• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
    • Year-round
      • Brewery Tours
      • Casinos & Gaming
      • Colorado Brands
      • Federal Lands
      • Food & Dining
      • Ghost Towns
      • Gondola & Chairlifts
      • Hot Springs
      • Mine Tours
      • Museums
      • Paintball
      • Public Parks
      • Scenic Drives
      • Shopping
      • Sports Teams
      • State Parks
      • Train Rides
      • Transportation
      • Wildlife
      • Zip Lines & Aerial Parks
    • Spring, Summer & Fall
      • Amusement Parks
      • ATV Rentals
      • Biking
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Drive-In Theaters
      • Fishing
      • Golf Courses
      • Hiking
      • Horseback Riding
      • Rock Climbing
      • Tubing & Paddling
      • Waterfalls
      • Whitewater Rafting
    • Winter
      • Cross Country Skiing
      • Dog Sledding
      • Ice Climbing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Ice Skating
      • Skiing & Snowboarding
      • Sleigh Rides
      • Snow Tubing
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Events
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Lodging
    • Budget Hotels
    • Historic Hotels
    • Luxury Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Cabins & Glamping
    • Casinos with Lodging
    • Dude Ranches
    • Hot Spring with Lodging
    • Wineries with Lodging
    • Campgrounds
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Lodging
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
Avon Colorado
Aerial view of Avon.

Avon, Colorado

FacebookTwitter

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
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.
Bachelor Gulch hotel.

Activities near Avon

Biking:

  • BC Bike Park – Centennial Lift Haul

Cross Country Skiing:

  • Beaver Creek Nordic Center

Escape Rooms:

  • Vail Valley Escape Room

Federal Lands:

  • Eagle River
  • White River National Forest

Ghost Towns:

  • Gilman (12mi)

Ice Skating:

  • Beaver Creek Ice Rink

Kayaking/SUP:

  • Avon Whitewater Park

Music Venues: 

  • Vilar Performing Arts Center

Paragliding:

  • Vail Valley Paragliding

Public Parks:

  • Harry A. Nottingham Park

Rock Climbing:

  • Avon Mountain School

Scenic Drives:

  • Top of the Rockies Byway (15mi)

Ski Resorts:

  • Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Towns:

  • Beaver Creek (1mi)
  • Breckenridge (47mi)
  • Copper Mountain (29mi)
  • Dillon (40mi)
  • Dotsero (32mi)
  • Eagle (20mi)
  • Eagle-Vail (2mi)
  • Edwards (4mi)
  • Frisco (35mi)
  • Glenwood Springs (51mi)
  • Gypsum (27mi)
  • Keystone (47mi)
  • Minturn (6mi)
  • Red Cliff (15mi)
  • Rifle (77mi)
  • Silverthorne (39mi)
  • Vail (10mi)
  • Wolcott (11mi)

Transportation:

  • Blue Sky Limo DIA Airport Shuttle
  • Bustang Bus
  • Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) (25mi)
  • Eco Transit
  • Epic Mountain Express (to Denver Airport)

Whitewater Rafting:

  • Eagle River Rafting

Latest in Avon

Fly Directly to these Colorado Ski Resorts with Airports Nearby

While Denver International Airport resides relatively close to the Rocky Mountains, you’re still well over an…

Fly Directly to these Colorado Ski Resorts with Airports NearbyRead More

Steamboat Springs Yampa Valley

8 Best Ski Towns In Colorado

Epic skiing is synonymous with the Colorado Rockies. And with that comes iconic ski towns. Most…

8 Best Ski Towns In ColoradoRead More

Hot Springs Near Me Colorado Pagosa Resort

Which hot springs are near what Colorado towns?

Whether you’re shredding the local ski slopes, hiking the region’s highest peaks, or even just strolling…

Which hot springs are near what Colorado towns?Read More

Seventh Street in Glenwood Springs, CO

The Largest Colorado Mountain Towns

Whether you’re looking to move into the Rocky Mountains or just visit on holiday, and prefer…

The Largest Colorado Mountain TownsRead More

View more Avon articles

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Eagle County

  • All Towns
  • Eagle County
  • Avon
  • Basalt
  • Beaver Creek
  • Bond
  • Dotsero
  • Eagle
  • Eagle-Vail
  • Edwards
  • El Jebel
  • Gypsum
  • McCoy
  • Minturn
  • Red Cliff
  • Vail
  • Wolcott

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Cheers! Mile High Happy Hour shares showcases Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Ski Resorts
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks
  • Train Rides

Copyright © 2023 · Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise