Vail might be known for its ski slopes, heated sidewalks, and fur shops, but some of the valley's earliest locals were ranchers — a fact that isn't forgotten on week nights through the summer at the valley's two rodeos. Bring your cowboy boots and a sense of adventure, the Wild West is still alive and well — at least for a few more weeks — throughout the valley.

Beaver Creek Rodeo

Beaver Creek's rodeo is in its 16th year, and features crowd favorites like bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, and bull riding every Thursday throughout the summer. Bring the kids (and your appetite) — kiddie crowd pleasers like face painting and pony rides are weekly staples, along with a fleet of area food vendors. beavercreek.com

Times & Dates

The final three rodeos are scheduled for July 27, August 3, and August 10, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Audience seating tends to fill up fast, so aim to be there well before the events begin to claim your seat.

Cost

Kids under 12 enjoy all the fun for free, while adult tickets start at $22, with VIP pricing and ticket options available, as well.

4 Eagle Ranch Rodeo

Wolcott's 4 Eagle Ranch is home to a weekly Wednesday night summer rodeo that boasts the likes of bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc, bareback riding; mutton bustin’, and dally ribbon roping on its event lineup. Don't miss straight-off-the-grill favorites like corn on the cob, hot dogs, burgers, and a medley of other food vendors that show up for the event. 4eagleranch.com

Times & Dates

The 4 Eagle rodeo runs every Wednesday until August 9 (July 26, August 2, and August 9), from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost

4 Eagle Ranch's rodeo is FREE to all attendees, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Insider's Tip

If you've never been to 4 Eagle Ranch, it's worth looking into their options for horseback riding, paintball, and ziplining to really make a day of it, or stop by their onsite winery Vines at Vail in advance for a pre-rodeo pitstop.