Do you want to be a tourist in your own backyard? If you’re living in Vail, Arizona that answer should sound like a resounding, YES!
Vail has a ton to offer. Yet most residents forget to take advantage of all the beauty and opportunity in the area. From rocky trails and hillside caves to refreshing wine from a local vineyard, Vail has something for everyone.
If you’re on the hunt for something to do in Vail this weekend, fun activities are just a hop, skip and a jump away. Whether you’re new to Vail, have lived here your whole life, or are just visiting for the season, here are five activities to cross off your bucket list.
- Step foot on the Arizona Trail.
Are you a hiker? Do you love to explore the trails in the saddle of a mountain bike? Then the Arizona Trail is where you’ll find your bliss!
The Arizona Trail runs from the northern border of Arizona to the south. In Vail, we’re lucky to have a good portion of the trail in our backyard.
There are several trailheads in Vail where you can start your adventure. Hike or bike a mile or two off the Gabe Zimmerman trailhead. Or, if you’re adventurous, drive to the end of Camino Loma Alta and bike all the way to Sahuarita Road and Highway 83.
The trails vary in difficulty. Some spots are very technical and steep, while others are perfect for hikers and riders of all ages. Check out this interactive map of the Arizona Trail for more information.
- Escape the heat in Colossal Cave.
In Arizona, we’re fortunate to have beautiful weather year-round. The summers can get a little hot, and when they do, people flock to Colossal Cave. That’s because the cave is a crisp 70 degrees, 365 days a year. When it’s 110 degrees outside, how can you beat that?
Tours of the cave are only $13. They leave every 15 minutes and last about an hour. While in the cave, you’ll see everything you’d want from a cave – impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a few bats (they’re not bad).
If you’re more adventurous, Colossal Cave has a longer tour off the regular path. This tour lasts 1.5 hours and offers a true spelunking experience. Do this tour at night and you’ll be treated to a nice dinner when you exit.
Check out more about Colossal cave and these tours on their website.
- Hike along Cienega Creek.
It comes as a shock to many Vail residents, but we actually have a river running through our city! (Okay, it might not be a river, and it might not run through the heart of Vail, but it’s nearby.)
Cienega Creek is a little known treat. To get there, head to the Gabe Zimmerman trailhead. Take the trail North down the rocky, but not-so-steep hill. About a half a mile down you’ll reach a dry riverbed. Keep hiking north along the riverbed and chances are you’ll run into water. That’s because this creek is one of the few in Arizona with “perennial flow” (which is fancy terminology for it having water flowing year-round).
This creek is one of the only streams in Arizona that does not have non-native fish. It’s also home to several types of endangered species, such as the Gila Chub and Longfin Dace.
The best part about the creek is it’s noticeably cooler as you hike under the canopy of riparian vegetation (another fancy term! This one represents vegetation that’s present along the water). You can take a pack lunch and sit creekside in your own backyard!
- Sip on a glass of wine at a local vineyard.
If you’ve lived in Arizona for a few years, chances are you’ve heard about the wineries in Sonoita. While there is a lot of great wine available from our Southern neighbors, did you know that we also have a winery in our part of town?
Charron Vineyards is located off of Sonoita Highway, just 10 minutes from downtown Vail. To get there, take exit 281 and follow the road about 6 miles. Watch for signs around mile marker 53 or you might miss the entrance!
The winery is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pets and picnics are welcome, so bring the whole family! They have a deck covered by a giant walnut tree that offers a healthy dose of shade from the hot desert sun. Their full spectrum of wines is sure to appeal to the taste buds of every connoisseur.
My favorite? The Rincon Red (which also happens to be an award winner). What’s yours?
- Play a round of golf.
Arizona has the best weather year-round. Sure, we have a few insanely hot summer months. But for the most part, people around the country envy our weather. Perhaps that’s why our state is home to so many golf courses.
One golf course is in our backyard – Hacienda del Lago.
No matter if you’ve ever swung a golf club (I haven’t) or are a pro, you’ll want to take advantage of the beauty of this course. The greens are well kept, the views are spectacular, and the food in their restaurant offers a delicious treat to any guest (golfer, amateur, or just someone wanting a delicious bite to eat).
Stop in, try it out, and check it off your bucket list.
No matter how long you’ve lived in Vail, these hot spots are a must try for every resident. Now it’s your turn! What would you add to this list?
