Respect the Vail Valley: Our Promise
The Vail Valley is more than a place—it’s an experience.
Forested alpine lakes. Sunrise summit rides. Golden aspen strolls. High desert hikes. Quiet moments where the world feels just right. We are all connected to this place and our shared impact. Whether you’re here for the weekend or the long haul, this place stays special because people like you choose to treat it that way.
Small changes in how we experience our mountains can protect this place we love. We’re asking for a little awareness. A little care. A promise to our trails, wildlife, and wild spaces that bring us to life.
In appreciation for your promise, you will be entered to win one of five (5) $100 gift cards to a local Vail restaurant. Winners will be announced on October 8th and notified by email.
To Protect and Preserve The Vail Valley, I promise to:
1. Respect the Trail
Stick to the trail. Don’t use muddy trails or cut corners. Share the trail and follow right-of-way rules: bikers yield to hikers, downhill yields to uphill, and everyone yields to horses.
2. Respect the Backcountry
Pack it all out. Yes, even dog and human waste. Use established campsites. Check fire restrictions. If fire is allowed, put it out completely cold to the touch.
3. Respect the Wild
Leave wildlife alone. Keep dogs leashed. Obey seasonal trail closures to protect our local deer and elk.
4. Respect the Adventure
Check the weather and trail conditions. Know your route. Drink water, wear layers and sunscreen. Tell someone your plan and when you’ll be back.
"I'll keep it Wild. I'll Keep it beautiful. I'll Keep it Vail."
Respect the Wild: Seasonal Trail Closures
Throughout the Vail Valley, seasonal trail closures protect critical habitat for our local deer and elk herds. In the Eagle and Gypsum area, closures begin on December 1 and continue through April 16, safeguarding key winter range where wildlife seeks refuge when deep snow blankets higher elevations.
Around Meadow Mountain by Minturn, closures begin even earlier (November 23 through May 20) to provide extended protection in high-use wildlife zones.
As these lower-elevation closures begin to lift, new ones take effect in Edwards, Avon, and Vail during April and May, timed with the animals’ migration up-valley. As the snow melts and food becomes more abundant, deer and elk move toward their traditional calving grounds near Vail and Beaver Creek. These upper-valley closures vary and may extend into May and June.
Respecting these seasonal closures is a simple but powerful way to protect our wildlife. By giving them space during these critical months, we help ensure they return year after year.
Respect the vail Valley: recreation Tips
There is so much natural beauty here in the Vail Valley, and we want you to enjoy it with us. Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors safely, year-round. Together we can keep this amazing place pristine for generations to come and minimize our impact on critical natural habitats for our local wildlife. Respecting the wildlife, fellow recreators, and those caring for our public lands, ensures access to these beautiful experiences for years to come!
The Respect the Vail Valley campaign is brought to you in partnership with the Vail Valley Partnership and was made possible through a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office.
Respect the Trail
Trails connect you with the amazing outdoors! In the Vail Valley alone we have over 1,000 miles of trails and more than 1.3 million acres of public lands. Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian user understanding a few, simple guidelines about using and sharing the trails makes the experience even better.
- Stay on trails and heed the signs and closures.
- Follow the right-of-way rules (bikers yield to hikers, everyone yields to horses & wheelchairs, downhill users yield to uphill users).
- Take only photos and leave only footprints.
- Hiking with a dog? Determine if the trail you are planning to hike allows dogs, and if so, keep your dog on the trail with you (and follow the leash law if there is one in place). Be sure to pick up and pack out the doggy doo. Good trail manners apply to our four-legged companions too!
- Visit our trail conditions page here for updated information.
Respect the Wild
The Vail Valley’s diverse ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife. When you are out on the trails, you might be lucky enough to see elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, foxes, and maybe even a beaver or bear. Knowing how to respect our wildlife ensures both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
- Watch from a distance: always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
- Interact responsibly: do not feed, touch, or attempt to move wildlife. Trails are closed to protect critical winter habitat and migratory & feeding routes. Violation of seasonal trail closures can keep wildlife from precious resources and resting spaces.
- Leave no trace: pack out all trash, food and pet waste.
- Do not disturb: avoid wildlife during sensitive times, especially in the winter when food is scarce and spring when lots of animals are giving birth. Human disturbances can exacerbate loss of body weight, reduce reproductive success, and decrease survivability of the fawns and calves.
Respect the Adventure
With abundant recreational opportunities, the natural beauty and activities associated with the Vail Valley attract thousands of visitors to the valley each year. The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare. Plan ahead to protect yourself and respect others and the environment to ensure an enjoyable visit.
- Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Always check the weather and trail conditions before you head out on your adventure. Visit our trail conditions page here for updated information.
- Colorado receives 300 days of sun each year which means it is best to sunscreen up.
- Avoid cotton and wear moisture-wicking and quick-dry layers instead.
- Higher altitudes can be stressful for the body. Be sure to stay plenty hydrated and bring your own reusable water bottle. Even if you are fit, you can still feel the effects of altitude sickness if you push yourself too hard too quickly. Resting is often the most effective remedy for altitude sickness.
- Tell others where you are going, what route you are going to take, and when you plan to be back.
- Driving during severe winter weather conditions can be demanding. The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all – if you can avoid it. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation site for real-time travel alerts, including travel warnings and pass-closure alerts.
Respect the Backcountry
The Vail Valley is home to thousands of scenic miles in the White River National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and state park lands so get outside and enjoy them! Scale mountain tops, sleep under the stars, and experience the wilderness – just please do so safely.
- Check the forecast before you leave as the weather can change very quickly.
- Adventure with a buddy and always tell someone where you’re going.
- Carry a day pack full of essentials such as a first aid kit, compass, flashlight, clothing layers, and sufficient water and food.
- Pack out what you pack in – that includes food waste and wrappers, cans and bottles, and human and pet waste too.
The Vail Valley has camping sites galore so be sure to camp in a designated or existing camp site. And don’t forget to be careful with fire!
- Always check the local fire restrictions and er on the side of caution. Avoid open flames and do not smoke outside during a fire ban.
- Never leave your fire unattended.
- Put your fire out with water until it’s cool to the touch. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to reignite later.
