No matter how you get to Vail for the Summer Mountain Games, we
assure you there are plenty of adventures on the way. Bring your
toys, take some extra time and enjoy some of the best country in
the United States. Perhaps you will end up like some of us and
never leave.
ROAD TRIP IT FROM THE NORTH BY CAR:
Travelers often neglect the northwestern corner of Colorado
because of the predominately barren landscape. However, this part
of the state contains several hidden gems, perfect for the whole
family. On the border with Utah, Dinosaur
National Monument is a fascinating place for kids and adults
alike.
Traveling from Dinosaur west towards Vail, the Highway 40
follows the scenic Yampa River with several charming small towns
along the way. At Steamboat Springs enjoy some Western heritage and
then continue south on Highway 131 crossing the famous Colorado
River at State
Bridge. Then, it's just 45 minutes in ranch country to reach
your final destination.
ROAD TRIP IT FROM THE SOUTH BY CAR:
From the south, there are a variety of routes to Vail, each
offering a spectacular sampling of southern Colorado. One of the
most scenic drives continues north from historic Santa Fe, New
Mexico on Highway 522. In Colorado, take Highway 17, which is
flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range on the east, and the
San Juan Mountain Range on the west. A short pit stop at the Great Sand
Dunes National Monument offers an opportunity to climb the
country's highest sand dunes (700 feet) and for the more
adventurous, a chance to try sand skiing or sledding.
Another quick detour to Canon City and you can see the fantastic
Royal
Gorge from the canyon floor aboard a train or from the sky on
the world's highest suspension bridge. From there, the trip to Vail
winds through the beautiful Arkansas River Valley, over the
Continental Divide and through the historic mining town of
Leadville. The hour drive from Leadville to the valley is a scenic
byway and winds through some of Colorado's most impressive
scenery.
ROAD TRIP IT FROM THE EAST BY CAR:
Coming from the east, Vail is generally accessed via Interstate
70. Gradually climbing from the plains of the Midwest, I-70 reaches
an elevation of 5,280 feet at the Mile High City, otherwise known
as Denver. The "Big D," as Vail locals like to call it, is a great
place to catch a major-league sporting event, go to an amusement
park, see a concert or visit the aquarium. From Denver, I-70 winds
up and into the mountains for which Colorado is famous.
Vail is less than 100 scenic miles away. For a quick side trip,
take Highway 40 north to Rocky
Mountain National Park, home to 412 square miles of lakes,
mountains, meadows and waterfalls. A trip through the center of the
park on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the
world, promises glimpses of native bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer
and hawks. No matter what route you take, the scenery on the trip
westbound to the valley is surpassed only by the premier amenities
and spectacular settings that await you.
ROAD TRIP IT FROM THE WEST BY CAR:
Traveling eastbound, I-70 passes through hundreds of miles of
scenic high-altitude desert. Just west of the Colorado-Utah border
lies Moab, a great launching pad for a wide variety of activities.
For spectacular sightseeing there are two national parks within a
short drive; Arches and Canyonlands.
From Moab it's just four hours to Vail, but highlights along the
way include the popular wineries of Grand Junction and the famous
natural hot springs of Glenwood Springs. Just west of Glenwood
Springs, the 14 miles of interstate through Glenwood Canyon are
some of the most expensive and spectacular in the country. From
Glenwood it's just 45 minutes of a steady climb from the
high-altitude desert to valley's beautiful sub-alpine terrain.
CATCH A FLIGHT:
Denver
International Airport
Vail/Eagle Regional Airport
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
Both DIA and Vail/Eagle County Airport have major rental car
agencies available.
Shuttle companies operate from both airports and drop guests off
at the front door of their lodging destination.
CLICK HERE for discounted ground
transportation with Colorado Mountain Express.