Come explore this beautiful botanic garden and see unique alpine plants. Among a broad selection of restaurants and cafes in the village is the Gasthof Gramshammer, an authentic Austrian inn with. Nate Free - Mt Guide. From Denver to Vail by Bus Piney Lake near Vail. Explore one of 4 easy hiking trails in Telluride or discover kid-friendly routes for your. Kaitlin Muro. Start early (like before 7 am) to have the trail to yourself. A lot of people like skiing and snowboarding, but there are also a lot of things to do in Vail that make it an exciting place to visit. If a parking lot is full when you arrive,. Rocky Mountain National Park has 213 hiking trails with an average 4. The Vail Farmers‘ Market and Art Show features something for everyone. 2. White River National Forest. The parking area for the Booth Lake Trailhead in Vail will be closed for the summer. Autumn: 25°-60°. The majority of Mountain Standard's menu is prepared via the most primal cooking method: over an open and live wood fire. Vail's Whitewater Park is located right in Vail Village along Gore Creek. Whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer, here are the best hotels Vail has to offer. With an array of different types of hiking and backpacking trails in the area for all levels of skills and abilities, it’s no wonder why scores of people flock there during the summer. If you don’t want to backpack, park a car at each access point for a nice long day trip. Cost: Adult $36, Child (5-12) $18, Adult with Lunch Ticket $42. Playgrounds in Vail Gardens in Vail Nature & Wildlife Areas in Vail Ski & Snowboard Areas in Vail Biking Trails in Vail Hiking Trails in Vail Waterfalls in Vail Bodies of Water in Vail. Skip driving and take the in-town bus to the Soccer Fields stop on Vail Valley Drive to visit. Beyond summer, golden aspens shine in late. Outside of Summer months, there are no services. Make your way to one of the mountain’s eight hiking trails or 17 bike trails. In 2023 it is bigger and better than ever with events in full swing. The fantastic summer programming continues through August. Location: Edwards. Mini-golfing, ziplining, summer tubing and rock climbing are just some of the adventures you can expect. Pitkin Lake is one of the best hikes in Vail Colorado. Try Some. 8. During the summer months, Vail Mountain features nearly fifty miles of winding downhill trails for mountain. Get planning with our guides to the best stuff to do in Vail, Colorado and the best resorts to stay in Vail. 4. Here are the best things to do in Vail, Colorado, in summer! Best Hikes in Vail in Summer: Hiking in the Beautiful Mountains Surrounding Vail The Rocky Mountains are known for their outstanding hiking opportunities,. From the trailhead, walk 1/8 mile to the signed North Trail/Davos Trail junction and take a right onto the North Trail. Spanning 1. Nestled within the stunning Rocky Mountains, Vail offers an abundance of picturesque trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels. After years of trekking through the hut system, our guides have learned all the routes, shortcuts, and best lunch spots available in and around each hut. There are two options on where to start, the eastern trailhead from Forest Service Road #786 and the western trailhead from Forest Service Road #700. 5 miles out-and-back for panoramic views. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year. Berrypicker Trail. Hours: 9 a. Temperatures: Winter: 10°-30°. Booth Lake. Saturday, Oct. 29. After years of trekking through the hut system, our guides have learned all the routes, shortcuts, and best lunch spots available in and around each hut. Welcome to Hike Vail, your one-stop-shop for getting information on hiking in the Vail area! Start your hiking journey in Vail with Vail Mountain trails!; East Vail trails (Booth Lake, Deluge Lake, Gore Creek, and Bighorn Creek) are getting overwhelmed by visitors and the trails are becoming diminished, we suggest finding alternatives to these. Summer Dog Sledding. This trail is on Vail Mountain and therefore easily accessed from the resort. Its near everything visitors need, whether theyre skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or visiting to see the gorgeous fall foliage or spring flowers. Strawberry Lane. