Bighorn Park East Vail
A sprawling local park in East Vail featuring a lake, playground, and a highly-rated, unfenced off-leash dog park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Bighorn Park East Vail
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling local park in East Vail featuring a lake, playground, and a highly-rated, unfenced off-leash dog park.
"This is one of the nicest and most pleasant parks I’ve ever been to."
🐾 Unfenced Dog Park Alert!
The off-leash dog park is spacious but unfenced. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands .
📚 Storybook Hike Fun
Don't miss the short storybook trail next to the park – a unique, engaging experience for kids .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Off-Leash Dog Park
Bighorn Park
A phenomenal, all-grass expanse where dogs can roam freely. It's a paradise for your furry companions!

Family Playground & Lake
Bighorn Park
An awesome playground for kids of all ages, set against a backdrop of beautiful lake and mountain views.
Storybook Trail
Adjacent to Bighorn Park
A short, enchanting hike where each step reveals a new page from a children's story, perfect for little readers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Seasonal Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Unfenced Dog Park Alert!
The off-leash dog park is spacious but unfenced. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands.
📚 Storybook Hike Fun
Don't miss the short storybook trail next to the park – a unique, engaging experience for kids.
☀️ Community Picnics
Check for town-organized picnics in summer for free food and a chance to connect with locals.
📸 Scenic Views Galore
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning lake and mountain vistas, perfect for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Unfenced Dog Park Alert!
The off-leash dog park is spacious but unfenced. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands.
📚 Storybook Hike Fun
Don't miss the short storybook trail next to the park – a unique, engaging experience for kids.
☀️ Community Picnics
Check for town-organized picnics in summer for free food and a chance to connect with locals.
📸 Scenic Views Galore
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning lake and mountain vistas, perfect for photos.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Visit in winter for a magical snowy landscape and potential wildlife sightings like bighorn sheep.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bighorn Park for its stunning natural beauty, excellent amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere. The off-leash dog park is a particular highlight, though its unfenced nature requires owner vigilance. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention the unfenced aspect of the dog park as a minor concern.
"Absolutely beautiful playground and park, by the water. Options for bigger kids and smaller kids, people had their dogs there also… The views are amazing and even a soccer field… Hard to beat this place if you wanna get in a workout or just hang out with your kids!"
james planckaert
"Beautiful open park. If you were taking your dogs for an off-leash experience, you should know the park is not fenced. We found bighorn to be very well maintained and the folks there were friendly."
Tres Davis
"Absolutely beautiful. Very rare to have an off-leash dog park with this many facilities. Very special place"
Joshua Austin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bighorn Park is located in East Vail. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those exploring Vail, it's a scenic spot to visit, though public transport options directly to the park might be limited compared to the main village areas.
The park is generally well-maintained with paved paths in many areas, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The playground and picnic areas are designed for ease of access.
There is a dedicated parking lot at Bighorn Park, which is usually sufficient for visitors. During community events, it might get busier, but generally, parking is not an issue.
Yes, biking is a great way to reach Bighorn Park, especially if you're staying in or near East Vail. The area offers scenic routes, and the park itself is a pleasant destination for cyclists.
Bighorn Park is located in East Vail, which is a short drive or bike ride from Vail Village. It offers a more tranquil setting away from the main resort hustle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bighorn Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. It's free to enter and enjoy its amenities year-round.
Bighorn Park is open from dawn until dusk. The facilities like restrooms are available during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required for general park visits. However, if you plan to host a large event or picnic, it's advisable to check with the local authorities for any permit requirements.
The main restriction is regarding the off-leash dog park, which is not fenced. Otherwise, general park rules apply, such as respecting the environment and other visitors.
Yes, Bighorn Park is accessible in the winter and offers a beautiful snowy landscape. Some areas might be less accessible due to snow, but the park remains a lovely place to visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the playground, walk around the lake, have a picnic, use the BBQ grills, and let your dogs play in the off-leash dog park. There's also a short storybook trail nearby for a unique experience.
Absolutely! The park features an excellent playground designed for various age groups, making it a fantastic spot for families with kids.
Yes, dogs are welcome! There's a dedicated off-leash dog park, though it's important to note it's not fenced, so supervise your pets closely.
Yes, the park has clean and well-maintained restrooms, which are often heated, adding to the comfort of visitors.
Expect beautiful open spaces, a serene lake, and stunning mountain views, especially during sunrise and sunset. It's a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Bighorn Park itself. However, the park offers picnic tables and BBQ grills, making it ideal for a self-catered meal.
Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! The park has numerous picnic tables and BBQ grills available for public use.
Occasionally, the Town of Vail hosts community picnics with free food and drinks, but these are special events and not a regular occurrence.
You'll find various dining options in East Vail and the main Vail Village, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. It's recommended to check local listings for current offerings.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is the most common way to enjoy a meal at Bighorn Park, especially when utilizing the picnic areas and grills.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the lake offer beautiful reflections of the mountains. The open fields are great for capturing the vastness, and the playground provides fun candid shots of children playing.
Yes, especially during certain seasons. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and if you're lucky, you might spot bighorn sheep, particularly during their rutting season.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Mid-day can be good for capturing vibrant colors on the playground and in the open fields.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's best to check with the Town of Vail Parks and Recreation department for specific rules regarding drone operation in public parks.
The storybook trail offers a whimsical backdrop for photos, and the paraglider landing on the frozen pond (though seasonal and potentially risky!) has provided some unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Active Individuals & Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bighorn Park with Your Canine Companion
Beyond the dedicated dog park, dogs are welcome throughout Bighorn Park on a leash. This allows you to enjoy the scenic walking paths, the lake views, and the general ambiance of the park with your furry friend by your side. Remember to always clean up after your pet to help maintain the park's pristine condition for everyone to enjoy.
Family Fun and Play at Bighorn Park
For an added touch of magic, the storybook trail located near Bighorn Park offers a unique hiking experience for children. This short trail incorporates pages from a children's book, turning a simple walk into an engaging adventure. It's a wonderful way to combine outdoor activity with literacy, making it a memorable experience for young visitors. The park's well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms, further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere.
Seasonal Beauty and Activities
Spring and summer bring vibrant greenery, blooming wildflowers, and the lively atmosphere of community events. The Town of Vail often hosts neighborhood picnics in Bighorn Park during the summer months, providing free food and a chance to connect with locals. These events are a fantastic way to experience the community spirit. Autumn paints the landscape with stunning fall colors, making it an ideal time for photography and enjoying the crisp, cool air before winter sets in. Wildlife, including bighorn sheep, can also be more active during certain seasons, adding an element of natural wonder to your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit