If you’d like to venture out on your own, here are some other suggestions.

Ice Skating

Who knew that you could enjoy the family fun of ice skating in the middle of summer? The Rink is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with two hour rentals on ice skates, located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village.

Black Family Ice Rink 970.845.0438

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar into the skies above the Vail Valley and enjoy breathtaking views from a hot air balloon. The hot air balloons ascend just after sunrise, with the flight lasting from one to two hours. Transportation to/from Vail is provided.

Camelot Balloons 800.785.4743 or 970.926.2435 or www.camelotballoons.com

Golf

Vail Golf Course 970.479.2260 or www.vailgolfclub.net

1 Mile East of Vail Village

Beaver Creek, Avon 970.845.5775 or www.beavercreek.com/golf/beaver-creek-golf-club.aspx

7 Miles West of Vail in Beaver Creek

Eagle Vail Golf Club 970.949.5267 or www.eaglevailgolfclub.com

4 Miles West of Vail in Eagle-Vail/Avon

Fly Fishing

Guided wade and float trips on the Eagle, Colorado or Roaring Fork Rivers offer breathtaking views, abundance of wild trout, expert guidance and lunch on all full day trips.

Gore Creek Fly Fisherman 970.754.5418 or www.gorecreekflyfisherman.com

Fly Fishing Outfitters 970.845.8090 or www.flyfishingoutfitters.net

Zip Adventures

Enjoy a soaring zipline adventure within the mountains, above the trees, and across Colorado streams.

Zip Adventures 970.926.9470 or www.zipadventures.com

Hay Ride

Monday thru Saturday afternoon from 12:30 - 2 p.m., enjoy a 20-30 minute mid-day Ranch Wagon ride (pulled by Belgian Draft Horses) along an old Stage Coach road.

4-Eagle Ranch 970.926.3372 or www.4eagleranch.com

Biking

Enjoy the spectacular views and extensive network of mountain bike trails on Beaver Creek Mountain. A wide variety of guided tours and instruction are available, or just cruise the mountain on your own.

Beaver Creek Hiking /Biking Center 970.754.5373

Jeep, Hummer and ATV Tours

Explore the Colorado Rockies in a rugged four-wheel Jeep with your own tour guide. Enjoy day tours of old ghost towns, mining towns, scenic panoramas and flower-filled meadows.

Timberline Tours 970.476.1414 or www.timberlinetours.com

Nova Guides 970.827.4232 or www.novaguides.com

Hiking

Beaver Lake Hike

5 miles round trip

~3 hours hiking time

This is a strenuous hike; bring extra clothing, lots of water, food and sunscreen!

The trailhead is located south from the shuttle stop along Village Road to Elk Track Road, along the 5 senses trail (remember to bring your trail map).

The trail takes you up to the northern edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness, extending up from Beaver Creek. Continue up the trail that often has horseback riders from the resort and head left at the split to cross Beaver Creek on the bridge. The trail merges again and takes you out of the ski boundary into the White Mountain National Forest. About a third of a mile further and you reach the lake. The lake is a nice spot for a picnic or to relax if you choose to head further on the trail to Turquoise Lakes (see other report). Or you can turn around and head back down the mountain to the village for lunch.

East and West Lake Creek Hikes, Edwards

To get to the East and West Lake Creek Trailheads simply drive West on Hwy 6 out of Avon/Beaver Creek. .6 of a mile past the Edwards stoplight, turn left on Lake Creek Drive. Continue for 1.7 miles and take a right on West Lake Creek Road. 2.7 Miles later, you will find the West Lake Trailhead. The East Lake Trailhead is 1 mile further.

Scenic Drives

If you are driving to Beaver Creek from Denver, you will understand why the term “purple mountain majesties” came about. The driving tours in Colorado are beautiful! There are several drives from Beaver Creek, to name a few:

Glenwood Canyon (~ 2 hours drive time)

The canyon sits on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, and is reminiscent of Ansel Adams photographs. The drive is spectacular with picnic areas, a recreation path following the Colorado river and a prize at the end… the Glenwood Hot Springs (don’t forget your bathing suit!).

From Avon, take I-70 W toward Eagle

Exit #117 at Glenwood Springs, 50 miles

The “Leadville Loop” (~ 3 hours drive time)

A designated scenic drive through three mountain passes and quaint Colorado towns.

From Avon, take R on I-70 E toward Vail, 5 miles

Exit #171, US 24 East toward Minturn/Leadville, 32 miles

L on CO-91 North toward Copper Mountain, 22 miles

L on I-70 W toward Vail, 19 miles

Independence Pass (~6 hours drive time)

This scenic drive crosses 12,095-foot Independence Pass, Colorado’s highest paved pass, perched atop the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. The Sawatch Range, crested by the twisting Continental Divide, is one of the state’s main mountain ranges. The views are amazing!

From Avon, take I-70 E toward Minturn, 4 miles

Take R off exit 171 Minturn/Leadville

Drive 32 miles bearing R staying on US 24

Turn slight L on Harrison Ave.US 24 for 15 miles

Turn R on CO 82 for 44 miles into Aspen!

After checking out the shopping and enjoying lunch in Aspen, you can loop back around to the Ritz-Cartlon via Glenwood Canyon. Follow CO 82 for 40 miles and take I-70 back to Avon.

Shopping and Art Galleries

You can find World-Class Shopping and Art Galleries around every corner in Beaver Creek Village. From one-of-a-kind artwork to elegant jewelry to the newest skis and snowboards. Check out Gorsuch, Roxy and Pismo Gallery. Stroll and explore St. James Place, Park Plaza, Village Hall and Market Square in Beaver Creek Village.

Tubing

Experience nature’s water park. Let the river decide your pace for an unforgettable Colorado tubing experience!

Turtle Tubing 970.471.0547