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River Activities in Vail:

Summer Activities that Beat the Heat

Crystal clear waters and warm summer afternoons make Vail the perfect destination for your summer activities. While Vail ski slopes are legendary, our rivers are drawing more and more outdoor adventure-seekers. Thanks to a variety of local service and gear providers and glorious summer weather, Vail, Colorado welcomes you to plan your own river adventure this season.

Since 2002 Vail has become known as a whitewater paradise, welcoming all levels and ages to enjoy local waters.

River Rafting and Kayaking

Located in the center of the Vail village is Whitewater Park, a whitewater haven and the site of the annual Teva Mountain Games. Along the Eagle, Colorado, and Arkansas Rivers there are a variety of rafting and kayaking options, from Class I to Class V rapids. From mid-May until July, rafting trips are available in the Vail area. For those who want to stay dry, the Teva Games, and several other rafting competitions held at the Whitewater Park, make great spectator sports.

Looking for kayaking and canoeing waters? The Eagle, Piney, and Colorado Rivers offer ideal conditions for adventure kayaking and canoeing. Depending on the time of year, and the water levels, there are a variety of options, from relaxing floating to white-knuckle adventure. If it is your first time to the area, there are local guides who can provide expert advice, lead tours, and supply you with all the gear and equipment you may need.

Fly Fishing

Explore the rich trout streams, just minutes from Vail, Colorado, and give your summer adventure a few more memories when you catch a trophy trout. Early summer and fall are often the best times for finding record catches, but for many anglers they find success year-round. With several local fly fishing shops and reputable guides, there are ample opportunities for every skill level and every type of angler.

Local Fly Fishing Around Vail, Colorado

Gore Creek, a Gold Medal stream, runs through Vail and flows into the Eagle River and onto the Colorado River. Even though it is a small stream, there are large trout, including 14 to 18 inch rainbow, brown, and cutthroat.

Eagle River offers plenty of fishing all year, especially if you stay above Wolcott. There are plenty of brookies swimming through Eagle, Wolcott and Minturn.

Colorado River joins the Eagle River at Dotsero and continues through the Glenwood Canyon to the Gulf of Mexico. Fish with streamers and 20 inchers in the Vail area to hook a prize-worthy catch.