Hiking is Vail's most popular summer activity. It's free, as easy as you want to make it, and the views are incredible. If you like to walk, enjoy the best of mountain views, and maybe push yourself a little to justify that end-of-hike dinner, the Vail Valley awaits. Walk among the wildflowers, tackle a "fourteener," which is a mountain with a 14,000-foot peak, or just head along the Vail Recreation Path.

Explore the North Trail, which is a bit of a secret, except to the locals. You'll find it in West Vail, above the Safeway. It takes you up on the hillside overlooking all of Vail. It's for moderate ability, and is typically never crowded. Bring a picnic lunch or your mountain bike. This trail is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service (970 827-5715).

Booth Falls is another longtime locals' favorite. The 60-foot, cascading waterfall two miles into the hike is well worth the steep climb. Watch for the abundant columbine, paintbrush and larkspur wildflowers along the way. Follow the trail another four miles past the falls to reach pristine Booth Lake.