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. If you need less of a challenge, ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest and hike down via the Berrypicker trail. avon. The view from the top is amazing. Distance: 0. White water rafting is one of the best things to do in Vail in the summer with plenty of rivers swollen with snowmelt in the summer are perfect for white river rafting in Vail. Socks (I recommend these for hiking) 1 Sun Hat. Aspen is more luxurious than Vail. Find trail guides, walking tours, seasonal calendar of events, and more insight on visiting Steamboat Springs. - 4:30 p. Step outside into the great outdoors this summer! Explore the very best of Vail's outdoor beauty by taking a hike on the mountain, bike riding, or simply relaxing by the pool. No trace on the trail. For hikers seeking a less strenuous option, I recommend the guided llama lunch hike. Vail Village Welcome Center. After years of trekking through the hut system, our guides have learned all the routes, shortcuts, and best lunch spots available in and around each hut. All of their power at the Ranch is run by a generator. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 24 min to complete. This is a great destination for the whole family to enjoy. The falls is a two-stage waterfall that is about 260-feet tall. The structure of the valley means Vail boasts hiking trails on three out of four sides: to the east is the fantastic Gore Range, to the south Vail Mountain rises up out of the ski village and to the north lies the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness. Beaver Creek. Carpooling is required. 2-3h. 0. Perched up at 8150ft above sea level, Vail sits in the valley of the Eagle River and boasts snowshoeing trails on three out of four sides: to the east is the fantastic. Throughout Vail and the other surrounding towns, there’s endless trails for drinking in the fresh mountain air, spotting wildlife and witnessing wildflowers and gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see. 0. R. Image: Zach Mahone. 4 mi • Est. Relaxation at its best. VAIL, Colo. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 6-mile round-trip hike. Contact. 3) You are in a Resort area. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Moderate Summer Hike In Vail: Shrine Ridge. 4 Take a Bike Ride. Deluge lake trail (east vail) · 4. DENVER — A bill that would significantly increase taxes for properties largely used for short-term rentals will be debated in the coming legislative session after. , Gore Creek Path is one of the best easy hikes near Vail for families. Even in the winter, many of the wilderness areas remain open for snowshoers or back-country skiers. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 29 min to complete. How we rank things to do. 3. Take a scenic ride up to the top of Vail Mountain, a world of mountain peaks, wildflowers, Adventure Ridge, family activities, outdoor barbecues, and more. And Vail's 195 trails. #4 in Best Places to Hike in the USA. 7-star rating from 2,232 reviews. Service 4. 5: Fall Colors Half-Day Hike East Lake Creek, free ($10 for transportation) Tuesday, Oct. ** ALL DOGS. 18 in. It's a busy trail, so be considerate. 1-mile out-and-back trail near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. (May 26, 2021) – With parking restrictions to address overcrowding and safety concerns beginning June 2 at popular trailheads in the Vail area, the Town of Vail and the White River National Forest encourage hikers to Bus It to Hike It. Overview. See all. Mesa Verde National Park is home to 21 hiking trails with an average 4. 4. Be sure to stop along your way so you can stock your kitchen! They are located at 3971 Big Horn Rd – We encourage you to SHOP LOCAL! Additional items can be purchased at. Hiking Trails at Vail Nature Center. Explore Beaver Creek Mountain with exclusive guided experiences that engage both the body and the mind. With 180 miles of trails, you can hike and backpack to your heart’s content! Recommended trails…. At the top of the mountain, you will find many of the city's most popular hiking trails, as well as several restaurant options, which are great spots for scenic lunches or to fuel up before or after a hike. Hiking. Explore a Colorado Cave. Buena Vista is known for its beautiful mountain views, excellent rafting, kayaking and SUPing on the Arkansas River, camping, fly-fishing, and of course, the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Value 3. Style: Point to point. Perched high at 8150 feet above sea level, Vail sits in the valley of the Eagle River which flows east to west, 100 miles west of Denver. Spring: 30°- 50°. Bridget Whyte was a summer naturalist and hiking guide for. Average. Did you know the White River National Forest contains over 2. Book your Summer Adventure HERE. When the road takes a sharp turn right (West) you will see a path continuing south. Gore Creek Path is another good option for an easy hike in Vail. Vail is home to some of the most beautiful hiking in Colorado. Difficulty: Challenging. 