than from the bike path.
Vail Autunm Events
Every Labor Day weekend, the Vail Duck Race normally puts about 15,000 ducks in Gore Creek. The ducks start at the Covered Bridge in Vail Village and race to the International Bridge also in Vail Village. The first duck across the finish line wins $5,000 for the person who adopted it. Local Vail Valley businesses donate prizes for the second, third, fourth etc. duck winners.
Vail Oktoberfest has been named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States by USA Today. The festival brings Bavarian fun to Vail with two weekends full of Oktoberfest activities. Festival guests enjoy classic Bavarian fare such as brats, schnitzel sandwiches, spaetzle, pretzels, and more. In addition to eating like a true Bavarian, the festival features authentic music and dance.
Gourmet on Gore will return September 2023. This unique culinary festival offers an open-air tasting with world-class spirits, wine, and beer paired with savory delights from Vail’s top culinary experts.
The Vail Concours is a multi-day, annual automotive event, hosted in Vail Village and Lionshead. The Vail Concours (Formerly Vail Automotive Classic) draws a diverse group of automotive enthusiasts. Entries range from contemporary supercars and sports cars to vintage collector cars and motorcycles. Lionshead Village and the Lionshead Base of Vail Mountain is filled with spectacular cars. Free to the public to mix and mingle with the exhibitors and view the cars
The Dynafit Vail Trail Running Race Series is Colorado's must do race series. This trail running series leads runners up trails, over mountains, through forests and over streams in and around Vail. Expect well-marked routes, aid stations, experienced volunteers, and courses that are challenging for the elites and enjoyed by the beginner trail runner. The final race of the season is in September and aptly named 'Meadowgold' as running blaze through golden aspen leaves and meadows.
The Vail Farmers Market started with a few tents and now has grown to over 148 tents for sixteen Sundays of the summer in Vail Village. The vendors are handpicked and the majority of them offer 'made in Colorado' artisan items and food. Enjoy strolling down East Meadow Drive in Vail while tasting treats from Colorado. The Market goes through early October.
EXPLORE SONNENALP HOTEL ROOMS & SUITES
Rest easy after your adventures!
