Vail offers numerous recreational opportunities for residents and guests alike.  

From hiking to fishing, picnics to playgrounds, mountain biking to ice climbing, and gymnastics to ice skating, activities abound for every member of the family.

The Town of Vail, Vail Recreation District and Vail Resorts each provide a wide range of year-round activities.

Parks and Playgrounds

The Town of Vail owns, manages and maintains eight neighborhood parks, two community parks and numerous pocket parks. In addition, Vail’s custom designed playgrounds are a hit among people of all ages.

Town of Vail Picnic Areas and Shelters

Dismount Zones and Bike Etiquette

Be sure to walk your wheels – including bikes, scooters, skateboards and one-wheels – in the marked areas of the Vail Village.

Since August 2021, the Town of Vail has implemented dismount zones in designated areas of the Vail Village to improve the interactions and safety between pedestrians and cyclists. 

Signs are placed throughout the dismount zones, reminding people to “Walk Your Wheels.” The zone includes:

• All of Bridge Street from the Covered Bridge to Seibert Circle
• Gore Creek Drive from Checkpoint Charlie to the edge of the pedestrian zone east of Gorsuch Ltd. 

Those looking to bike around the dismount zone are encouraged to use Vail Valley Drive or Vail Road.  The official route of the paved Gore Valley Trail bypasses Vail Village to the south through Mountain Plaza near Gondola One and Pirateship Park. 

See the map below for the exact areas that have been designated as dismount zones.

For areas outside of dismount zones, bikers and users of other wheeled vehicles are reminded that pedestrians always have the right of way and to use moderate speeds in pedestrian areas, 5 mph or less.  When passing a slower party, politely alert the other party by calling out and/or ringing a bicycle bell and passing on the left.

Town of Vail ordinance number 7-2B-6 states that “it is unlawful for any person to drive, ride, or operate a bicycle, electric assisted bicycle, lightweight electric vehicle, or non-motorized vehicle in an area posted as a dismount zone by a traffic control sign.”

Violations of the above ordinance are subject to the following penalties:

First offense: $50
Second offense: $75

Subsequent offenses could result in a fine of not more than $2,650; incarceration not to exceed 180 days; or both fine and incarceration for individuals 18 years or older, or a fine of not more than $2,650 for those under the age of 18.

Questions? Please contact the Vail Police Department at 970-479-2200.

Learn about bike etiquette by watching this video: 

1. Watch for the Vail Village Dismount Zone - you can be fined if you do not dismount
2. Bikes should ride with traffic
3. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes only on recreation paths
4. Pedestrians always have the right of way
5. Slow down or dismount in busy areas
6. Alert others when passing
7. Share the trail

Recreation Paths

Vail’s recreation path system includes more than 15 miles of paved, multi-use recreation paths with connections to numerous soft surface hiking and mountain biking trails. Vail’s main recreation path, the Gore Valley Trail, connects to the Vail Pass Trail to the east, and the Eagle County Regional Trail System to the west.

Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark

The Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark was designed with input from local skaters, was constructed by California Skateparks, one of the world’s premier park builders, and was funded by the Town of Vail. The skatepark also includes four colorful mosaic murals created by artist Valerie Theberge, sponsored by Art in Public Places. The skatepark is open daily from dawn to 11 p.m. Helmets are required and safety equipment is recommended.

For more information, contact Chad Young with the Vail Recreation District at 970-479-2292.

About Zeke M. Pierce

Vail Whitewater Park

A one-of-a-kind adjustable whitewater feature operates from mid-May through the end of July. Vail’s inflatable system reads the daily water level and automatically changes to ensure the best wave is always available.

Open Space

The town is responsible for the acquisition and management of open space areas. Consisting of parks, stream tract, natural areas and conservation easements, Vail oversees more than 400 acres of these public lands.

Vail Recreation District

The Vail Recreation District operates numerous programs and facilities throughout town including the Vail Nature Center, Dobson Arena, Vail Gymnastics Center and more.

Vail Golf Club

The Vail Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course nestled at the base of the Gore Mountain Range and offers a full-service golf shop, group and corporate outings, professional instruction, launch monitor, driving range, practice area, club storage, golf swing analysis, club rentals, demo days and an on-site restaurant.

Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts presents the largest ski area in North America and offers more than just world class skiing and snowboarding. Vail Mountain’s numerous summer and winter activities include hiking, mountain biking, family-friendly Adventure Ridge, an 18-hole disc golf course and mountain top dining.