WHAT TO DO WHEN EVERYBODY WANTS TO COME SEE YOU
A Practical Guide For Entertaining Friends and Family in the Vail Valley
Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge
“Who knew I had this many people in my life?”
My friend Jodi laughed and held up her hands, her response when I recently checked in three months after her move to Colorado from Houston. “Houston was fine,” Jodi added. “Good job market, lots of restaurants, but nobody ever came to visit. It was hot, flat, and not much to see or do. Eight years I spent in that darn swamp, and just saw my sister and parents a couple of times. Here though? Three months, and I feel like I’m running a bed and breakfast!”
My friend Jodi laughed and held up her hands, her response when I recently checked in three months after her move to Colorado from Houston. “Houston was fine,” Jodi added. “Good job market, lots of restaurants, but nobody ever came to visit. It was hot, flat, and not much to see or do. Eight years I spent in that darn swamp, and just saw my sister and parents a couple of times. Here though? Three months, and I feel like I’m running a bed and breakfast!”
Which, naturally, led to my next question: “In your new role as host and tour guide, then, how do you entertain them?”
“Red Rocks is a no-brainer, concert or no concert. They all love Coors Field. And “Goldens in Golden” was adorable. For my beer lovers and artsy friends, we visit RiNo. Further down my list, I have Meow Wolf, The Ghost Tour and The Molly Brown House, but honestly we just haven’t had time.”
As you probably guessed, Jodi settled in the Front Range (Morrison). Yet whether it’s the foothills or the Vail Valley, her conundrum is familiar to many of us, who grapple with an infusion of visits from friends and family after migrating to Colorado from former hometowns like Detroit, Philly, Atlanta, Los Angeles, or countless other American metros. Specifically, how do we build an itinerary for guests in this spectacular valley where there are so many options but never enough time? I’ve spent about 25 years confronting this first-class problem, and have concluded that the process is similar to one used by established rock bands curating a set list for an upcoming world tour, where they have to find the right mix of sing-along standards for the masses and a handful of deep cuts for the die-hards.
In our case, as hosts basing out of Singletree, I recommend an agenda framed around the postcard moments they’re expecting and will surely love, augmented by bespoke experiences that play to their unique passions, personalities, and preferences. The rest of this guide is my take on the iconic standards and a few semi-hidden gems. I love all of them; however, if this list inspires you to think of something else, everybody wins, and I’d love to hear what you put together!
A Walk in the Woods
No reservations needed; all skill levels welcome; low to no cost; a great forum for photos: who doesn’t love a good hike? Of course, they come in all lengths and difficulty levels, and that’s where this gets a bit tricky.
For those who may struggle with the altitude or just want a shorter walk, don’t push it. Consider the scenic gondola ride up Vail or Beaver Creek, where short loops meander from the top. Your guests get a shortcut to the 50-mile photo views along with the novelty of the summer chairlift: a three-for-one! Stronger hikers can go a little earlier, and walk up Overlook Trail (Beaver Creek) or Berry Picker (Vail), and meet the others at the top. From there, take the ride down the gondola, sparing your knees and backside from the steep descent and slipping risk.
During peak wildflower season in July, drive a few miles west to Shrine Ridge just off Vail Pass for the relatively easy out-and-back trail. Despite the high altitude, the route is casual (you can turn back any time), and you’ll see hikers ranging in age from 4 to 84. You’ll also run into patches of snow, which out-of-towners get a kick out of seeing in the middle of summer. Another option, even closer and less crowded, is East Lake Creek Trailhead, just south of Edwards.
My all-time favorite is the gobsmacking Fancy Pass/Missouri Lakes Loop, which has all of the greatest hits: wildflowers, avalanche debris, alpine lakes, tundra, creeks, and thick forest. No beginners on this one though, a lesson I learned the hard way a few years back when I hauled some friends from a big northeastern city up the trail and was compelled to nudge them along in a race against the incoming thunderstorms. If you have a little more time and want to burn even more calories, consider a hut trip, which will showcase the 10th Mountain Division Huts, one of our state’s greatest and most unique assets. As you probably know though, plan ahead if you want to bunk down, as the huts book up.
