From any direction, the roadtrip to Vail is a scenic one.
East:
Coming from the east, Vail is accessed via Interstate 70. Gradually climbing from the plains of the Midwest, I-70 reaches an elevation of 5,280 feet at the Mile High City, otherwise known as Denver. From Denver, I-70 winds up and into the mountains for which Colorado is famous. Vail is less than 110 miles away. You will exit I-70 at Vail exit #176.
West:
Traveling eastbound, I-70 passes through hundreds of miles of scenic high-altitude desert. From Moab you are just four hours to Vail. Just west of Glenwood Springs, the 14 miles of interstate through Glenwood Canyon are some of the most expansive and spectacular in the country. From Glenwood it’s just 1 hour of a steady mountain climb. You will exit I-70 at Vail exit #176.
South:
From the south, there are a variety of routes to Vail, each offering a spectacular sampling of southern Colorado. One of the most scenic drives continues north from historic Santa Fe, New Mexico on Highway 522. In Colorado, take Highway 17, which is flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range on the east, and the San Juan Mountain Range on the west. After you wind your way through the beautiful Arkansas River Valley, over the Continental Divide and through the historic mining town of Leadville you are then 1 hour from Vail. The hour drive from Leadville to Vail is a scenic byway in Minturn where you will enter I-70 East. You will exit I-70 at Vail exit #176.
North:
Travelers passing through the border of Utah, can visit Dinosaur National Monument which is a fascinating place for kids and adults alike. Traveling from Dinosaur west towards Vail, the Highway 40 follows the scenic Yampa River through Steamboat Springs. Continuing south from Steamboat Springs on Highway 131 crossing the famous Colorado River at State Bridge. Then, it’s just 1 hour Vail. You will exit I-70 at Vail exit #176.
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