Discovering The Magic Of Vail: E-Bikes, Mountain Trails And Endless Beauty Colorado Road Trip Adventures Beyond Keystone
We traveled to Colorado for a wedding and decided to turn the trip into a road-trip adventure. With so much beautiful country to see out West, traveling by car felt like the best way to experience it all.
Stepping Back Iin Time At South Park City Museum In Fairplay
One of our favorite stops after the wedding in Keystone was Fairplay, Colorado. Located a little over an hour south of Keystone on Highway 9, it was well worth the drive. In the heart of this small town is the South Park City Museum, a 19th-century mining museum that recreates life during Colorado's gold rush era.
We happened to visit on a weekend when live historical presentations were taking place. Seven of the buildings remain on their original sites, while the other 37 were relocated from abandoned mining camps and ghost towns throughout the region.
Volunteers dressed in period costume shared the history of their buildings and portrayed characters from the era, bringing the past to life in a fun and engaging way. There was even a live performance featuring stories from the town's early days. It was incredibly entertaining. Another bonus: admission is valid for the entire day, so you can leave and return whenever you'd like.
Staying At Bluegreen's StreamSide At Vail
After leaving Fairplay, we headed to Bluegreen's StreamSide at Vail in West Vail. The accommodations were outstanding.
One thing to note is that most of the buildings do not have elevators, aside from the main building. If stairs are a concern, you'll want to request a lower-floor unit. We personally prefer upper floors, so we happily carried our luggage upstairs. It turned out to be a great way to get some extra steps in during our stay.
Our unit was a beautiful one-bedroom with a loft, making it ideal for two couples or a family. The loft featured two queen-size beds, its own bathroom and a private deck. The main level was equally spacious, with a king-size bed, two full bathrooms and a balcony.
A hot tub was conveniently located just outside our building, and the resort's fitness center, located in the main building, offered two levels and a nice variety of equipment.
Exploring Vail Village And Lionshead Village
One of best amenities Bluegreen’s StreamSide at Vail offers is its complimentary shuttle service, which takes guests directly into downtown Vail. It was wonderful not having to worry about parking, parking fees or navigating traffic. The shuttle runs regularly and stops at both Lionshead Village and Vail Village, making it easy to explore either area at your own pace.
During our visit, Vail was hosting its popular farmer's market. More than 60 vendors filled the streets, selling everything from locally made goods to fresh food. It was a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
The same weekend, a children's adventure course was set up nearby. Kids worked in pairs to cross a riverbed, pull themselves back using a Tyrolean Traverse and then ride inner tubes through another portion of the course. It was amazing to watch children of all ages challenge themselves and confidently tackle each obstacle.
Visiting Vail Interfaith Chapel
We also attended worship at the Vail Interfaith Chapel. I found it fascinating that five faith communities, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish and Lutheran, share the same space so locals and visitors alike can attend services while in Vail.
The chapel itself was quaint and welcoming, and we felt blessed to have experienced such a unique example of cooperation among different faith traditions.
Touring Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Just a short walk from the shuttle stop is Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, located near Vail Mountain. The gardens are home to more than 3,000 species of alpine plants and are completely free to visit.
Because of water restrictions in the area, many of the fountains were turned off during our visit. Even so, the gardens remained peaceful and beautiful, with colorful flowers and scenic mountain surroundings creating a relaxing atmosphere.
E-Biking The Eagle Valley Trail
One of the highlights of our trip was renting bikes and exploring Eagle Valley Trail. During ski season, equipment rentals are available in the resort's main building. In the summer, rentals are handled at another property just across the highway. Fortunately, it was less than a mile away and connected by sidewalks the entire route.
We rented e-bikes for the first time and absolutely loved the experience. In less than four hours, we covered 22 miles with ease. The Eagle Valley Trail is paved, scenic and generally well-marked, although we kept Google Maps handy just in case. Along the way, we stopped beside the water to enjoy lunch before continuing our ride. The route was relatively easy, making it a great option for casual riders who want to enjoy the scenery without tackling difficult terrain.
Bike rentals are also available in downtown Vail, but this location was much more convenient for us. For those looking for a bigger adventure, some rental companies offer guided mountain descents where they transport riders to the top and let them bike down. That sounded a little too intense for us, but it certainly looked exciting.
Why Vail Is Worth Visiting In Every Season
One day, we decided to walk into town and take the shuttle back. The route to Lionshead Village was just under two miles and provided a pleasant way to enjoy the mountain scenery. Both Lionshead Village and Vail Village are filled with shops, restaurants and seasonal entertainment throughout the week.
We aren't skiers, but I can easily see why Bluegreen’s StreamSide at Vail is an excellent place to stay during ski season. The complimentary shuttle allows guests to access the slopes without dealing with traffic or parking hassles.
Whether you're visiting in summer, winter or somewhere in between, Vail offers an incredible mix of outdoor recreation, scenic beauty and small-town charm. From exploring historic Fairplay and wandering through alpine gardens to cruising the Eagle Valley Trail on e-bikes, there is no shortage of memorable experiences. If you have the opportunity to visit, be sure to add Vail to your Colorado travel plans.
Key Takeaways
A Road Trip Worth Taking: Exploring Colorado by car made it possible to experience mountain scenery, small towns and attractions beyond the major resort destinations.
History Adds Another Layer to the Journey: Fairplay's preserved mining-era buildings and live demonstrations provided an entertaining glimpse into Colorado's frontier past.
Convenience Enhances the Experience: Easy transportation, walkable areas and nearby attractions made it simple to enjoy Vail without constantly getting behind the wheel.
Summer Reveals a Different Side of Vail: Flower gardens, outdoor markets, scenic pathways and recreation opportunities showcase the destination beyond its reputation as a ski town.
Active Adventures Are Accessible to Everyone: Whether walking, biking or simply exploring the villages, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the mountain environment without being an expert outdoor enthusiast.
FAQs
Q: How do you get from Bluegreen’s StreamSide at Vail to downtown Vail?
A: The resort offers a complimentary shuttle with regular service to both Lionshead Village and Vail Village.
Q: How far is Lionshead Village from Bluegreen’s StreamSide at Vail?
A: Lionshead Village is less than two miles from the resort and can be reached by a scenic walk or the complimentary shuttle.
Q: When is the best time to visit Vail if you don't ski?
A: Summer and early fall offer opportunities to enjoy hiking and biking trails, outdoor events, gardens, shopping and mountain scenery without the crowds often associated with ski season.
Q: Are e-bikes a good option for first-time riders in Vail?
A: The paved Eagle Valley Trail and pedal-assist technology make e-bikes an approachable choice for beginners looking to cover more ground comfortably.
Q: What unique cultural attraction can visitors experience in Vail?
A: The Vail Interfaith Chapel brings together multiple faith communities in a shared worship space, creating a distinctive experience for both residents and visitors.
