Plan a late summer getaway in Beaver Creek

Luxury meets outdoor recreation in Eagle County

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.