blog @ Antlers Vail » Vail Hikes

Summer Family Fun in Vail

Liana — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:01:43 +0000

There is much to enjoy in Vail during the summer for locals and visitors alike

This beautiful sunny Colorado weather we enjoyed earlier this week has me itching for summer and all of the fun family activities that summer brings. We live in such a great place to raise family (or enjoy an extended family vacation), particularly in the summer when you can get out and enjoy fresh mountain air, sun and a multitude of activities.

Here are a few of the activities I am looking forward to enjoying very soon:

Taking the kids into town to ride the free Town of Vail bus, playing at the pirate ship park, cooling off in the children’s fountain and then enjoying a treat. Warning to parents: A candy store conveniently located itself right next to the fountain, so be prepared to take your kids in for a treat.
Taking a picnic and riding the gondola up to the top of Vail Mountain to enjoy some leisurely hiking and spectacular views.
Coming into Vail to meander through the Vail Farmers’ Market, enjoy some free jazz, getting some balloons for the kiddos and then enjoying lunch on a patio.
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens hosts a butterfly release on May 24 at 11 am. Local school classes release the beautiful butterflies. It is a great opportunity to check out the gardens and play at the park adjacent to the gardens.
There are a multitude of great hikes in the area. I’m looking forward to taking the kiddos up on some of the easier trails for some exercise and to enjoy nature and take in the views.
Speaking of nature, Walking Mountains Science Center has all kinds of great family activities. I’m looking forward to checking out their Earth Keepers Preschool program and a nature walk.
I have also put the Bravo! Vail family concert featuring the National Repertory Orchestra on my calendar. It starts at 10am on July 14 with an instrument petting zoo—lots of fun for the kiddos as they get to try their hand at a variety of instruments. Then the concert starts at 11am.
Beaver Creek has some great activities too. We will make it over a couple of Fridays for their Fridays at the Park with free gondola rides, pony rides with Beaver Creek Stables, snow cones, roasting s’mores and more! The Beaver Creek rodeo on Thursday evenings is fun too. They have a mutton-busting event that is pretty humorous.
But, the thing I am most looking forward to this summer is hanging in my own ‘hood. I live in EagleVail and it is in my opinion the best Vail area location in the summer! We have a plot in our community garden just across the street. I am looking forward to taking the kids over to plant seeds and look after the garden, and enjoy grilling out with friends in the garden. Also, EagleVail has a new salt-water pool that is just 100 yards from our back door. I’m looking forward to relaxing at the pool with the kiddos.

The Vail area boasts a multitude of spectacular hiking trails for all abilities. Photo courtesy of Jack Affleck and VLMD.

What are some of your favorite Vail area family activities and events? Share them with us in the comments section below!

One of the reasons that I am so glad to be a part of the Antlers family is our involvement in the community. As I was writing this post, it dawned on me how many of these events we have a connection to. The Antlers is the official condominium hotel of the Bravo! Vail orchestras. We host Serac Outside Adventure Film School, which is also a very cool thing going on during the GoPro Mountain Games. We are a pet-friendly hotel so home to some of the Dock Dog competitors who come to town for the Mountain Games. We also host some of the Vail Jazz Foundation’s musicians. So, not only can I look forward to partaking in these activities but also in getting to meet some of the people involved!

Posted by: Liana, the Antlers’ marketing gal

Off—and On—the Beaten Path in Vail This Summer

Anne — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:30:41 +0000

Left, photo © goodluz – Fotolia.com; The Antlers at Vail hotel, center, is close to many of Vail’s walking paths and trails; the hotel’s hard-to-miss bikes, right, are free for guests to borrow.

When someone tells you to “take a hike” you’ll be thankful if you’re in Vail, Colorado, where the area’s abundant trails and paths are suited for people of all ages and athletic abilities. The Antlers at Vail hotel is a conveniently located home base for exploring Vail by foot or with one of the Antlers’ free loaner bikes, and summer rates start at just $168 for a studio suite.

The Antlers at Vail’s friendly staff is happy to recommend nearby trails and provide directions for guests who want to explore the area. These are some of their favorite jaunts close to the hotel:

Creekside Sauntering

The Antlers is located on Gore Creek, which winds through Vail and has a paved walking and biking path that’s perfect for exploring the area. Head east and enjoy a shady, easy walk to Vail Village, or head west to Donovan Park, a fun children’s park and play area.

Art Walking

Vail’s public art collection includes forty works ranging from paintings and sculptures to murals, playground components and site-integrated art. Art in Public Places offers free summertime guided tours including discussions of the history of the Vail Valley and the importance of site-specific art. For dates and times, visit www.artinvail.com.

Mountain Ambling

Just 200 yards from the Antlers at Vail hotel, the Vail Gondola is ideal for those who prefer downhill striding to uphill climbing. Ride to the top and enjoy a scenic walk down the mountain trail, enjoying the Rocky Mountain vistas and wildflowers along the way.

