Nestled in the White River National Forest, Vail, Colorado is one of America’s premier ski vacation destinations, but a Vail vacation offers plenty of free and affordable fun even before winter snows arrive. Outdoor sports are Vail’s main attraction during the fall. Crimson maples and gold aspen mingle with green pines to decorate the mountain slopes in a patchwork quilt of color, providing a stunning backdrop for fall hiking, biking and horseback riding and spectacular views from beautiful Vail vacation rentals.

You’ll also find a variety of Vail summer activities. A huge network of hiking trails and bike paths crisscross the area with routes for both causal and experienced enthusiasts. Most popular roadways also provide extra-wide, well-marked bike lanes. A good place to start is the Vail Recreation Path, a smooth, paved trail that stretches 15 miles from one end of town to the other, providing access to 1,100 acres of open space and natural forest. The free Vail Nature Center also offers hiking through 7 acres of forest, meadow and mountain stream environments.

Vail’s numerous city parks offer pleasant opportunities to stop and enjoy a crisp fall day while the kids race around. At Adventure Ridge, families can test their skill on the new free Slackline Park balance course or engage in rousing games of horseshoes, bocce ball and bean bag toss. Skaters can perfect their moves on the half-pipe, pyramid, ramps, rails and more at the Vail’s free skatepark at the LionsHead parking structure. If tennis is your game, Golden Peak Tennis Courts offer free first-come, first served tennis courts.

For a change of pace, enjoy the amazing fountains, poke through the shops and sample Vail’s varied cuisine at Vail Village. Preschool and toddler story times at the Vail Library provide a relaxing break in the day for young children — and their parents. Visitors to Vail can tour Colorado’s ski history at the free Colorado Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame.