A "MUST-SEE" in Vail

Piney Lake at Piney Creek Ranch. Be prepared for the dirt-road drive, about 30 minutes from the village, but the view is all worth it.

Quick Tips:

The ranch closes for the season (we went in October), and we therefore encountered a big problem with restroom facilities all locked up. Just look out for outhouses along the way.

Bring food and drinks if you're going around the same time when the ranch is closed, as you just might decide to stay hours and soak in the beauty.

Best Way To Get Around:

We had a spacious and tastefully furnished room. The toiletries were excellent, as was the beautiful bathroom. The breakfast buffet was varied and a great to start to the day's walking and sightseeing.

Only problem was parking. The hotel's common parking facility was small and would always be full. When this happens, one will be forced to park at the Lionshead Public Parking, which is quite far from the hotel. If you are lucky to find a spot in the hotel public parking, take note that there are no lights there and it's pitch-black when it gets dark. However, for a fee, the hotel does have valet parking.

This place has great food, especially their steaks. I suggest going for dinner. Going back to your car in the resort's parking lot entails a stroll and is an added treat with the romantic ambience of the lodge grounds.

My description of "OTHER" for Type of Dining might be confusing. You see, Bogart's had more of a bistro/café air to it when we dined there for a (very!) late lunch!

Located right at Vail Village, just across the Parking structure, it is the perfect stop after walking around all the shops. One can dine inside the restaurant or better yet, it's perimeter tables by the street, a more café-type feel.

The ribs and salad were great, but their Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dip is a DEFINITE MUST!

Menu varies from simple snacks, lunch, dinner entréees to appetizers and drinks.

Our visit was during the off-season and the view was enough to make the visit worthwhile. Hiking and horseback-riding can be done even when the ranch is closed. Other snow-related activities as snow-shoeing and snow-mobiling were clearly other activities one can do based on the amenities/facilities we saw there.