Vail,CO any recommendations? :)

[Slick_B8]

Fellas! So im driving up to vail colorado in late may as my getaway with my girl. I will be driving down all the way from socal and staying at the austria haus for 4 nights which should be a good time. I was wondering if any of you locals have been to vail or around and could tell me of some cool or neat things we could go see or do. I would also appreciate the heads up on what we should bring, snow tires, clothing, accessories, etc. Thank you for your time guys

[Docwyte]

Yes, put snow tires on your car!

[papadelogan]

First post pictures of your girl, then we'll make recommendations.... like maybe you stay home!! hahahaha

Seriously though, make sure you have good snow tires, and check the forecast thoroughly. You might want to bring or rent snowshoes as well. I'm not sure if the slopes will still be open when you get here, but might be worth checking in to.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

Late May? the mountain will def be closed, they close usually mid April. I doubt snow tire will be needed but def don't get up there with summer tires, all seasons with good tread left should suffice. I'd say def bring gear for pretty much any weather though. You probably won't need Sorels but something warmer than say, skate shoes. Leave the snow shoes at home and bring fishing gear instead. For Vail the #1 thing you'll need is cash, nothing free up there, not even parking.

It's a bit further West, but driving to Glenwood Springs and hitting up the hot spring pool or hiking Hanging Lake would be on my list

[100Daily]

Vail is under contract with the forrest service to close for the Elk Migration no later than April 19th. You may need snow tires, you may not. Probably not, though its possible you may need them. Snow shoeing would be fun, you could go rafting in nearby areas, hiking, etc.

[Docwyte]

In May the parking is free in Vail. Hard to say whether or not snow tires will be needed. You could hit a storm over the pass and really regret not having them. It'll be cold still, bring long pants/shirt/decent coat. If you're going to be in Vail before Memorial Day many businesses will be closed, but more than enough will be open for you to have fun.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

If he wants to drive across the Western half of the country (a lot of it desert) on snows on the chance of a random snow storm hitting on what would amount to a few miles of the total drive then that's cool, but in an Audi with Quattro, all seasons will get you there. When I think late May, I think Memorial Day weekend, that's damn near Summer time. Coming from Cali he doesn't need to come over Vail pass

[Slick_B8]

Thanks for advice guys! Im have a 09 a4 b8 quattro so i gues all seasons would be alright then? And in regards to how much money i should bring to vail, i was thinking around 15-2000 and thats already with the hotel paid and gas in a seperate stash. Staying 4 days only aswell from thirsday to monday afternoon

[mec]

i like tubing in vail.

[Heavy Winter]

i like tubing in vail.

LOL! Not likely in May!

Arapahoe Basin will still be open for skiing.

There will be good mountain biking a bit farther down the valley, like around Eagle (Vail will probably still have snow up high and the lower mountain and trails could be muddy).

Depending upon how late winter goes or how early spring comes you may be able to hike the lower part of the mountain or lower elevations in the Gore Range and there will be hiking down valley as well.

You are coming to Vail during a low period. It's a nice time of the year, but it can snow, too. The summer events like the free concert series or the New York Philharmonic don't start for a few more weeks.

There should also be some river rafting and whitewater action including some events, look here for more info: http://www.vail.com/events/event-cal...r=2015&month=5

Since you are coming from SoCal, hit Moab, Utah for a few days. it will be warm and happening, lots of mountain biking, hiking and other fun desert activities.

Have a great trip!

[pwest15]

+1 for checking out Glenwood Springs, even if it's just for the day. It'll be easy since you'll be coming in from the West. It'd be a really fun time over there. If it wasn't so far, I'd go more often. Other than that, I'd bring some boots and a couple mountain bikes to check out the trails around Vail. Depending on the mud, it might be better to just go hiking unless you like getting real down and dirty which can totally be fun. Vail isn't cheap and while I can't make you a budget, more cash is better than less.

Hope you have a great trip out here!

[mec]

Also hit blue moose, man their shit is so delicious. Also glenwood springs has some cool stuff, you can ride a gondola up to a theme park on top of a mountain. Hanging lake is pretty cool if you don't mind a short hike.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

Hanging Lake may be short but it is steep

[trj]

Are you planning on staying near Vail?
If yes, then Hanging lake is a good place to hike.
If you dont have plans for Vail, I say hit up Aspen and Maroon Bells. Come a little east of Vail to Idaho springs, and drive up Mt. Evans. Usually they open on Memorial Day. Same with Pike's peak drive, but it might be a bit too south for you.
Independence pass would be pretty nice drive too if it is open, but its awesome in fall.

