Explore Summer in Vail

Summers are an endless escape, a season brimming with morning sunrises that welcome sun-kissed days full of promise. Every new day is a new adventure. Well, that’s the way it feels during a perfect Vail summer.

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies and awash with the summer pleasures only a mountain town can bring, Vail, Colorado is much more than just a premier ski destination. It’s a premier destination all year long, with summer as one of the most fanciful times to bask in the serenity of this quaint European-style village.

The towering mountains and breathtaking surroundings bring on an instant sense of serenity, but serenity doesn’t mean you need to be standing still. Vail’s alpine landscape beckons you to explore at a level you’ve not reached before, in a way that works just right for you.

Exploring for some may mean mountain biking down a rugged path or creating family moments that turn into memories at Epic Discovery on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster. For others it may mean meandering along a pristine stream, strolling through Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, or gentle introspection while trail hiking throughout the area’s natural beauty. Take a scenic horseback ride at Vail Stables or Piney River Ranch. If you prefer to be on the sidelines, watch impressive Vail sports athletes at the GoPro Mountain Games.

Take a Gondola One or Eagle Bahn Gondola ride to the top of Vail Mountain for dining, exploration and views that elevate your summer to extraordinary heights. Or opt for a round of golf at Vail Golf Club. Go fly fishing on Gore Creek. Book a spa date and romantic dinner. Create your own definition of play. The summer activities are endless.

Absorbing the history and ambiance of the town is another way to get swept away into the dream state that is Vail. Art, festivals, music, and dance come alive in the summer, as does a series of concerts in the open-air amphitheater beneath the stars. The Vail Farmers Market, Vail Dance Festival and Bravo! Vail are just a fraction of the magnificent culture Vail has to offer. Why pick just one event when you can choose them all?

Saunter past the covered bridge, across from one of the historical shops in town. Dig deep into the background of a village built with big hearts and hopes, one that flourished into the unique place it remains today. You will never grow tired of exploring the villages of Vail at your fingertips: East Vail, West Vail, Vail Village, and Lionshead Village.

Fuel up on fresh culinary experiences, with gourmet chefs and regional delights at every turn. Dining options run the gamut from the high-end to the more summer seasonal casual, with something to suit every taste.

Spend summer evenings unwinding on a balcony with breathtaking mountain sunsets or engage in the varied nightlife scene. Vail’s lodging comes in options to align with your Rocky Mountain personality, with all ready to deliver a restful night’s sleep.

Bring back the wonderment of the season and spend your summer in Vail.

Lodging in Vail

Map

The 5K & 10K courses will be rerouted for 2026. Expect a safer experience and equally great views!

Pre-run the course before the signs with Ride W/ GPS! Use the digital map to follow to route and stay on course!

Physical maps are available at the race.

Stats

These stats are based on our gpx file on ride w/ gps. GPS information can vary depending on the device and provider. If you're concerned that our information is not correct, please contact us at sports@vailrec.com

Start Location

The Race begins in Mid-Vail at 8:00 a.m.. Registration will be located in front of Gondola One in Vail Village. Participants can use their racer bibs to ride Gondola One up to the race start at Mid-Vail.

Aid Stations

Water will be available at all aid stations to quench your thirst or cool you off!

Thanks to Skratch Labs, there will be Skratch Hydration Sport Drink at Aid Stations to give you the electrolytes and energy it needs to finish strong.

The Vail Trail Running Series is a papercup-less race series. Please keep this in mind when preparing for the race. We highly encourage you to bring your own hydration device or reusable cups.  

Thanks to Northside Kitchen, there will be donuts and fresh fruit at race finish for you to refuel!

Course Directions

10K:

• The race begins at Mid-Vail, at the top of Gondola One
• Run Northwest along Eagle's Nest Road
• Turn left at the road split and continue to aid station #1
• Turn right onto the Grand Traverse Trail, just beyond aid station #1
• Traverse across Game Creek Bowl
• Make a sharp left turn at the Grand Traverse Connector and ascend to Wildwood
• Run past aid station #2 and straight across Wildwood onto Kinnikinnick Trail
• Stay on Kinnikinnick and desend back to Mid-Vail and the finish

5K:

• The race begins at Mid-Vail, at the top of Gondola One
• Run Northwest along Eagle's Nest Road
• Turn left at the road split and continue to aid station #1
• Turn left onto Grand Escape Trail
• Continue straight past the first turnoff to Meadow's Loop
• Left at the second entrance to Meadow's Loop and descend to Mid-Vail and the finish

Vail Resorts Release Of Liability Form 

All Beaver Creek Summer Solstice Trail Race participants must sign and return the Vail Resorts Release of Liability Form to participate in the Trail Race. To save you time, you can print the form and bring it with you to bib pickup.

