COME TO LIFE | Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Minturn, Eagle state’s largest Fourth of July celebration, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, fishing and picnic spots. Its Destination Jump, Splash, Learn playground offers nature-themed swings, a zipline, climbing features and more. In winter Nottingham Lake opens for old-fashioned ice skating and hockey. The West Avon Preserve , just north of I-70, offers winding trails of all levels of difficulty. There’s also the Walking Mountains Science Center , which provides a special place for learning and discovery through guided hikes, camps and other family activities. Eagle is growing in popularity as a homebase in the valley. Town Park is a hub of activity, with yoga, a playground, cottonwood-shaded picnic areas and summer concerts. The Eagle Pool & Ice Rink is another hot spot and the launching point for the town’s main trailheads for mountain bikers, runners and hikers. Eagle River Park whitewater park has waves and holes for surfing, kayaking, rafting and tubing, as well as a beach area and fire pits. Check out Minturn ’s galleries, antique shops and the Minturn Market , which shows off local artisans, crafts, prepared foods, farms, live music and more. The town’s new Everkrisp Trail delights mountain bikers and joins 222 miles of Forest Service trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Pick up a trail map at Town Hall. BEAVER CREEK RESORT WINTER FUN Sidetrips Gypsum has a shooting range, fishing ponds, a championship golf course, the Dry Lake Motocross Park and access to Bureau of Land Management-managed spaces. For off-roaders, the Middle Middle rock-crawling trail looms with large boulders, undercut ledges and waterfall climbs. Farmers’ Market Fridays starting in June bring local flavors. Red Cliff is a jumping-off point to mountain biking, cross-country skiing, wildflower hikes and more; Edwards ’ Riverwalk shopping district has a relaxed feel and a variety of mountain boutiques. Wolcott is home to Zip Adventures — six separate lines and the Canyon Plunge free-fall ride. Year-round, the 10th Mountain Division Huts provide backcountry stopovers for showshoers, skiers and hikers. Book early — these unique stays get snatched up fast. VAIL AND BEAVER CREEK ARE TWO OF THE BEST-KNOWN SKI DESTINATIONS IN THE STATE. Vail practically set the standard for the modern ski-resort experience, and its famed back bowls and expansive terrain ensure fun for all. Beaver Creek Resort has delightful amenities like 3pm Cookie Time and wine-and-snowshoe excursions, as well as new McCoy Park terrain, lifts and learning area. Both towns have easy acc ess to off-slope attractions, from snowmobiling and snowtubing to mountain-top dining and sleigh rides. NOTTINGHAM LAKE 10 TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION HUT Stay & Play Options Avon (page 179), Beaver Creek , Eagle , Edwards , Gypsum , Minturn , Red Cliff , Vail (page 187) 144 1-800-COLORADO CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: VAIL RESORTS/JACK AFFLECK; JASON J. HATFIELD; CITY OF AVON/MAX PHANNENSTIEL.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 144
