Vail Epic Discovery

For Colorado locals seeking exhilarating summer adventures amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains, Vail Epic Discovery offers a premier destination that transforms the iconic ski slopes into a vibrant playground. This unique point of interest provides an immersive outdoor experience, blending high-altitude thrills with breathtaking natural beauty. Located on Vail Mountain, Epic Discovery is designed to captivate families, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, making it an essential summer stop for anyone in Colorado looking for an unforgettable day in the mountains. It's a place where the crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas perfectly complement a day filled with excitement, challenge, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors.

Vail Epic Discovery, as its name suggests, invites visitors to embark on an epic journey of discovery across the mountain. It ingeniously utilizes Vail's expansive terrain to offer a diverse range of activities that appeal to various ages and adventure levels. From the rush of an alpine coaster winding through the forest to the serene beauty experienced on a scenic gondola ride, the park provides multiple ways to engage with Vail's majestic environment. While some visitors have noted that certain attractions may occasionally be closed or that the perceived value can be a consideration, the core experience of high-altitude fun and unparalleled views remains a significant draw. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, individuals can push their boundaries, and everyone can reconnect with the awe-inspiring grandeur that defines a Colorado summer.

Vail Epic Discovery is conveniently located with its primary access point at 520 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657, USA. This address typically corresponds to the Lionshead Village Gondola (Gondola One also provides access from Vail Village). For Colorado locals, reaching Vail is straightforward via I-70, a main artery through the state's mountains. Whether you're driving from Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, or other Front Range communities, the journey offers scenic beauty. Once in Vail, the most common and recommended way to access Epic Discovery activities is by utilizing the free, scenic gondola rides from either Lionshead Village or Vail Village. The gondolas ascend to various points on the mountain where the attractions are located, offering stunning panoramic views as part of the experience. Parking is available in the structured parking garages in both Lionshead and Vail Village, providing convenient access to the gondolas. This seamless integration of transportation and adventure makes Vail Epic Discovery highly accessible for a day trip or as part of a longer stay in the Vail Valley.

Vail Epic Discovery offers an impressive array of activities and services designed to deliver a full day of mountain adventure. These offerings are typically available during the summer season, from roughly mid-June through Labor Day, with some weekend operations into early fall, subject to weather conditions. Here’s a detailed look at what you might find:

• Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster: A signature attraction, this alpine coaster allows riders to control their speed as they navigate a thrilling track that weaves through the forest on the side of the mountain. It's an exhilarating ride for all ages.
• Gondola Rides (Eagle Bahn Gondola & Gondola One): Essential for accessing the upper mountain, these scenic gondola rides offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Gore Range and surrounding peaks, providing a relaxed way to enjoy the high-alpine scenery. An all-day pass allows for continuous enjoyment of the views and access to various activity zones.
• Ziplines: Epic Discovery often features multiple zipline experiences. This may include longer, high-speed ziplines for thrill-seekers, offering a bird's-eye view as you soar through the canopy. There might also be shorter, introductory ziplines for younger or less experienced participants.
• Ropes Challenge Courses: These elevated courses typically include a variety of suspended obstacles like bridges, nets, and wobbly platforms, testing balance, strength, and agility. There are often courses designed for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Climbing Walls: Multi-route climbing walls provide a vertical challenge for various skill levels, allowing participants to test their strength and technique with the safety of a harness.
• Bungee Trampolines (Skyline Trampoline): Participants are harnessed and attached to bungee cords, allowing them to bounce high into the air and perform flips in a safe and controlled environment.
• Tubing (Summer Tubing): A unique summer activity where participants slide down specially designed lanes on inflatable tubes, mimicking the fun of snow tubing without the snow.
• Disc Golf: An 18-hole disc golf course utilizes the natural terrain of the mountain, offering a challenging and fun outdoor game for all skill levels.
• Hiking Trails: Access to an extensive network of scenic hiking trails for various abilities, ranging from gentle strolls with stunning views to more challenging treks, allowing visitors to explore the mountain's natural beauty.
• Kid-Friendly Activities: Dedicated areas and activities specifically for younger children, which may include smaller obstacle courses, play areas, or interactive nature exhibits.
• On-Mountain Dining: Restaurants and cafes located on the mountain (like Bistro Fourteen or Sarge’s at Mid-Vail) provide convenient options for meals and refreshments with incredible views.

Vail Epic Discovery is distinguished by several key features and highlights that establish it as a premier summer attraction for Colorado locals. These aspects contribute to its appeal, even amidst considerations of cost and attraction availability:

• Spectacular Rocky Mountain Setting: The most undeniable highlight is its location on Vail Mountain, offering unparalleled, postcard-worthy views of the Gore Range and surrounding landscapes. The "amazing views" are a consistent positive, providing a quintessential Colorado experience.
• Iconic Gondola Access: The scenic gondola rides are a feature in themselves, offering a relaxed and visually stunning journey up the mountain, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
• Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster: This remains a highly popular and thrilling attraction, providing a unique ride that integrates with the natural forest environment and offers a sense of control for the rider.
• Variety of Adventure Activities: The park's diverse offerings, including ziplines, ropes courses, climbing walls, and trampolines, cater to a wide range of thrill levels and interests, ensuring there's something exciting for most visitors.
• Family-Oriented Fun: Despite some attractions potentially appealing more to teens and adults, the overall design aims to provide a family-friendly environment where different generations can find activities to enjoy together.
• Opportunity for Nature Immersion: Beyond the rides, the access to hiking trails and the natural environment allows visitors to experience the ecological beauty of the high Rockies, aligning with Colorado's outdoor ethos.
• Professional Operation: As part of a major resort, Epic Discovery benefits from professional management, safety protocols, and general operational standards, even if specific attractions may have temporary closures.

For those eager to plan their adventure at Vail Epic Discovery, here's how to access information and make contact. Vail Epic Discovery's physical location and primary access point are at 520 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657, USA, which is the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village. For the most up-to-date information on operating hours, attraction availability (which can vary), pricing, and to purchase tickets, it is strongly recommended to visit the official Vail Mountain or Vail Resorts website. While a direct phone number specifically for "Epic Discovery" isn't typically listed, general inquiries can usually be directed to the main Vail Mountain Resort phone line, which can be found on their official website. Checking the website before your visit is crucial to confirm which attractions are open, as availability can change due to weather or maintenance, as noted by customer reviews.

In conclusion, Vail Epic Discovery is a compelling summer destination for Colorado locals, offering a unique blend of thrilling adventure and unparalleled natural beauty. While it’s important for visitors to verify attraction availability and consider their budget, the core experience—soaring on an alpine coaster, challenging oneself on a ropes course, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views from a gondola—remains a quintessential Colorado summer activity. It provides a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to embrace the active, outdoor lifestyle that defines our state, offering a memorable escape into the high country. For anyone in Colorado seeking a day filled with excitement, scenic grandeur, and a chance to experience the mountain in a completely new light, Vail Epic Discovery stands as a vibrant and engaging choice for your next summer adventure in the Rockies.

Vail Epic Discovery

520 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657, USA