Picture Perfect
Now that we’ve dusted up our hiking shoes, let’s check the box on some “drive-to’s”, where your guests will create images you’re likely to see in their homes when you go visit them. Put Piney Lake near the top of the list. As experiences go, it’s an embarrassment of riches: a scenic dirt road that feels vaguely rugged, a classic high alpine lake with a backdrop of craggy peaks, a laid back shack from which to rent a canoe or paddle board, and a “less-is-more” BBQ joint with plenty of shade and picnic tables. Piney Lake is the place visitors conjure up in their imagination, even though they may not be able to name it or even know it’s there.
For ghost town gurus, swing by Gilman, just a few miles past Minturn, where the overlook makes it a breeze to safely snap pictures. Just another twenty minutes down the road, your history buffs will appreciate you stopping at Camp Hale, which tells the story of the army regiments who were trained in mountain climbing and skiing before deploying to the Alps during World War II. Gilman and Camp Hale make up an easy two-for-one. Some may crave a hot springs visit, either to Glenwood (bonus points for the drive through the canyon) or a little further to Strawberry Park in Steamboat, a more scenic option heavy on vibes.
Just for Thrills
Colorado and adventure are forever linked, and some of your guests will want an adrenaline rush, which is easy to provide. If they’re two-wheel fans, head to Vail for lift-assisted mountain biking. The flowy trails command your attention, and if they’re too technical, riders can choose the wider, less steep access roads, which anybody can handle.
Some have visions of whitewater rafting, though you’ll want to check water conditions this year as the light snowpack means low water levels. For a slightly slower pace, consider hiring a guide for an afternoon of fly-fishing or a family horseback ride. Golf addicts may want to explore the fairways, surprisingly abundant in the Vail Valley, with a wide variety of styles and price points. If your group is big, “divide and conquer,” with some riding bikes and others on horseback.
As you probably guessed, Jodi settled in the Front Range (Morrison). Yet whether it’s the foothills or the Vail Valley, her conundrum is familiar to many of us, who grapple with an infusion of visits from friends and family after migrating to Colorado from former hometowns like Detroit, Philly, Atlanta, Los Angeles, or countless other American metros. Specifically, how do we build an itinerary for guests in this spectacular valley where there are so many options but never enough time? I’ve spent about 25 years confronting this first-class problem, and have concluded that the process is similar to one used by established rock bands curating a set list for an upcoming world tour, where they have to find the right mix of sing-along standards for the masses and a handful of deep cuts for the die-hards.
In our case, as hosts basing out of Singletree, I recommend an agenda framed around the postcard moments they’re expecting and will surely love, augmented by bespoke experiences that play to their unique passions, personalities, and preferences. The rest of this guide is my take on the iconic standards and a few semi-hidden gems. I love all of them; however, if this list inspires you to think of something else, everybody wins, and I’d love to hear what you put together!
A Walk in the Woods
No reservations needed; all skill levels welcome; low to no cost; a great forum for photos: who doesn’t love a good hike? Of course, they come in all lengths and difficulty levels, and that’s where this gets a bit tricky.
For those who may struggle with the altitude or just want a shorter walk, don’t push it. Consider the scenic gondola ride up Vail or Beaver Creek, where short loops meander from the top. Your guests get a shortcut to the 50-mile photo views along with the novelty of the summer chairlift: a three-for-one! Stronger hikers can go a little earlier, and walk up Overlook Trail (Beaver Creek) or Berry Picker (Vail), and meet the others at the top. From there, take the ride down the gondola, sparing your knees and backside from the steep descent and slipping risk.
During peak wildflower season in July, drive a few miles west to Shrine Ridge just off Vail Pass for the relatively easy out-and-back trail. Despite the high altitude, the route is casual (you can turn back any time), and you’ll see hikers ranging in age from 4 to 84. You’ll also run into patches of snow, which out-of-towners get a kick out of seeing in the middle of summer. Another option, even closer and less crowded, is East Lake Creek Trailhead, just south of Edwards.
My all-time favorite is the gobsmacking Fancy Pass/Missouri Lakes Loop, which has all of the greatest hits: wildflowers, avalanche debris, alpine lakes, tundra, creeks, and thick forest. No beginners on this one though, a lesson I learned the hard way a few years back when I hauled some friends from a big northeastern city up the trail and was compelled to nudge them along in a race against the incoming thunderstorms. If you have a little more time and want to burn even more calories, consider a hut trip, which will showcase the 10th Mountain Division Huts, one of our state’s greatest and most unique assets. As you probably know though, plan ahead if you want to bunk down, as the huts book up.
