Avon, Colorado

Also known as the “Heart of the Valley”, Avon gives visitors picturesque views, tons of recreation, and lots of restaurants. It’s home to Beaver Creek Ski Resort and right down the highway from Vail.

Year-round there are concerts, festivals, and other fun events going on. Lodging ranges from economically friendly to downright opulent. It acts as a gateway to the Beaver Creek Resort and the Beaver Creek alpine village.

This Home Rule Municipality resides at 7,431 feet in elevation in Eagle County, and in 2020, Avon recorded a population of 6,072 residents. Summit County, about thirty minutes east over Vail Pass, is an easy day trip for supplies or world-class attractions. And west on I-70 leads you past Edwards and Eagle before reaching Glenwood Springs in 50 minutes.

History

The Babysitter Sculpture 2 Horses 1 Person — “The Babysitter” sculpture in Avon. Photo: Cyndi and Dave

Just like most towns in Colorado, the early settlers in the region were the Ute Indians. The first Anglo-Americans who visited the area were not mainly looking to create a town out of Avon. They were merely trapping beavers to develop a fur reserve, which they sold in the city.

In 1845, Adventurer John Charles Fremont and his expedition team went to the Eagle River and caught a “buffalo fish.” Because of this discovery, they had hoped to find other species in the river and decided to create a riverside camp they named “William’s Fishery.”

It wasn’t until the early 1880s that the town started looking more like a community. George A. Townsend bought 160 acres of land to build his home, which stretched over Eagle River and Beaver Creek. Townsend decided to call this part of his property “Avondale,” but it eventually transformed into Avon.

Avon CO Town Center Traffic Circle — Traffic circle at Town Center in Avon. Photo: Edsel Little

The early settlers in town used farming as a source of income. They grew hay and raised cattle to feed the miners in Red Cliff. Homesteaders Metcalf and Oscar Traer then formalized the paperwork to claim the land under the Homestead Act.

On July 4, 1891, Avon was featured along with other cities near the Eagle River (which they called Eagle County). It was deemed as a “good place to visit, a better place to settle in, and the best place in the state for capital seeking investment.”

Avon then grew from a simple lettuce farming town to a vibrant and beautiful tourist destination that’s popular to this day. Popular sites around Avon include the Historic Water Wheel and the Beaver Creek Resort.

Main Attractions

Admiring the steeper runs at Beaver Creek on a cloudy December day. — The steeper side of Beaver Creek on a moody day in December. Photo by: Timo Holmquist

Beaver Creek Resort – Enjoy year-round fun, with biking and hiking in the summer, world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is part of the EPIC Pass and contains a huge mountain playground for all ages and abilities. Try the Birds of Prey Downhill Run if you’re feeling fast.

Walking Mountains Science Center – This interactive nature park hosts a variety of events, catering from “pre-k to gray”. The center has ongoing speaker series, sustainability initiatives and tours to encourage a love of nature for all who visit.

Nottingham Lake – Serves as the hub for outdoor recreation in Avon during the summer. They have equipment rentals for lake activities and sports, designated swimming areas, and hiking trails for the public to use.

Read about the top things to do in Beaver Creek and Avon.

Recreation

Hiking trail in Avon — Hiking and biking trail in the West Avon Preserve. Photo by: Avon

Biking – The West Avon Preserve has 11 miles of maintained trails to use for biking or hiking. It has paths for all levels and terrains. There is also a less-traveled trail at Buck Creek.

Camping – Wolcott BLM campground is about a 20-minute drive from Avon and offers convenient access to Eagle River. The other closest designated sites are going to be found in Red Cliff, with the Hornsilver and Blodgett Campgrounds. Read about the camping near Vail, Avon, and Eagle.

Hiking –

Eagle River trail is paved and runs along the Eagle River. It winds through Avon, offering places to eat along the way. Perfect for a short or long stroll.
Eagle-Vail trail is a popular spot for families to explore and runs above the town near a golf course. Enjoy the serenity of the forest without straying too far from downtown.
Beaver Creek Point and Trailhead have stunning views from open fields and many different trails to choose from. The parking lot is small so arrive early to grab a spot.

Fishing – Nottingham Lake offers shore fishing all day or dock fishing in the morning and afternoon. Eagle River also runs through town and has an amazing catch and release trout fishing.

Accommodations

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa - Avon — Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa. Photo: facebook.com/ParkHyattBC

Booking.com

The Osprey at Beaver Creek – Luxury 4-star ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel right in the heart of Beaver Creek Village.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa – Situated at the base of the mountain and boasting a French-alpine style of design. Choose between a room or a suite during your stay.

Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch – A very comfortable place to rejuvenate in the mountains. It is located 4 miles outside of the main village and has amazing architecture inspired by the lodges in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

The Westin Riverfront – 4-star hotel with some pet-friendly options. This one is located next to the Eagle River in the town of Avon, away from the slopes of Beaver Creek, although a short shuttle solves that.

Read about the 4 + 5-star hotels in Avon and Beaver Creek or best hotels in BC and Avon.

Dining

Gondola Pizza in Avon, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/GondolaPizzaAvon

Northside Kitchen – Eatery that’s located in a log house with great breakfast and steak.

Taqueria No Se Haban Bolas – Humble spot serving up spectacular Mexican favorites.

Gondola Pizza – Casual bar with pizza, calzones, and other typical eats with an outdoor patio.

Special Events

Vail Valley Brew Fest in Avon, CO — Vail Valley Brew’Au in Avon, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/vailvalleybrewfest

Jun – Vail Valley Brew’Au at Avon – It’s a big family-friendly beer festival in the beautiful mountain town of Avon. Sip craft beer, eat tasty fare from local vendors and listen to live music. Maybe even go on a Rocky Mountain Brew Run 5K before the festivities begin. Usually held on the last weekend in June.

Jun-Jul – Vail Lacrosse Shootout – An annual 10-day sports event for players ages 17 – 70 that takes place at multiple fields in Avon, Edwards, and Vail.

Jun-Aug – AvonLIVE! – Held on Wednesdays at the Nottingham Park & Pavilion. Join your neighbors to dance, eat, and drink while listening to a rotating list of live musicians.

Sep – Summer’s End – A farewell to summer, this event includes the Avon Art festival, a kids festival with craft cocktails for the parents, and many organized activities on the lake.

Read about the top events in Beaver Creek.

Another aerial of town.