A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS
We took a trip out to Colorado the second weekend in May and got so lucky with the perfect weather! We did Vail and Steamboat in one weekend and crammed a tooonnnn in so I decided to make it a bit more practical and plan out a day for each town. Of course, there are a million things to do in Vail and most come for skiing but they were closed by the time we got out there so here are some other options if you are visiting during this time of year. This time of year in Vail or really any mountain town is called “mud season”. This is the time where all the snow melts and the month or so where it’s quite dead in town. It’s a great time to visit if don’t mind a little mud when you’re hiking and if you want to stay clear of crowds.
Booth Lake Trail
This hike came highly recommended. When we pulled up there were a ton of cars parked on the side of the street so we were nervous it would be super busy. But, the cars were there for some other event because when we walked up to the trail lot there were only two cars! (I recommend driving up to this lot to see if there is parking first, we parked down the road just assuming it’d be full and had to walk an extra 1/2 mile)
Be prepared for all kinds of terrain on this hike! The first 20 minutes was a dry easy trail and then there was a foot of snow a few times and some stream crossings as well! We got here just in time to see some wildflowers pop!
The mountain sun was crazy hot so I ended up stripping down to my sports bra and ended up getting super burnt, so make sure you bring sunscreen!
We heard and read a lot about it being too wet and muddy this time of year, but if you are prepared with hiking boots you should be just fine.
A bit of everything here-wildflowers, snow, and mountains! 
One of my favorite views from the hike!
Arriving at booth falls
It took us about 90 minutes to make it to this point, you can continue on to Booth Lake if you’d like, but that would be another two hours and the snow was pretty damn deep so we decided to stop here and enjoy the views.
After doing the full hike I’d say 75% of the trail looked like the picture below and the other 25% was deep snow and river crossings.
There are no bathrooms on this trail but there are plenty of trees!
Once again so many different landscapes on this trial, this was on our way back to the car.
POST HIKE LUNCH AND DRINKS at vail brewing co and rocky mountain taco truck
After you’re done with the hike head to Eagle-Vail to visit Vail Brewing Company. Warning: There is also a location downtown in the Vail village but the one is Eagle-Vail is better! You can hit three birds with one stone here. Visit a dispensary, have awesome tacos for lunch and enjoy a great beer! 
I recommend the Hippie Crack and Alambre Tacos! We actually had one of each and loved them all so I don’t think you can go wrong here. Oh, and definitely ask to try all their sauces.
I loved their shirts as well.
CHRISTIANA AT VAIL
We stayed at the Christiana at Vail. Because we were there in shoulder season we got a great rate and were one of just a few groups staying that weekend. It was perfect for one night, an extremely close walk to all the shops and restaurants. Take into consideration they don’t have air conditioning if you are someone who needs it to sleep. If you are visiting in the summer apparently they have an awesome pool and a breakfast buffet as well.
DRINKS AT 10th MOUNTAIN whiskey and spirit company
What an awesome little whiskey joint! We loved 10th Mountain Whiskey, they had live music and the bartender was very knowledgeable. It’s also right next to the river so it’s so peaceful and the perfect place to enjoy a drink. 
They have a new featured drink every week and many craft cocktails to choose from.
Dinner at Mountain Standard
We were debating for where to go for dinner between Indian and Mountain Standard so we asked the bartender at 10th Mountain Whiskey and he said Mountain Standard has a pork shank that will blow your mind. HE WAS RIGHT. We ordered the Striped Bass and Pork Shank and it was the best dinner we’ve ever had together! I will always be dreaming about this meal.
Keep in mind only a few restaurants are open this time of year so definitely call ahead to make sure they are open, the restaurants rotate being open during “mud season.”
breakfast at the little diner
Get there early because this place starts to get slammed right after they open! I had their breakfast burrito, it was giant and wonderful and their pork green chili was life-changing and Jake said their chorizo was awesome as well! It’s the perfect place to eat before heading out for another adventure.
THE DRIVE TO STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
We headed to Steamboat Springs from Vail and the drive was so beautiful, Steamboat Springs is also a wonderful town to visit if you are out that way! We did a hike there and rented mountain bikes it kicked my ass but it was such a blast. Have you been to Vail or Steamboat Springs? What was your favorite thing to do there?! Comment below.
To read more about my United States adventures click, HERE.