Picture Perfect
Now that we’ve dusted up our hiking shoes, let’s check the box on some “drive-to’s”, where your guests will create images you’re likely to see in their homes when you go visit them. Put Piney Lake near the top of the list. As experiences go, it’s an embarrassment of riches: a scenic dirt road that feels vaguely rugged, a classic high alpine lake with a backdrop of craggy peaks, a laid back shack from which to rent a canoe or paddle board, and a “less-is-more” BBQ joint with plenty of shade and picnic tables. Piney Lake is the place visitors conjure up in their imagination, even though they may not be able to name it or even know it’s there.
For ghost town gurus, swing by Gilman, just a few miles past Minturn, where the overlook makes it a breeze to safely snap pictures. Just another twenty minutes down the road, your history buffs will appreciate you stopping at Camp Hale, which tells the story of the army regiments who were trained in mountain climbing and skiing before deploying to the Alps during World War II. Gilman and Camp Hale make up an easy two-for-one. Some may crave a hot springs visit, either to Glenwood (bonus points for the drive through the canyon) or a little further to Strawberry Park in Steamboat, a more scenic option heavy on vibes.
Just for Thrills
Colorado and adventure are forever linked, and some of your guests will want an adrenaline rush, which is easy to provide. If they’re two-wheel fans, head to Vail for lift-assisted mountain biking. The flowy trails command your attention, and if they’re too technical, riders can choose the wider, less steep access roads, which anybody can handle.
Some have visions of whitewater rafting, though you’ll want to check water conditions this year as the light snowpack means low water levels. For a slightly slower pace, consider hiring a guide for an afternoon of fly-fishing or a family horseback ride. Golf addicts may want to explore the fairways, surprisingly abundant in the Vail Valley, with a wide variety of styles and price points. If your group is big, “divide and conquer,” with some riding bikes and others on horseback.
Beats, Boutiques, and Beaches
Beyond photos, your guests will want tangible souvenirs. The easiest path here is to indulge them with a visit to Riverwalk, but time permitting, try to include the independent shops in Minturn and the high-end outlets in Vail and Beaver Creek Village. Combine that with a surprise they weren’t expecting and didn’t know they wanted: Nottingham Lake is a great option here, where parking is a breeze and activities abound, from strolling the lake, paddleboating, beach volleyball, or live music if your timing is good.
Beyond photos, your guests will want tangible souvenirs. The easiest path here is to indulge them with a visit to Riverwalk, but time permitting, try to include the independent shops in Minturn and the high-end outlets in Vail and Beaver Creek Village. Combine that with a surprise they weren’t expecting and didn’t know they wanted: Nottingham Lake is a great option here, where parking is a breeze and activities abound, from strolling the lake, paddleboating, beach volleyball, or live music if your timing is good.
On the topic of music, plan on the Vail Amphitheater for a classic summer mountain concert experience. Easy parking, a lovely path along the creek, and the surprise bonus of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. All this even before you set foot in the beautiful, intimate amphitheater, where lines for restrooms and refreshments are short to non-existent. Another perk here: shows start and end early, which gets you to bed in time to get up and continue your adventures the next day!
If you’ve been in Singletree or anywhere else in the Vail Valley for more than a couple of years, you have probably visited most of these places, or at least heard about them. Maybe this guide just tells you a bunch of stuff you already knew. If so, then we’re on the same page!
If you’ve been in Singletree or anywhere else in the Vail Valley for more than a couple of years, you have probably visited most of these places, or at least heard about them. Maybe this guide just tells you a bunch of stuff you already knew. If so, then we’re on the same page!
This is meant to be a reminder: summer is here, your friends are on their way, and like it or not, part of your job is tour guide. Show them a great time right outside the front door. They’ll be grateful to you, they’ll tell their other friends, and next summer, you’ll have even more guests. It may sound a little overwhelming, but it’s a quality trade. As Jodi, my good friend and former Houstonian is now discovering, hosting an abundance of grateful, enthusiastic friends and family is a blissful burden I’ll carry any day.