9 miles, out-and-back) 2. Spending some time at Epic Discovery, located at the top of Vail Mountain, is one of the best things to do in Vail in summer. Featuring: 8 eateries. Hiking Trails. Hiking, Upper Piney River Falls Trail. This is a better summer hike due to all the shade. Nothing a little hydration and fresh air couldn’t fix. Both sun and shade. Trekking with a Llama / Take a Llama to Lunch. Throughout Vail and the other surrounding towns, there’s endless trails for drinking in the fresh mountain air, spotting wildlife and witnessing wildflowers and gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see. Length: 3. Ski and ride the most legendary terrain in the Colorado Rockies, then recharge in the lap of luxury at Four. The Triumph Guide The Top 9 Hikes in Vail We love day hikes in the Vail Valley. BUS TO HIKE! — Take the free West Vail Red busHalf Day Guided Hike/ Up to 4 hours, includes trail snacks. Amy. Length: 4. 5. 15. This Vail Village classic meanders along Gore Creek beginning in Vail. Not to mention, its location offers plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. So you can take 3 gondolas, the two at vail and the one at beaver. Steamboat Springs Visitor Center. 8 miles. Kinney Lake & Berg Lake Trails, British Columbia. But after a couple miles it enters into several great aspen groves. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. 4453) VAIL SPORTS Vail Sports (C5) (D5) Vail Resorts Retail is a full-service bike shop for. Eagle Lake is another great trail for an easy hike. Get Your Thrills at Vail Epic Discovery. Hoosier Pass in the summer. Sunday farmers market. 6-mile loop trail that can be enjoyed by all ages. Nature Discovery Center, Vail Mounatin. Here are a few must-have accessories for your Vail summer adventure: 1. Vail vs. Epic Discovery. The Devil’s Head Trail is the classic Colorado Front Range hike and it is just about one hour from the center of Denver. Yes, you can horseback ride in the winter too. The parking area for the Booth Lake Trailhead in Vail will be closed for the summer. Approach from the Gore Creek Trailhead east of Vail on Bighorn Road near Gore Creek Campground. 3. 3035 Booth Falls Rd, Vail, CO 81657-5819, USA. 190 reviews. 15 Best Things to Do in Vail in Summer. in Vail Hiking #2. 30. although most people will be content with a trail run or hike on the nearby network of approach routes. Always a. Western Wear. Trail and Mountain Maps. Horseback Riding. I highly recommend doing it even if you aren’t going to stay in Grand Lake. Atmosphere 5. The 12 Best Hikes Near Breckenridge. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 59 min to complete. If you are looking for a self-led hiking adventure in Vail, you can download the Vail Hiking Guide, a comprehensive PDF file that contains detailed descriptions, maps, and tips for various trails on the mountain. Mount of the Holy Cross is located on the northern end of the Sawatch Range of Central Colorado. Vail hasn’t been given a biking score yet, but it is quite a spread out area, which may make it more difficult to bike around conveniently. Turn right onto Homestake Road. Walking Mountains Science Center is hosting an event on Wednesday to celebrate local teacher and coach Charlie Janssen’s remarkable achievement of becoming only the 13th person in history to accomplish hiking the prestigious Triple Crown in a single year. 1. The Rocky Mountains and our summer resort are waiting for you. You can stand on the Earth as high 14,400 if you’re atop Mount Elbert, our highest 14er. James Peak Wilderness. 3. However, Vail’s solitary mountain is in fact even larger than Aspen’s four mountains combined. Vail is one of the largest ski resorts. is only a 10-minute drive from the Maxwell Falls trailhead, allowing you to quickly refuel with the 285 Traffic Jam, a quarter-pound patty with bacon. In Your Backyard Hiking in Vail is a popular activity in the summer for good reason. Main Vail Road 4-mile dirt road that is wide, and follows the ridge line of Vail Mountain. 