Nature Rambling

Just east of Vail Village, the Vail Nature Center offers a variety of summertime nature walks, guided hikes and back country treks. For more information visit http://www.vailrec.com/hikingprogram.cfm.

Rover Romping

The Antlers at Vail is a dog-friendly hotel, and Bighorn Park just east of the Vail Racquet Club offers over seven acres of leash-free terrain for canines and their owners. The northern half of Stephens Park in West Vail is also an off-the-leash zone.

Since 1972, the Antlers at Vail hotel has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The Antlers is the proud recipient of the Platinum Service Award Winner from the Vail Valley Partnership and was named the Vail Valley Green Business of the Year in 2009. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in Vail’s Lionshead area with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit the Antlers web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, The Antlers at Vail, (970) 476-2471, RLeVine@antlersvail.com or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, (307) 734-5335, darla@wordenpr.com.

Ski the Minturn Mile ski run

Chris Ratzlaff — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:45:42 +0000

Skiing the Minturn Mile from Vail mountain down to the town of Minturn is one of the classic Apre ski activities in Vail. Be forewarned, it is for advanced skiers only that are familiar with the back-country, prepared for back-country skiing, can make quick turns in deep powder and are physically fit . It starts with a hike to Ptarmigan ridge on the West side of Vail’s Sun Down Bowl. After a break at the top it is time to head through the gate and some powder skiing. Make sure you have someone that is familiar with the trail and the area to guide you. Once you get all the way down you have a hike to the Minturn Saloon for some beer and margaritas. To get back to Vail grab the bus back or better yet, have a friend pick you up. You won’t be in any condition to drive anyhow…

Hiking Ptarmigan ridge

Hydrating before the run (is that Bob Grossman with us?)

Pay attention

Some soft snow on the way to Minturn

Careful for the tree wells. That’s Tom Schlader, our head engineer, on the right

View Minturn Mile ski run in a larger map

Crossing the creek

I’m soooo haaaappppy !

Bob Grossman hitting the luge

Cindy angulating the edges

Wanna go? Ask for Amy, Tom S., Chris Ratz or Rob to make a reservation

Fancy lake and Fancy Pass hike to Missouri lakes

Chris Ratzlaff — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:24:01 +0000

Fancy Pass and Fancy Lake loop hike going to Missouri Lakes up in the Holy Cross Wilderness area is one of those “must do” type of Vail area hikes if you are spending a week or more in the Vail Valley. It is moderate day hike and takes anywhere from 4.5 to 6 hours. It is a 45 minute drive each way from Vail but well worth it. It is South from Vail on Highway 24 through the towns of Minturn and Redcliff. Get directions at the Antlers at Vail front desk. The trail starts at an elevation of 10,100 feet and can top out at 12,600 so you are quite high up.

Fancy lake (seen in picture above) is the first stop on this counter clockwise hike. But you can do the hike in either direction. You can do Missouri lakes first in a clockwise direction and then over Fancy pass, then down pass Fancy Lake and back to the trailhead.

View Fancy Pass, Missouri Lakes loop in a larger map

There are some steep trails as you head up above timberline

Lots of snow out here for August 10th, wow

The top of Fancy Pass at 12,600 feet (we think)

Upper Missouri Lake

Some Llamas enjoying a hike of their own

Lower Missouri Lake

Another hiking bridge

Wildflowers up in the Holy Cross Wilderness area, with plenty of snow for mid-August

Whitney Lake hike, near Vail, up homestake road

Chris Ratzlaff — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:33:03 +0000

Whitney Lake hike is a pleasant hike not far from the Antlers at Vail and the town of Vail Colorado. One needs to drive about an hour to get there. Head west out of Vail until you get to Dowd Junctino exit 171 off of I-70. Next head south for 13 miles on highway 24 heading through the town of Minturn, up over Battle Mountain pass. Cross the big green bridge (you won’t miss it), go another couple of miles and then take a right onto Homestake road. This road is numbered #703 by the forest service and again is about 13 miles south of I-70. When you turn onto homestake road you need to drive another 4.6 miles on this rocky (sometimes dusty) road. You’ll find the sign to the trail just on the right of the road with parking on the left side of the road. The trail head starts around 9100 in elevation and tops out at the lake at 10956. Length one way is 2.5 miles, so it isn’t TOO long. The views can be spectacular.