Vail 10K & 5K @ 10,000' Rates

*Day-of registration is available in person only.

Prices increase on Sunday, July 12, 2026.  Register Now!

Registration & Bib Pickup

Online registration is available until 3 p.m. the day before the race.

To register online, go to register.vailrec.com>>>Programs>>>Races>>>Trail Running & Community Races

Friday, July 17: Racers can pick up their race numbers or register ahead of time from 4 to 6 p.m. at TBD.

Saturday, July 18: Race day bib pickup and registration will be available in front of Gondola One from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Participants and spectators will then ride Gondola One up to the race start at Mid-Vail. Race participants MUST ride the gondola by 7:30 a.m. to make it to the race start on time.

Due to the early morning start we HIGHLY recommend you pick up your bib or register Friday afternoon. Please park in the Vail Village parking structure.

Parking

Please park in the Vail Village Parking Structure or Lionshead Parking Structure. Carpooling is recommended.

Learn more about parking in Vail during the summer.

Amenities

• Vail Village: Restrooms
• Gondola One: Restrooms, water filling
• Mid-Vail: Restrooms, water filling, gear drop, racer refuel, stunning views
• Vail Lodging

Spectators

NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE GONDOLA

Spectators may pick up a free gondola voucher at the registration table to ride Gondola One to Mid-Vail. The Gondola will ONLY be running from 7 to 8:15 a.m., afterwards it will be closed to the public until 9:30 a.m. when you can purchase a lift pass. If necessary, please allow race participants and staff to load ahead of you to get to the race start.

We are always looking for volunteers to help on course and with the event. If you're interested in helping, please reach out to sports@vailrec.com. This can be a great way to get out on course and cheer participants, family & friends!

Awards

Following the race, awards & prizes will be presented at the race finish!

• 10K Awards: Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.
• 5K Awards: Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: Juniors 19 and under, Open 20-39, Masters 40-59, 60 and over.  

Raffle

All racers will be entered into a raffle for great prizes from our sponsors! Racers must be present to win.

T-Shirts

At race finish, make sure to pick up your custom race t-shirt (cotton or tech material)! There is a large selection of sizes for you to chose from once you finish! We alternate t-shirt material each race for the Vail Trail Running Series.

Food

Enjoy some delicious donuts & fresh fruit from Northside Kitchen after the race.

Check out Race Results & Photos on the Race Results Webpage.

10K Record

• Men:
• Women:

5K Record

• Men:
• Women:

News Articles

• Wacker, Wetzel victorious at Dynafit 10K at 10,000 feet - 2002
• Abundant Sunshine on Vail Mountain Greets Runners at the Teva First Bank of Vail 10 at 10 - 2007

Volunteer!

Volunteering is a great way to get out on the course to cheer participants on! We also need help checking in participants, giving out racer swag & timing! You can inquire about volunteer possibilities by reaching out to sports@vailrec.com. Volunteers can help themselves to the donuts and get a race t-shirt once participants are finished.

Volunteering counts towards a race for the Series All-Star Prize at the end of the season!

Series Champions

2025 Series Champions

Short (5K) Series:

• Scores are based on your placement in your race category.
• Lowest score is crowned the Series Champion!
• Must complete 3 races* to qualify! Best 3 out of 5 scores
• Long races do not count towards points

Long Series:

• Scores are based on your placement in your race category.
• Lowest score is crowned the Series Champion!
• Must complete 5 races* to qualify! Best 5 out of 7 scores
• Short races do not count towards points

*Most races if no one has completed enough to qualify

Series All-Stars

We appreciate all our participants and hold a special place in our hearts for returning participants! Participants who race in all seven (7) races in the series will recieve a Vail Trail Running Series All-Star gift! Can be a combination of long and short races!

New for 2026, everyone that signs up for the series will recieve an iron-on 2026 Vail Trail Running Series All-Star patch.