The average elevation of Vail, Colorado is 8,150 feet, about 2,000 feet lower than Colorado's highest incorporated city, Leadville.

How Does the Elevation of Vail, Colorado Compare to Other I-70 Towns?

Sitting at the base of Vail Mountain and as the gateway to Vail Pass from the west on Interstate 70 in Colorado, it seems like the elevation of Vail would be higher than it is. It's also surprising to learn that Vail sits at a lower elevation than Silverthorn, which sits at the base of Loveland Pass. The elevation of Silverthorn is 9,035 feet, Georgetown is 8, 540 feet, and Avon sits a little lower at 7,431 feet.

What Is the Elevation of Vail Mountain?

The city of Vail is best-known for the popular Vail Ski Resort which boasts 33 ski lifts and 193 marked trails. Vail Mountain climbs from 8,120 feet to 11,570 feet, making it an ideal place for skiing.

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Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Vail, Colorado's High Elevation?

For most Colorado natives, going to Vail is not a big deal. However, approximately 1 in 4 Vail visitors experience symptoms of altitude sickness. If you aren't used to high elevations, you could have some problems. Symptoms can include headache, shortness of breath, severe coughing, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness.

  • Drink more water a day or two before you arrive.
  • If you are coming from out of state, it's a good idea to spend the first night at a lower elevation.
  • Limit your exertion on the first day.
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • You can get doctor-prescribed medication if you are prone to altitude sickness.

One More Thing About Vail, Colorado's Elevation

How high above sea level is Vail, Colorado?  Vail sits at an elevation of 8,150 feet. That's as high as 6 1/2 Empire State buildings or 5 Sears Towers stacked on top of each other. If you want to think in terms of mountains, Vail is less than half as high as the base camp on Mt. Everest, which is 17,598 feet.

SCROLL TO LEARN MORE: The World's Largest Flat Top Mountain is in Colorado

The largest flat-top mountain in the world is in Colorado, just 45 minutes away from Grand Junction. The Grand Mesa rises to 11,000 feet and is a whole different world compared to the Grand Valley.

The Grand Mesa formed millions and millions of years ago, the top layer was formed about 10 million ago.

15 Best Small Towns in Colorado to Visit

Whether they might be ski towns, old mining towns, or towns known for their hot springs, Colorado has no shortage of great small towns. I've lived in four very different parts of Colorado in my 34 years on this planet, (Eagle, Pueblo, Fort Collins, and Grand Junction,) and have traveled all over the state.

However, The Crazy Tourist's list of the 15 best small towns to visit in Colorado actually features some towns that I've never been to.

According to The Crazy Tourist, these are the 15 best small towns to visit in Colorado.

What Is Grand Junction Colorado's Elevation?

According to the Worldwide Elevation Map Finder, Grand Junction sits at 4,593 feet. That's a great starting point. What about various locations around the valley?

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