While many people boast about going to Colorado in the winter, we’re here to share the top things to do in Beaver Creek, Colorado in the summer.
The last few years the summers in Texas have been sweltering. We like to plan even more travel in the summertime as a way to escape the intense heat.
A Colorado vacation is the perfect place for mild summer days, fresh air, and crisp evenings.
We ventured to a romantic getaway to Beaver Creek Resort in the Vail valley area, but this is also an incredible getaway for the whole family, it’s a great place for a summer vacation.
Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Beaver Creek in the summer months.
Enjoy a Mountaintop Wine Excursion
Our favorite type of mountain excursion is the type that leads to a gourmet wine and cheese pairing!
Our wine excursion lets you choose between a leisurely hike or the 4×4 jeep tours to the trailhead at Beano’s Cabin.
We took the jeep tour which was a great way to learn about the history of the area, the plants and trees that thrive on the mountain, and more information about the ski resort and the downhill competitions that it hosts.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenic views and a guide explaining all the local wildlife and plants.
After the scenic tour, we were treated to a flight of wines with a gourmet charcuterie board.
We loved trying all the assorted Colorado cheeses, fresh fruits, homemade crackers, and spreads.
Dine at Top Restaurants in Beaver Creek
Fine Dining:
Mirabelle Restaurant is a fine dining establishment that has been recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Mirabelle is a special restaurant owned and operated by Master Chef Daniel Joly and his wife. They are Belgian born, but have been in Colorado for over 30 years and you can taste it.
Their food is truly Michelin star worthy, as their cuisine is a cross between European influences meets local Colorado proteins and produce.
They even have a greenhouse-like garden in the back of the restaurant where they grow produce for the restaurant; it doesn’t get more local and fresh than that.
We highly recommend getting a number of plates to share with your group, because their food is just that good.
Our favorite dish by far was a poached Maine lobster with a pea ravioli in a basil cream emulsion.
It was so delicious that it was one of the best bites we’ve had in years, and we already wish we ordered a second plate.
Also, be sure to save room for dessert. Their pastry chef is highly artistic, and uses a great balance of gastronomy and natural fruit in his desserts.
Splendido at The Chateau is another beautiful restaurant of Beaver Creek that’s gotten recognition from the Michelin Guide.
Located a higher elevation, this restaurant is known for their views, which makes it a great choice for a date night.
We were able to enjoy an appetizer and cocktails at the bar area, but if you are planning a visit to Beaver Creek, try to make a reservation in advance so that you can enjoy the full menul.
Elevated Dining:
Alpine + Antlers is as they describe “food with an altitude”.
We went for breakfast on their patio which was overlooking the art festival, and had a cozy fireplace in the center of it.
We were pleasantly surprised with their menu which featured classic brunch favorites, but had Colorado twists like elk breakfast sausage.
We were going to get multiple plates, but we started by sharing the elk sausage breakfast burrito and it was so large we were both full until dinner.
The burrito was tasty with its unique sausage, scratch made salsa, and locally made tortillas.
Also, if you’re looking for a good happy hour in Beaver Creek Alpine + Antlers has a happy hour that includes discounted dishes, oysters, and drinks.
Citrea Restaurant is located right in the center of Beaver Creek Village. In the wintertime it is a prime seat in front of the ice skating rink. In the summer, it’s front row for special events and live music.
Citrea makes their mozzarella cheese in house and we enjoyed it deep fried as an amazing starter.
In addition to the crispy mozzarella, we loved the tuna tataki which was fresh, bright, and even featured some Indian spices in the rub.
For dinner we savored two pasta dishes. A bright cavatelli pasta with crisp sliced peas, littleneck clams, and a kiss of spice as well as a corn ravioli with fava beans.
Finally, we ordered their Rapini & Sausage pizza in order to bring leftovers back to our room as a midnight snack.
Mountainside Dining in Beaver Creek:
Beaver Creek Chophouse offers a patio just steps from the main ski lift and overlooks both a babbling brook and the mountains.
We went for lunch, and shared the chophouse mountain burger.
This burger is very sharable, rich, and very gourmet because they replace traditional burger sauces with their own foie gras gravy.
This gravy truly gives the burger a steakhouse experience, and when poured over mushrooms, swiss cheese, and their prime beef burger patty.
8100 Mountainside Bar and Grill is the main restaurant of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort, and has the largest patio overlooking the mountainside.
The menu offers a range of dishes to meet any family friendly needs from quesadillas for the kids, to gourmet plated dishes.
Our favorites were their table poured Colorado Palisade peach gazpacho and a crispy skin salmon entree with truffle mashed potatoes.
Take a Scenic Lift Ride up the Mountain
Rise to 10,500 and enjoy pristine mountain views by taking the Centennial Express Lift up the mountain.
Choose from a chairlift or a gondola to get you there. We recommend taking the chairlift up, since you have to take the gondola down.
Once you arrive at the top, relax at the Spruce Saddle Lodge.
Enjoy a casual lunch inside the lodge or outside on their patio on picnic tables and lawn enjoying panoramic views of the mountains.
We ordered the pulled pork sandwich which is smoked on site at the top of the mountain. The sandwich also came with crispy seasoned waffle fries (our favorite style of fry).
Relax on the lounge chairs with a beer or cocktail or play a round of cornhole.
There are also a number of hiking trails that you can access at the top near the lodge.
If you’re a fan of disk golf, there is even a disk golf course on the mountain! Just bring your own equipment prior to hopping on the lift.
