5 Captivating Spring Experiences in Vail’s “Mud Season”

As winter snow begins to melt and the trails prepare for their summer awakening, Vail enters a quieter, often overlooked chapter: springtime, often referred to as “mud season.” But don’t let the nickname fool you—for those in the know, spring in Vail is rich with discovery. Crowds thin, the valley breathes, and a different kind of alpine beauty takes center stage.

With fewer visitors in town, spring offers a rare opportunity to explore Vail’s culinary excellence at a relaxed pace. Think long, leisurely dinners paired with thoughtfully curated wines, without the need to rush or compete for a table. Although some restaurants close for the season, many local favorites remain open, serving fresh, seasonally inspired fare. Reservations are easier to come by, and the ambiance in town shifts from bustling to cozy and intimate. In-house at The Sebastian – Vail, The Gambit Bar serves year-round, offering artful cocktails and elevated bites, as well as in-room dining and Breakfast at The Sebastian.

Spring is the season for renewal, and the quiet of springtime in Vail is ideal for deep relaxation. Create your own wellness retreat tailored to your preferences, blending upscale dining, invigorating fitness, and mindful moments amid the mountain landscape. Just an hour’s drive from the hotel, natural hot springs like Glenwood Hot Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs offer soothing day trips for soaking and unwinding. For a more immersive experience, the Yampah Spa & Salon’s vapor caves—uniquely heated by underground geothermal springs—serve as natural saunas, with three temperature-specific chambers offering restorative steam unlike anything else in North America.

Closer to home, full-body restoration is just steps away at Bloom Spa. Drawing on alpine botanicals and holistic techniques, Bloom Spa is a serene refuge designed to revive and refresh after the long winter season. Among its most sought-after treatments, the High Altitude Adjustment massage begins with a grounding foot soak and oxygen therapy session, followed by a full-body massage incorporating calming techniques and targeted attention to the feet. To restore skin after a long, dry winter, the Oxygen Lift Facial delivers a potent serum infused with green tea extract, ginger root, and hyaluronic acid, leaving the complexion visibly plump and deeply hydrated. Whether guests spend a day soaking in natural springs or an afternoon cocooned in warmth at Bloom Spa, spring in Vail is ideal for restoring and reconnecting after long winter months.

As the valley floor thaws, Vail’s trails begin to reopen to hikers and casual explorers. Higher-elevation paths remain snow-covered, offering an opportunity for snow-shoeing without the frigid temperatures and short daylight hours of winter, while lower trails usually become hiking-accessible by late spring. These routes offer a glimpse into the season’s shift: melting creeks, fresh pine scent, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife returning to the area.

Some trails may experience temporary closures to protect wildlife during spring migration. The concierge at The Sebastian – Vail can recommend routes based on conditions and ability levels. For those seeking solitude in nature, this is the ideal time to visit—before the summer rush begins.

Spring marks the annual migration of some of Vail’s wildlife—a vital journey as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, birds, and more seek out richer feeding grounds, mating opportunities, and safe places to bear young. It’s a delicate and essential time for the region’s protected species, offering a rare glimpse into the rhythms of the natural world.

Though certain trails may close temporarily to protect these creatures and their habitats, visitors can still witness the wonder of migration from a respectful distance. Scenic drives along Vail’s mountain roads at dawn or dusk often reward the patient observer with extraordinary wildlife sightings. Guests are reminded to remain in their vehicles, avoid feeding or approaching any animals, and drive with care. For those who appreciate quiet moments in nature, spring in the Rockies is a profound reminder of life’s resilience—and the privilege of sharing space with Vail’s wildest residents.