3. The summer months are becoming an increasingly popular time to visit. One of the best things to do in Breckenridge is to hit the trails! For seasoned hikers and beginners alike, there’s plenty of. 5 miles. GO. S. Address: 699 I-70 Frontage Road, Vail, Colorado. At 365 feet in height, these falls entice visitors and adventurers from all over the world to hike, bike, four-wheel drive, ice climb, and explore the surrounding wilderness. Blue Lakes trail starts above tree line at 11,748 feet and in 2. rafting at rancho del rio, hiking anywhere , disc golf at the ritz, fishing anywhere, mountain biking anywhere, camping, standup paddleboarding in avon, canoeing at piney lake, hang with goats at vail stable, horseback riding, four wheeling, patio drinking, smoking weed, Hiking, Upper Piney River Falls Trail. Bus route/stop: West Vail Green/Red Bus – Chamonix. 9-mile round-trip. You’ll find all sorts of summer fun and activities here. Afternoons: 1:30 – 5:30. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. Vail in Summer: 25 Best Things to Do (Off-Season) in CO 1. Mammoth Lakes. Location: Vail. Looking for the best hiking trails in Telluride? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 54 scenic trails in the Telluride area. As the easiest trail in the Vail Valley, the Lost Lake Trail keeps its elevation gain under 1,000 but over-delivers with its swaths of golden aspens. Difficulty: easy. 00 / person. 75 miles into the “western section. west on the North Frontage Road for 1/4 mile. 395 East Lionshead Circle. 2 miles from Vail Golf Club and 7. For beginners, we suggest Berrypicker, a trail that starts in Lionshead and takes you to the top of Vail Mountain. Visitors can bike along the water on the flat Gore Creek Recreation. 1. The Stagg Gulch hike can be done as a loop with Squaw Creek or as an out-and-back by itself. 5. Explore one of 12 easy hiking trails in Aspen or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family. Here are my top picks: 🌟 Best Overall Hotel – The Sebastian. Vail Village is just as vibrant in the summer as it is during the winter. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake, a short distance from the Echo Lake Lodge, Campground, and the entrance to Mount Blue Sky Road. Elevation gain: 1,844 feet. Moderate • 4. Llamas have a curious, gentle and intelligent nature making them. Located in the heart of Vail in Lionshead Village, this adventure park is accessible via the Eagle Bahn Gondola (Gondola 19). The Triumph Guide To Summer Adventures in Vail & Beaver Creek The Vail Valley is the perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventure experiences during the summer. This trail is 1 mile (1. -6ºF 79ºF. The best times to visit this trail are May through. Eagle-Vail Trail, access via Stone Creek Trail. The trail offers wildflowers, scenic views, and views of Quandary Peak. Snowshoeing in Colorado gives you a front row seat to the wilderness in winter without having to buy a lift ticket and some of the best trails and nordic centers are to be found in Vail. Distance: 3. The trail is best used from March through October. By nelsonm88. Home; Camping; Hiking; Archery; Fishing;. Take Copper Mountain’s American Eagle chairlift for free both up (to 11,375 feet above sea level) and back down every day from 10 a. ELEVATION MID-VAIL 10,250’ 3,094m GAME CREEK RESTAURANT BISTRO FOURTEEN EPIC DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES BACK BOWLS and BLUE SKY BASIN Closed for elk calving May 6 - July 1 Bike Rental Mini Golf Picnic Table Restaurant Vending Wedding Venue NOTE: BIKING TRAILS ARE CLOSED TO HIKERS AND HIKING. 11. Explore the full hike profile for trail map, driving directions, and tips. Length: 1. daily. This weather is extremely pleasant for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. Parking is available on the right just before the turn in the road. View from the Grand Hyatt Vail (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy) As a Category 6 property, free nights. Gondola One (#1) and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) are operating from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from September 8th to October 1st, 2023. Permit: No. 4 star rating from 6,391 community reviews. Hike: About 7 miles round-trip, 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years old) Vail Ski Resort allows free uphill access when the lifts are not running (up to 15 minutes before they start running in the morning and starting 30 minutes after the lifts close in the afternoon) on two designated routes: Simba and Riva Ridge. Elevation Gain: 864. 