I wouldn't say tubing will be fun in May. Still too cold, balls freezing cold. But fishing should be definitely fun. All those fish from last year, hungry and ready to pounce on anything. I am ready for the melt already.
Bring your fishing gear and make sure you have good treads on your all seasons. I wouldn't drive from CA to CO on snow tires in May. But make sure to bring some warm cloths.
I have been using all seasons on my RWD and I regularly go up the mountains in winter, never got stuck once. Just take it easy.
As for money, you can bring a million and spend it all or you can bring a thousand and have left over. Depends on what you plan to do. But for a 4 day trip, I think your budgeting should be fine.
If you already didn't pay for all four days for accommodation, I would suggest to go camping for a night. Turquoise lake is a good place to camp. Not so popular, so its even better.

[Heavy Winter]

One more thing: when you pass through Glenwood Springs, stop at this place. It's amazing: http://www.charcoalburger.com/

[mec]

One more thing: when you pass through Glenwood Springs, stop at this place. It's amazing: http://www.charcoalburger.com/

ZOMG, the fries at that place. and its so damn cheap!

But also I'm sure he didn't drive 1000 miles to get a grilled burger lol.

[pwest15]

One more thing: when you pass through Glenwood Springs, stop at this place. It's amazing: http://www.charcoalburger.com/

Aw man it's been forever since I've been there! Always got an elk burger just for the gaminess. Great burgers

[TimNGobbles]

You will be coming during mud season. Most places are closed, very deserted at the resort towns that time of year. Hiking trails that are south facing should be ok to hike. Anything that is in the shade/north facing will likely be muddy/have snow. The weather will likely be a gamble could be sunny and in the 70's or cold/rainy/slushy/freak snow showers.

Its still a great time to be in the mountains, hell anytime is good to be in the mountains vs at work/school.

Your all season tires will be fine.

What kind of things were you looking at doing while you are here?

1) Rent a bike and either bike up and down vail pass....or have someone drive you to the top of the pass and bike down it.
2) Rafting should be good at that time
3) Hanging Lake is a great short hike
4) Lots of great hikes in the area, a google search will get you started, there is a ranger station just down the interstate and they can also help recommend trails that are clear/snow free to hike
5) a scenic loop drive to aspen over independence pass (assuming its open) is a good way to spend a day exploring
6) go look at the maroon bells in aspen

[allroadinvail]

Get ahold of me... I live 10 minutes from Vail.


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

[Slick_B8]

Super excited. 11/2 weeks and im off. Maybe there will be some meets when im down there that i can drop by haha

[Slick_B8]

Get ahold of me... I live 10 minutes from Vail.


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

Sure thing bro. Ill send you a pm once im on my way. Thank you

[philthyphil]

Get ahold of me... I live 10 minutes from Vail.


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

Stay away from this ^ guy. He's trouble.


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[allroadinvail]

Stay away from this ^ guy. He's trouble.


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Phil you must be bored at work...


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

[philthyphil]

Phil you must be bored at work...


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

Nailed it.


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[allroadinvail]

I guess I could be trouble when it comes to not wanting a hangover the next day...


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

[Slick_B8]

Lmfao! recommendations to any restaurants by chance?

[Heavy Winter]

Lmfao! recommendations to any restaurants by chance?

It's pretty dead this time of year. At least in Vail. You'll find more people and action down in Edwards, which is less seasonal and transient than Vail. But, since you asked.

Sandbar - your standard sports bar. In west Vail just west if Safeway.

Vendetta's - pizza place in Vail Village. Cheap slices.

Terra Bistro - good happy hour prices at the bar, nice high end dining.

Alpenrose - German cuisine with great pastries and a cozy bar.

Frost - nice high end bar in the Sebastian hotel.

Good luck.

[Heavy Winter]

Oh, and can't forget The Saloon in Minturn. Tex nex, classic old school place that's not to be missed, I think allroadinvail hangs in Minturn (I could be wrong) but maybe a chance to connect.

[jjvwg]

Lancelot restaurant in vail village

[Slick_B8]

Thanks for the recommendations fellas! Should be in colorado by 7 am tomorrow. Keep an eye out for me lol

[zachf88]

I was just in vail about 10 days ago. Everything was closed, but most things are opening up tomorrow, the 28th. You can also take the short drive and check out Breck, Vail, etc. Have fun!

[philthyphil]

Kirby Cosmos in Minturn has awesome bbq. Gotta do it.

[mec]

Blue moose! fuckin pizza is amazing.

[allroadinvail]

Thanks for the recommendations fellas! Should be in colorado by 7 am tomorrow. Keep an eye out for me lol

Did I miss you? I've been super busy... And yes can usually be found with a Budweiser in my hand somewhere in minturn.


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

[Slick_B8]

Did I miss you? I've been super busy... And yes can usually be found with a Budweiser in my hand somewhere in minturn.


Sent from the drivers seat while traveling at a high rate of speed!

Yea, sorry i didnt hit you up brother. I did stop in minturn a couple of times but i was mostly either in vail, glenwood springs or denver haha. I was with my girl and she isnt really about that life of getting shit faced lol maybe next time ill head out alone and we can all meet up and hang. Would be sweeeeeeet. I did have an amazing time out there though, i even contemplated on moving out there. Such an awesome place

[Heavy Winter]

Glad the trip worked out!