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One of the best parts of any vacation is gathering around the table after a day filled with adventure. Whether you’ve spent the morning hiking through alpine forests, riding the gondola to Epic Discovery, paddleboarding on a mountain lake, or simply strolling through the charming streets of Vail Village, sharing a great meal becomes part of the experience itself.

Nestled at the edge of Ford Park, just a short walk from the heart of Vail Village, lies one of Colorado’s most remarkable hidden treasures. While many visitors come to Vail for its legendary ski slopes, luxury resorts, and outdoor adventures, few realize that the town is also home to the highest botanical garden in North America, a peaceful sanctuary where thousands of alpine plants from around the world thrive against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

When people think of Vail Mountain, they usually imagine deep powder, world-famous ski runs, and unforgettable winter vacations. But once the snow melts, the mountain transforms into one of Colorado’s most exciting summer playgrounds, offering an entirely different way to experience the Rockies. Instead of skis and snowboards, visitors arrive carrying cameras, hiking shoes, and a sense of adventure. Towering evergreen forests replace snowy slopes, colorful wildflowers blanket the mountainsides, and panoramic views stretch for miles in every direction. At the center of all this summer excitement is Epic Discovery, an outdoor adventure park that combines thrilling attractions, educational experiences, scenic gondola rides, and family-friendly activities at more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

Welcome to Vail Village — a place where winding cobblestone streets meet snow-capped peaks, where boutique storefronts beckon and après-ski energy hums under the alpine sky. Nestled in the majestic landscape of Colorado’s Rockies, Vail Village isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling, a memory in the making, and a story waiting for you.

When most people think about visiting Vail, they imagine skiing, hiking trails or breathtaking mountain scenery. What many first-time visitors don’t realize is that summer transforms the Vail Valley into an incredible destination for kayaking. As snow melts from Colorado’s highest peaks, rivers begin flowing with crystal-clear mountain water, creating ideal conditions for paddlers of every skill level. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle across an alpine lake or an exciting whitewater adventure through rushing rapids, Vail offers unforgettable kayaking experiences surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains.

If you’re planning your first trip to Vail, you’ll probably hear people talking about Vail Village, Gondola One and the famous ski slopes. But ask a local where to experience one of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in Colorado during the summer, and there’s a good chance they’ll recommend Piney River Ranch.

When most people picture a summer vacation in Vail, hiking scenic mountain trails or riding through alpine forests on a mountain bike usually comes to mind. However, there’s another outdoor activity that’s quietly becoming one of the area’s favorite warm-weather experiences: stand-up paddleboarding, better known as SUP.