4. Highway 24 from Minturn past Red Cliff. Absolutely! One of the best things to do in Vailis hit the trails. The trailhead is on the left at. Trail Type: loop. The best times to visit Vail are December to March and June to September. Just thirty minutes from the Vail Ski Resort, this trail takes you through pine meadows full of wildflowers, ponds, and pine forests until you get to the top of Shrine Mountain. If you’re hiking to the top of a mountain, then start around 5 or 5:30 am to beat crowds and dangerous storms. The most popular and difficult mountain biking trail in Vail is Berrypicker Trail with a 4. Hiking Trails. Visit the world’s highest botanical garden. Distance from Denver: 1 hour 30 minutes. 8 of a mile west of the Vail Racquet Club a ¼ mile before the I 70 entrance/exit. Best fall hike near Vail: The Overlook Trail. Heading from the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Gondola One, the Fireweed Loop combines Upper Fireweed and. Photo: trevorklatko. Find summer activities in Vail, plan fun family outings including hiking, golf, fishing, and more! Hike, golf, fish, and more at Vail. Length: 7. About. ago. While Vail is best known as a winter ski and snowboarding destination, the epic. Eagles Nest has all the hallmarks of an incredible Vail getaway. Looking for the best hiking trails in Glenwood Springs? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 25 scenic trails in the Glenwood Springs area. 4 Eagle Ranch just west of Vail offers winter horseback rides, as well as sleigh rides. Eagle Lake is another great trail for an easy hike. Best Things to do in Vail, Colorado. 1h 49m. Whether biking down the mountain, or along the bike path with the river rushing by, biking is sure to be a favorite Vail Colorado summer activity. Moffat Tunnel not only has hiking in the summer but ice climbing and backcountry skiing in the winter. 5. Exploring Vail Village is one of the best things to do in summer in Colorado. The Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village is open from 9:30 a. Picnic with a llama! Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Bus route/stop: West Vail Green/Red Bus – Chamonix. It is definitely in town, as is Main Street Station. $219 $2,018. I was SO excited to drive Trail Ridge Road, it is one of the most scenic roads in the state! Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side that day, but it was still beautiful to see. VAIL@ HIKING MAP Easiest Hiking Trail Easy Hiking Trail Moderate Hiking Trail Moderate/Difficult Hiking Trail Multi-Use Trails (see Nate) Serv. 10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona! Are you looking for a fun, outdoor way to spend time with your four-legged friend in Arizona?. 1 – Hike Gondola-to-Gondola On Vail Mountain. The trail has very little shade, especially in the beginning. 970-477-3522. (970) 879-0880. It. The Summit (Breckinridge and Frisco, etc) is also nice. Hike is reasonable with some elevation gain. Difficulty: Challenging. Easy hike along a beautiful creek up to a great view of the Reservoir and mountains. The Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and the surrounding area. Take your hiking to the next level and challenge yourself to make it to the summit of a 14er. 4 (5007) 14 items. Taking riders 10,000 feet up, from your comfortable seat you will be able to snap photos of flower-filled meadows, color-changing aspen trees, and snowcapped mountain peaks, depending on the time of year. Difficulty: Easy. Dogs are not allowed up the gondolas, but they are allowed to download (if you hike up). CardMatch. Horsetooth Reservoir. For outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting and Colorado’s best hikes, summer is the perfect season. 