With world-famous powder, winter in Vail gets all the attention, summer is lovely and filled with color, but fall may be my favorite time to visit this gorgeous mountain town.
For a few weeks every September and October the Aspens change to a golden yellow that lights up the whole town. Every corner of Vail is glowing and it’s incredible. Here’s how to make the most of your autumn Vail weekend!
Hiking
Gore Creek Path – (1.8 miles/easy) Stroll right along Gore Creek from Lions Head to Vail Village on this paved path. Great for kids and families with lots of shade and stunning views of Vail Mountain.
Strawberry Lane – (2.7 miles/moderate) Hike across ski runs starting in Vail Village for stunning views of Vail Valley.
Upper Piney River Falls (6 miles/Moderate) Only a few miles from Vail but it’ll take about 40 minutes on a dirt road for incredible views and Aspen-lined trails.
Berry Picker (3.3 miles/Hard) Challenging but worth it as you hike straight up from Lionshead Village through Aspens and ski runs. Come back down on the gondola for free or head back down to make it 6.6 miles.
All of these are incredible for fall colors!
Vail Oktoberfest
If you’re lucky enough to make it up for the first couple of weekends in September you can take part in Vail’s famous Oktoberfest! Polka bands, stein lifting competitions, bratwursts – Vail already feels like you’re in a quaint European town so it gives some authenticity to the festival. Plus, the German food in Vail is some of the best I’ve had outside of Munich.
Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday for 20 years dozens of local vendors set up for possibly the world’s most beautiful farmer’s market (ok, that’s my bias but the mountains make it so gorgeous.) Yes, farmer’s markets give more of a summer feel but I love that Vail keeps theirs going through September.
The Food
Eating your way across Vail is absolutely part of the experience and you truly can’t go wrong anywhere you go. There are countless dog-friendly patios and happy hour specials. Here were a few of our favorites:
Makoto – Brand new sushi spot in Grand Hyatt Vail
Sweet Basil – Michelin recommended with gorgeous river views
Fall Line – Dog-friendly with a patio perfect for people watching in Vail Village
10th Mountain Whiskey – Always a favorite for delicious cocktails
Almresi Vail – Traditional Austrian restaurant with a dog-friendly balcony
Slope Room – Farm to table restaurant in Gravity Haus
Exploring the Villages of Vail
There are two main villages in Vail and both are a quick walk along the Gore Creek Path from the other. Even just strolling Vail Village can take up a full day with shopping, incredible bavarian-inspired architecture, and countless patios.
Getting Extreme
Need a little more adventure? Mountain Biking, ATV tours, Horseback riding and a Whiskey and Jeep Tour with 10th Mountain. You can even take a llama on a lunch hike.
Dog-Friendly Hotel – Sitzmark Vail
Fresh off its summer renovation, the Sitzmark Vail has one of the best locations in Vail Village and now has the looks to match. They have a pool and hot tub just above the people walking the Village with sweeping views of Vail Mountain. The rooms are gorgeous and modern with some of the most comfortable beds. Plus, they have apres cookies every day and a continental breakfast included.
Brewster’s favorite part was the bowl of treats and dog bed waiting for him upon arrival!
