Vail is a census-designated place in Pima County, Arizona, just about twenty-four miles southeast of Tucson. The population was 10,208 at the 2010 census. The area is known for the nearby Colossal Cave State Park and the Rincon Mountains’ section of Saguaro National Park, one of the top tourist attractions in Southern Arizona.
Vail was originally a siding and water stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was located on the last section of flat land before the train tracks followed the old wagon road into the Cienega Creek bed. Vail was named after pioneer ranchers Edward and Walter Vail, who established ranches in the area in the late 19th century. Vail deeded a right of way across his ranch to the railroad. Vail owned the Vail Ranch, his brother Walter Vail owned the nearby Empire Ranch, now part of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.
Today, Vail is one of the fastest growing communities within Tucson Metro Area. It was also recently ranked as one the best places to retire by Time / Money.