851. So we took it easy and rode the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lion’s Head up Vail Mountain. VAIL, Colo. Take a break from your favorite rustic pastime and visit one of the hundreds of stores in Vail Village. ReplyAccess from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Exit 173 for West Vail. Photo credit: Town of Vail/ Jack Affleck. Thursday, Oct. This steep but rewarding hike is 8 miles out and back and bursting with beautiful scenery. Those who visit Vail in summer may head to the Vail Farmer’s. in the road. The trails in East Vail, West Vail, and on Vail Mountain provide gorgeous. 0. ce Road Summer Lift Winter Lift (Closed) Patrol Outpost Defibrillator Restrooms Accessible Vail Sports Ticket Office 10,981 (INNIKlNNlCk WILDWOOD PTARMIGAN ES@APE *EAGLESNESTROAD. Our hardworking llamas will carry the group gear and food taking the heavy load off your back. Parking is available on the right just before the turn. The Wild Basin trail network also includes a strenuous, 12-mile round-trip hike to beautiful sub-alpine Bluebird Lake. Drink hot chocolate and watch the sun set over the bowls. Guided Backcountry Hikes Near Vail. Trail type: Out and back. Winter 23/24 Open December 15, 2023 – April 6, 2024. 53m. Be it winter or summer, Vail Mountain Resorts has a wide range of activities in store for families—from skiing, hiking, biking, and many more. . This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The Hiking Center specializes in signature group and private hikes designed to showcase Beaver Creek Mountain and the surrounding area. The Booth Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. 12. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Mornings: 8:30 -12:30. 3 million acres, which include the land Vail Mountain falls on? Gain easy access to the forest via trailheads in Vail Village and see what your favorite ski trails look like in the. Ratings Criteria. The panoramic view from the North Trail lookout point, about 1. 6 miles (9 km) round trip, 3-4 hours, moderate/difficult. . Walk, bike, or run along the path to take in the gorgeous autumnal leaves. Read more Squaw Creek. Continue west past Copper Mountain in Summit County on I-70 and you’ll soon begin climbing Vail Pass. Immerse yourself in the beauty and quiet of the Holy Cross or Eagle’s. This California town in the Eastern Sierra draws adventure travelers with a long ski season, but its 300-plus miles of trails that curve. Gondola One, which departs from Vail Village, and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which leaves from Lionshead Village, operate during the summer and winter months, allowing you to take in two very different but equally beautiful panoramas during the year from the comfort of the cozy cabins. Vail. Its abundant wildflowers. The summer crowds clear out of the best fishing areas leaving plenty of trout to catch. 5 miles. Perched on top of a hillside, soakers are greeted with exceptional views of surrounding mountain peaks. 5+ people $99 each. 2-mile hike brings visitors to a set of underdeveloped mineral hot springs. Here are among the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs, in no particular order: 1. 5. Pick your direction, starting with the summit of either Mt. 622 m. Along the Booth Falls Trail is the aptly named Booth Creek Falls, which is a 60-foot waterfall along the banks of Booth Creek. Also check out: scenic gondola rides, the Land Up Adventure Zone's family activities, guided hikes, sunset happy hours, Movies on the Mountain and golf. › Vail Easy Hikes. 9 mi • Est. Elevation Gain: 864. Gore Creek Path Spanning 1. THE 5 BEST Vail Hiking Trails Hiking Trails in Vail Enter dates Filters • 1 Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours. A llama lunch is one of the unique things to do in Vail in the summer! We brought our two adorable llama friends, Roberto and Trace, to Camp Hale National Monument. Where Aspen consists of four mountains (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass), Vail has only one. Hiking – For an easier day, stroll through the two lovely interconnected villages in Vail. Vail makes for an amazing family holiday, but many of the best hikes in Vail are challenging for active adults (Image credit: Cavan Images) 3. Explore Vail's endless hiking opportunities. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are the world’s tallest botanical gardens, rising 3,069 feet above sea level. m. Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass in a glacial valley, the 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks ( fourteeners) truly capture the beauty of the.