View Whitney Lake in a larger map

Up at the lake, watch for the trout jumping in the lake

New bridge for stream crossing

Be careful on the stream crossing, the bridge is thin

Trout in the lake

Camp robber

Lionshead Rock hike, Minturn Colorado

Chris Ratzlaff — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:29:38 +0000

An often forgotten about hike is the Lionshead Rock hike out of Minturn Colorado. It is a short 15 minute drive from the Antlers at Vail condominiums. Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 171 at Dowd Junction and then head south on Highway 24 for a few miles until you arrive in the town of Minturn. Take a left right away upon arriving into town and go across the bridge by the Saloon. As you pass the Saloon, hang a right swinging around the building and go across the railraod tracks to Taylor Street. Head north on Taylor street passing a number of homes (and junky cars, fridges, old snowmobiles, sinks, dishwashers, chairs, dogs, etc) until you arrive at the far end (dead end). Find a parking spot and head to the Game Creek trail (to the East) and start going up the trail. As you go up and past the river for about a 1/2 mile you’ll hang a RIGHT onto the trail which will take you to the Lionshead Rock. It is about a 2 mile climb one way from the trail head.

View Lionshead Rock hike Minturn in a larger map

View from Lionshead rock looking down towards the town of Minturn

Crazy squirrel

Hiking Mt Sherman 2011

Tyler — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:05:23 +0000

Mt Sherman Hike (14,036′)
A decent short 14er for those who want to notch the first one on their belts. It takes about 4 hours to reach the top and return. The land may seem brown and lifeless compared to some other 14ers however; it is rich in mining history as can be seen from the scattered mining structures all around the area. This was one I could see from the ridgeline very near to the top of Sherman.

When my fellow Antlers employee Dan and I hiked it on June 27th, it still had snow fields to cross at the start of the hike. However, we got through easy enough without too much post holing (and a slight deviation from the trail that turned into a lot more work than expected… DANNNN). Still, the rest of the trail was clear and easy going once we started gaining elevation. The most exhilarating thing about this hike was the wind that day. Sherman is very very exposed so a windbreaker/rain jacket is a MUST or you will risk being exposed to the elements that make hiking very uncomfortable.

A little bit windy up there

Only 40 a minute drive away from the Antlers here in Vail it was definitely a great day hike and a good first 14er for any moderate hiker looking to reach the next level. Make sure to add to the wind walls when you reach the top and sign the registry!!!

After we added another foot or so it still wasn't very helpful

Gore Lake and Deluge Lake Trail Hiking in Vail

Tyler — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:49:17 +0000

Just recently I took a hike up to Deluge lake with a few of my friends around town. It was a really awesome hike with plenty of great views. Early on I was a bit nervous because it took almost 45 minutes to really lose site of the highway (which when you’re hiking is not the view you expect). However, once we rounded a mountain side and started up the valley towards the lake I knew that the hike was well worth it. It was the kind of mountain valley you would see in a movie with green fields, white rocks, and Deluge Creek running down the middle. Although it was a more difficult hike, it was well worth the trip in the end. Definitely wait until July or later to do this trail as when we tried in early June we were stopped about halfway by the 4ft of remaining snow.

View Deluge Lake and Gore Creek Hiking Trails in a larger map

This is a map of the Gore Creek and Deluge Lake trails which leave from the same trailhead right in our backyard of East Vail.

Gore Creek

View of the Gore Range. This is looking NORTH towards Gore Lake and Deluge Lake trails.

Bighorn Cabin

Tyler — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 22:00:25 +0000

Greetings hikers!

Bighorn cabin is a private property (although left open as a storm shelter) located at about 10800 feet in the Gore Range Wilderness. A good moderate hike and definitely one of the least steep in the area it is great for those looking to head into the mountains and photograph wildflowers, see some wildlife, and enjoy the great outdoors. The trail used to be a part of an old wagon trail so be sure to look for signs on the sides of the trail to be a part of the old homesteaders travels. You will reach some rock fields, to be sure of the way make sure to look for cairns (rocks stacked up like a tower). Not far from the Antlers in Vail this is a great hike accessible to all. One thing to remember is that parking there is limited so going early or taking the bus is recommended. Also, for the aggressive hiker this is a good way to reach the Grand Traverse which is a long ridge at the height of 12000 ft designed for mountain bikers and expert hikers.

Here is a terrain map provided by Google showing the basic route up to the cabin and some other trail heads in the area.

View Bighorn Cabin in a larger map

Enjoy!

Tyler

Grouse Lake Hiking Trail

Tyler — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:30:26 +0000

Grouse Lake, a beautiful 6.25 mile hike to a beautiful lake known for its fine fishing. This hike is a great one if you are up here in the summer and its too hot to do anything but you are going to anyways because… well its your vacation that’s what you do. The hike follows Grouse Creek through a balmy mossy forest with plenty of chances to cross over the creek and catch some spray. Named for the large gentle bird that is brown in summer and changes to white in the winter they are quite common in the area. A fun fact I just learned, local lore says that if you don’t look a mother grouse in the eye as you approach her, she will not run away. I suggest someone try it out and report back to me because I find that hard to believe. They are also very defensive of their chicks but are not really dangerous even when angry. I’ll see you up there!

~Tyler, your friendly neighborhood night auditor.

Here is a map showing the trail head and its location in relation to Vail and the Antlers.

View Grouse Lake in a larger map