These Photos Will Make You Want To Hike Vail Mountain Right Now

If you’re an adventurous traveler, Vail, Colorado needs to be on your bucket list.

Yes, it’s a purpose-built town created around skiing, but the active pursuits and adrenaline rushes expand well beyond snow excursions.

This is something I learned well during a summer trip to Vail, where I spent my trip hiking, ziplining, dry tubing, cycling and riding alpine coasters — all of which took place on Vail Mountain.

Experiencing Epic Discovery

Vail Mountain’s 5,289 acres of ski-able area becomes a snow-free playground come summer.

What’s crazy is just how few people know about this. One brand new attraction opened in June 2016 that is working to connect summer visitors with the Rocky Mountains is Epic Discovery.

This mountain top summer playground is full of educational adventures that immerse visitors in local flora, fauna and natural beauty.

After trying it out myself, I can honestly say Epic Discovery is amazing.

There are so many thrills, from an alpine coaster zooming through trees to challenging ropes courses to hillside tubing to educational storytelling poles.

My personal favorite adventure was the Aerial Challenge Course, a two-mile network of shaky swings, rope bridges and seven ziplines.

I soared through lodgepole pines from 300 feet high! Pretty nuts.