Summer 2026 Adventure + Experience Guide
2026 VAIL TRAIL RUNNING SERIES
Experience high-alpine trail running in and around Vail, Colorado! The 2026 Vail Trail Running Series features seven diverse mountain courses across the Vail Valley, including the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Vail HillClimb. Enjoy flowing singletrack, unforgettable views and post-race celebrations with custom t-shirts, great raffle prizes, podium awards — and Northside Kitchen donuts!
Races are open to a variety of ages and abilities, making the series a fun challenge for both seasoned trail runners and newcomers alike. Sign up for individual races or the whole series!
Plus, don’t miss the Cougar Ridge Classic 26K from Vail to Minturn during the height of leaf peeping season on Saturday, Sept. 26 — now featuring the NEW Cougar Cub 14K option.
Head to vailrec.com for race details and to register!
ELEVATE YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE
Trade the usual routine for something unforgettable. Apex Mountain School is ready! Expertly-trained guides will take you out for:
Rock Climbing + Rappelling: Scale granite cliffs, or feel the rush of rappelling rock walls.
Mountain Biking: Enjoy world-class single and doubletrack with local guides who know the best trails and help you to elevate your riding ability.
Mt. Elbert Summits: Stand on top of the Rockies with a guided trek up Colorado’s highest peak.
Guided Hikes: Explore pristine alpine trails and hidden valleys away from the crowds.
Corporate and Large Group: Get your group out for a team building activity and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer with our custom-designed outings.
Peak season is here and the calendar fills up fast. Book your adventure today!
apexmountainschool.com
alpineteambuilding.com
970.401.2736
EAGLE RIVER JAMBOREE
Colorado was made for weekends like this.
This August 8–9, the Eagle River Jamboree brings together everything we love about life on the Western Slope — live music, mountain adventure, river culture, camping under the stars, local beer and community. Spend your days floating the Eagle River, exploring trails, fishing, biking, off-roading or soaking in the beauty of Eagle County before dancing the night away with an incredible lineup of national and regional artists.
Produced by the Colorado Music Foundation, the festival also helps support Colorado artists and expand access to music education across the state. Every ticket purchased helps strengthen Colorado’s music community and create opportunities for the next generation.
If your ideal weekend includes dirt on your tires, fresh mountain air, cold local beer and live music under the stars, you’ll fit right in here. Plan your adventure at eagleriverjamboree.com.
Dig for Real Dinosaur Fossils This Summer With Dinosaur Journey
Join expert paleontologists for hands-on adventures, from half-day digs to multi-day expeditions! Explore quarries, uncover fossils and experience the science behind the discoveries. Perfect for families, explorers and lifelong learners. Book your adventure at mowc.co.
5th Annual Bighorn Gravel - June 20, 2026
Take on Colorado’s premier gravel adventure in Gypsum. Conquer epic alpine climbs, rugged backcountry roads and wild Rocky Mountain terrain. Big mountains, bigger views. These aren’t just rides — these are the days you’ll remember.
Wet Dreams River Supply
Grand Junction and the Western Slope’s only dedicated river and paddle sports retailer, offering whitewater and fishing rafts, kayaks, inflatable SUPs, accessories and house-made expedition gear tested by outdoor enthusiasts and professionals around the world.
Originally published in the summer 2026 issue of Spoke+Blossom.