Bighorn Park East Vail - A tree in a park with a path in the foreground
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Bighorn Park East Vail

4.7
·165 reviews·Vail, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Bighorn Park East Vail - A tree in a park with a path in the foreground

Bighorn Park East Vail

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(165 reviews)

"This is one of the nicest and most pleasant parks I’ve ever been to."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Off-Leash Dog Park

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Bighorn Park in East Vail is a sprawling local gem perfect for families, dog owners, and nature lovers. With its open spaces, playground, and lake, it's ideal for a relaxing day out. Remember, the off-leash dog park is not fenced, so keep a close eye on your furry friends.Reddit

Seasonal Wonders

While beautiful year-round, Bighorn Park transforms with the seasons. Winter brings a magical snowy landscape and potential wildlife sightings,TikTok while summer offers vibrant green spaces and community events like neighborhood picnics.Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Beautiful foliage, wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Magical snowy scenery
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This hike is beautiful anytime of year but in November it almost turns magical. Whether its the canyon views in the snow, all the wildlife viewing opportunities, the start of a backpacking trip, or a short ♿️ friendly stroll, this place has something for everyone. The Bighorn sheep are in rut right now but it won't last forever so check this one out asap!
@fatblackandgettinit
23.5K likes • 316.4K views

🐾 Unfenced Dog Park Alert!

The off-leash dog park is spacious but unfenced. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands.Reddit

📚 Storybook Hike Fun

Don't miss the short storybook trail next to the park – a unique, engaging experience for kids.Instagram

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation #roadtrip #travel #sightseeing #rv #scenery #biker #canyon
@roadtripusa123
20.4K likes • 914.8K views
Bighorn Park 🌳 is just steps away from the VRC in scenic East Vail! 🔆 An amazing place where families, friends & pups can gather and enjoy the pond, playground, dog park, BBQ grills & picnic tables. This open space is awesome!! #nowineastvail #bighornpark #gorecreek #vailparks #visitvail
vailracquetclub
11 likes • 650 views

☀️ Community Picnics

Check for town-organized picnics in summer for free food and a chance to connect with locals.Instagram

📸 Scenic Views Galore

Bring your camera! The park offers stunning lake and mountain vistas, perfect for photos.TikTok

See you tomorrow for the Town of Vail Community Picnic at Bighorn Park in East Vail from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.! Free food and drinks will be provided by the town on a first-come, first-served basis. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the neighborhood picnics. The picnics offer community members a fun and informal setting to reconnect with neighbors, as well as a chance to share comments and s...
vailgov
29 likes • 1.5K views

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.Reddit

📚 Storybook Hike Fun

Don't miss the short storybook trail next to the park – a unique, engaging experience for kids.Instagram

☀️ Community Picnics

Check for town-organized picnics in summer for free food and a chance to connect with locals.Instagram

📸 Scenic Views Galore

Bring your camera! The park offers stunning lake and mountain vistas, perfect for photos.TikTok

❄️ Winter Wonderland

Visit in winter for a magical snowy landscape and potential wildlife sightings like bighorn sheep.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(165 reviews)

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

Beautiful playground and lake
Phenomenal off-leash dog park
Well-maintained facilities

What People Dislike

Unfenced dog park

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.TikTok

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.Instagram

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.TikTok

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.Instagram

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.TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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.Instagram+1

Absolutely! The park features an excellent playground designed for various age groups, making it a fantastic spot for families with kids.Reddit

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.Reddit

Yes, the park has clean and well-maintained restrooms, which are often heated, adding to the comfort of visitors.Reddit

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.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.Instagram

Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! The park has numerous picnic tables and BBQ grills available for public use.Instagram

Occasionally, the Town of Vail hosts community picnics with free food and drinks, but these are special events and not a regular occurrence.Instagram

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bighorn Park is a top-tier destination for families. The awesome playground is a major draw, catering to various age groups. Combine a play session with a picnic by the beautiful lake using the available tables and grills.Instagram Don't miss the nearby storybook trail for a unique, engaging hike that will captivate young readers.Instagram The park's clean restrooms and open spaces make it easy to spend a full, enjoyable day with the little ones.

🐶 Dog Owners

This park is a dream for dog owners! The off-leash dog park is a standout feature, offering ample space for your furry friends to run and play on soft, all-grass grounds.Reddit While it's not fenced, responsible owners will find it a fantastic spot. Dogs on leashes are also welcome throughout the park, allowing you to explore the scenic lake and walking paths together. It's a truly special place for pets and their people.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Individuals & Fitness Enthusiasts

Bighorn Park provides a beautiful setting for your workout routine. The open fields are perfect for running or yoga, and the walking paths around the lake offer a scenic route for a brisk walk or jog. You can also incorporate the playground into a circuit training session. For those seeking a bit more adventure, paragliders have been known to use the park's open space, though this is a specialized activity.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Bighorn Park with Your Canine Companion

Bighorn Park is a haven for dog lovers, boasting a highly-rated off-leash dog park. This expansive, all-grass area allows dogs to run and play freely. However, it's crucial to note that the park is not fenced.Reddit This means owners must maintain constant supervision and ensure their dogs are well-trained and responsive to commands to prevent them from wandering off. The clean facilities and ample space make it a top choice for a doggy day out, with many visitors praising its quality and the friendly atmosphere among pet owners.Reddit

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

Families will find Bighorn Park to be an absolute delight. The park features a fantastic playground with a variety of equipment suitable for different age groups, ensuring fun for toddlers and older children alike. Adjacent to the playground is a beautiful lake, offering picturesque views and a tranquil setting for a family picnic.Instagram The park also provides picnic tables and BBQ grills, making it easy to spend a whole day enjoying the outdoors.

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.Instagram The park's well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms, further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere.

Seasonal Beauty and Activities

Bighorn Park showcases its beauty throughout the year, offering different experiences with each season. In winter, the park transforms into a magical snowy landscape, perfect for quiet contemplation or enjoying the crisp mountain air.TikTok While some activities might be limited by snow, the visual appeal is undeniable.

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.Instagram 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.TikTok

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