Go Hiking and Mountain Biking around Beaver Creek
There are a number of hiking trails, varied based on your skill level.
The Beaver Creek Hiking Center is an amazing resource to help guide you to your perfect path, for those looking for an easy hike that is a leisurely stroll through scenic meadows to those chasing the mountain peaks.
A full map of Beaver Creek trails can be found on the digital trail map, but here are some recommendations that provided us;
- Five Senses: This easy 1 mile hike is on a leisurely paved path. You’ll pass over bridges over babbling brooks and near wildflowers!
- Beaver Lake Trail: A quintessential Beaver Creek hike, the jaunt up to Beaver Lake is 3 miles one way and has a fair amount of elevation gain. Please note you may encounter snow close to the lake so dress in layers or take a jacket.
- Aspen Glade: This trail winds through signature Beaver Creek aspen groves, providing a relaxed amble through the woods. The trail is 1 mile one way and rated moderate.
- Village to Village to Allie’s Way: Village to Village trail offers something for everyone, and by connecting to Allie’s Way you get great views of both Strawberry Park, the Birds of Prey Racecourse, Grouse Mountain, Beaver Creek Village and more.
There are an impressive 50 miles of mountain biking at Beaver Creek mountain.
What’s amazing is that there are biking trails for all skill levels.
Beginners can take the lift to access the easier routes by getting a gondola pass for their mountain bike, and experts can enjoy more challenging routes.
Bike and helmet equipment rentals, guides, lift tickets are all available so all you need to bring is athleticwear and a smile.
Listen to Live Music in the Mountains
Live music just hits differently in the mountains! There are a number of live music performances in Beaver Creek Village.
We were able to catch BC Unplugged during our visit.
This is a free live music showcase on Thursday evenings throughout the summer from 5:30-7pm. They feature a number of national touring artists like big names like A Flock of Seagulls to the band Asia, as well as up-and-coming artists.
We were able to see a performance from Richie Furay.
On Saturdays, catch the Colorado Showcase which features some of Colorado’s best and brightest artists in the heart of BeaverCreek Village.
Unlike BC Unplugged, this music series will shine light on incredible local artists from across Colorado.
Finally, if you visit during Memorial Day weekend, you can also catch live music at the Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival.
We also loved that a ton of the restaurants we went to in Beaver Creek also featured live music on their patios.
Relax in the Pool, Hot Tub and Spa
In our opinion, the best part about Beaver Creek is the amazing scenery.
One of the best ways to appreciate the majestic beauty of the mountain is from the water.
Relaxing in the hot tub after a full day of hiking is the perfect way to treat sore muscles.
We also love starting our day with coffee in the jacuzzi.
There are also a number of spas available at numerous results if you are looking for something even more therapeutic.
Mini Golf at the Summer Adventure Center
There are a lot of things to do at the Summer Adventure Center, many of which are targeted for kids, from rock climbing, to bungee trampolines, to panning for gold and other gems.
We went to the Summer Adventure Center specifically to challenge each other to a game of mini golf.
The course is situated on the base of the mountain and is surrounded by wildflowers which makes for an incredibly picturesque mini golf experience.
Try a Whisky Tasting
Eagle River Whisky is distilled in nearby Minturn, Colorado, but they take up residency during the summer in a ski chalet near the activities center in Beaver Creek.
They adorably furnished a quaint tasting room with even a little speakeasy lounge through a hidden door.
We were able to try their Dowds, Gilman, and Minturn bottles, which range from mellow to a more peaty scotch.
The best part is that the tasting is free! If you find a blend you like, you can purchase a bottle to enjoy while relaxing in Beaver Creek or take one home as a souvenir.
Partake in Various Outdoor Adventures
Beaver Creek is the perfect place for outdoor lovers. If you are looking for outdoor activities, you can find whitewater rafting, horseback riding at Beaver Creek Stables, ziplining with Zip Adventures, ATV tours, or fly fishing on Gore Creek.
If you are looking for something a bit more leisurely, head to the Beaver Creek Golf Club for some rounds of golf at world-class golf courses.
Or you can find tennis courts and pickleball at the Beaver Creek Tennis Center!
Stretch out with Free Yoga Classes
We started our mornings with yoga at Beaver Creek Village.
This is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the center of the town village.
Mats are provided and yoga is offered in the summer months where the ice skating rink typically resides.
After a day of hiking, it’s a great way to stretch out before the upcoming day’s adventures underneath the charming chateau-like architecture of Beaver Creek!
Check out Local Art
All along Beaver Creek Village you will encounter art.
Browse through art galleries through the village, our favorite was the C Anthony Gallery.
On select days you will see lots of stands with local artists featuring their work along the Beaver Creek Village.
We were lucky enough to be visiting for the 36th annual Beaver Creek Art Festival. So many artists and vendors lined the streets of the village.
From expert photography, to paintings, to woodworking, to glass art, to even bronze sculptures, there is something for every art lover.
Catch a Show
The Vilar Performing Arts Center offers concerts, broadway musicals, and comedy shows on select nights.
While we were not able to catch a show on this visit, we highly recommend checking the events calendar prior to your visit.
Some of the notable performances happening this summer are Joss Stone, Ben Folds, and comedian Colin Jost.
We had such an amazing stay at Beaver Creek Village we might just have to come back again during the winter to experience ice skating at the outdoor ice rink, the Beaver Creek ski resort, and a take a sleigh ride!
For more information on vacation planning for your summer adventure, head to the Beaver Creek web page for more trip planning resources.
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