Winter in Vail is amazing, but if you only visit Vail in the winter, then you’re missing out on a lot of fun! Fall is absolutely gorgeous in Vail. Furthermore, some of the town’s best festivals and activities can be enjoyed in fall. With smaller crowds and more affordable travel rates, you really can’t go wrong planning a fall Vail vacation! Keep reading to find out more about fall travel in Vail.
Savor Smaller Crowds
In Vail, the crowds are much smaller during the fall. This means you'll have more space to enjoy the mountains and less traffic on the roads! The prices are also a lot lower, so you’ll likely find great discounts on restaurants, activities, and transportation. You can take advantage of all that Vail has to offer without waiting in long lines or spending a fortune!
View Fall Foliage
The fall foliage in Vail is spectacular. As the aspen trees change color, the mountainsides come alive with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. There are many great places to go leaf-peeping in Vail, such as the Gore Range Trail (Eagles Nest Wilderness), the Vail Pass National Recreation Trail (Copper Mountain), and the Vail Nature Center. The fall foliage is everywhere, though. No matter where you are in town, you’re guaranteed to see some colorful leaves!
Hiking is my favorite way to admire fall foliage, but you can also opt to take in the views on a scenic drive or while horseback riding!
Explore Outdoors
Whether you’re interested in the leaves or not, you should definitely spend some time exploring the Great Outdoors in Vail this fall. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The days are warm and sunny, with highs in the mid-50s to low 60s. This makes for ideal weather for hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Vail is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys. It is a shame to miss out on them while you’re in town! Be sure to take some time to explore the surrounding areas.
The fishing in Vail is particularly good in the fall. The fish are more active at this time, and the mild weather means that fishing is more enjoyable. You’ll catch more fish and have a better time doing so! Some of the best fishing spots in Vail include the Gore Creek, the Eagle River, and the Blue River.
If you’re looking to golf while you’re in Vail, then fall is the perfect time to hit the links. The nice weather and smaller crowds make it easy to enjoy an afternoon on the green. Some of the best golf courses near Vail include Vail Golf Club and Beaver Creek Golf Club.
Enjoy Fall Festivals
There are plenty of festivals and events that take place in Vail during the fall. Some of the top events include Oktoberfest (September 15-17, 2023), the Handmade in Colorado Expo (October 6-7, 2023), and FreeFall Bluegrass Festival (October 14-15, 2023). These events are a great way to experience the local culture! Keep an eye out for other exciting events.
No matter what you choose to do in Vail in the fall, you're sure to have a great time. The beautiful scenery, the mild weather, and the abundance of outdoor activities make Vail a fantastic destination for a fall getaway. Be sure to come back in the winter, when ski season is in full swing!
