Luxury meets outdoor recreation in Eagle County

By David Young

When the heat hits hard in late summer along the Front Range of Colorado, there’s nothing like a well-timed escape to the high country to enjoy some cooler temps and scenic mountains. One of the often-overlooked getaways in the Centennial State is Beaver Creek.

With everything from biking and golf to craft beer and wines, this mountain resort is an ideal spot for a long summer weekend.

Often people associate Beaver Creek with skiing, and rightfully so, as the resort is home to the famed Birds of Prey ski run. But tucked away off of I-70 is a great trove of incredible summer activities as well.

We’ve spent time in Beaver Creek during the summer for years now and are happy to share some lesser-known gems to check out.

Recreation Abounds

Once the snow-covered slopes give way to summer, the trails open and reveal some of the best free biking and hiking in Colorado.

Beaver Creek offers an extensive trail system at the bottom of the mountain for visitors to explore for free. If you want to jump on the lift in order to expand the downhill options, summer lift tickets are available, which open up 10,200 feet of elevation to ride down. If biking isn’t your thing, you can still soak in the splendid views of the surrounding Gore mountain range from the top.

If you take the Centennial Express Chairlift and Gondola to Spruce Saddle Lodge, you can pause for lunch while taking in the breathtaking views. The trails for hiking, biking, or trail running are lined with wildflowers and overlook amazing views that reveal a whole new landscape that is buried in the winter.

Mountain Golf

Tucked away on the mountain is the Beaver Creek Golf Course, a hidden gem in Colorado. The tiny, mountainside clubhouse is easy to overlook. But walk out the backdoor of the clubhouse and you find yourself on a tee box overlooking the entire valley.

Hitting off the elevated tee boxes down the mountain in Colorado’s thin air is a peak experience for Colorado golfers.

As for course architecture, Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the course in 1982, and the narrow canyon fairways pose a challenge for any golfer. The tee boxes are rated like ski runs - from green (easy) to double black diamond (most challenging) for a total of 6,600 yards of the most scenic golf in the state.

Fly Fishing

Between the Colorado River and the Eagle River, Beaver Creek is uniquely positioned in the epicenter of some of the best fishing in the state.

You can head down I-70 to Gypsum Ponds for beginners where the fish always seem to be hungry, or you can do a float trip on the Eagle or Colorado River and try your hand at fly fishing.

To ensure a successful day make sure to check out a local fly shop and consider hiring a guide to show you the right flies and spots. We recommend Vail Valley Anglers in Edwards, as well as the Trout Routes app to help maximize your time on the water around Beaver Creek.

Where to Eat & Drink

Beaver Creek is full of great restaurants and bars that may be a little less crowded this time of year. From laid-back pizza and beer to high-end Michelin-recommended food and fine wines, Beaver Creek has a little bit of everything.

One of the more memorable places to dine is Beano’s Cabin sitting at 9,000 feet on the flanks of Larkspur Bowl. The Cabin showcases a unique dining experience Wednesday through Saturday evenings during summer. Arrive by horseback or shuttle and dine on eco-friendly food, surrounded by wildflowers and mountain peaks.

You can also dine on the Red Sky Golf Club Norman Course this summer with a rare pop-up meal on the 4th fairway. Beaver Creek is offering a “Village Pop-Ups” series through Sept. 1 with limited events and experiences.

For a fancy night out, consider the dining options at The Ritz at Bachelor Gulch, which includes the Michelin-recommended restaurant, Wyld, featuring high-end wines paired with a local menu.

For a completely under-the-radar bar, check out the Minturn Whiskey Speakeasy Experience. This is part of the pop-up series and features some of the signature Colorado craft spirits in a limited-time speakeasy-style bar. The Beaver Creek Village pop-up will showcase a curated cocktail menu that is a one-of-a-kind. The Colorado distillery, inspired by Scotland, creates single-malt whiskey using 100-percent malted barley.

Another great wine and restaurant option is Vin48 located in Avon. With alpine-inspired seasonal meals that pair with more than 40 bottles of wine by the glass, Vin48 has been a favorite for locals since opening in 2007.

Another favorite in Avon is Ein Prosit, which serves up hearty sausages and beer. The authentic European Biergarten serves up brats, sausages, sandwiches, and Bavarian pretzels, which pair nicely with a full bar. The restaurant also has live music throughout the summer for visitors to enjoy.

For a pizza after a long day of golfing or fishing, the Blue Moose is in the heart of Beaver Creek and is always hopping. Serving up hot pies and cold beers, the Blue Moose is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Pro-tip, make sure to check out the garlic bread.

For a craft brew and a burger, check out Craftsman Brew Co. in Edwards Village. Home to Outer Range Brew Co., the restaurant and brewery serve food along with a range of Colorado craft beers as well as other options.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of options when it comes to spending a night or two in Beaver Creek. From luxury resort and spa options to quaint mountain lodges, the options are as amazing as the nature surrounding it.

If you want to go all out and pamper yourself this summer, check out the Park Hyatt or Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. These luxurious resorts offer easy access to the mountain along with relaxing spa options.

If you are looking to stay in a condo, the St. James Place property offers an array of premium condominium options right in Beaver Creek Village.

The Beaver Creek Lodge and Pines Lodge offer the classic Beaver Creek lodging experience that is often less crowded in the summer, yet still has a comfortable mix of mountain and luxury.

Beaver Creek is filled with great places to stay, all in the heart of the resort, offering easy access to dining, shops and recreation. Whether you are coming up for a night to golf, or a week for a family getaway, there’s something for everyone to check out in Beaver Creek this summer.