Beaver Creek Activities, Beaver Creek Restaurants

Located between two of the most well-known ski towns in Colorado (Vail and Aspen), who would have thought Beaver Creek Resort in the Vail Valley would be the perfect summertime family escape? From hikes for all ages to a spa day for Mom while the little ones are at one of a variety of day camps, families will not soon tire of the range of summertime activities for everyone to enjoy.

Where to Stay

Beaver Creek lodging options range from hotels on the cheap to fabulous full-service resorts. If you like an intimate hotel, check out The Osprey at Beaver Creek. Formerly known at The Inn at Beaver Creek, The Osprey recently completed a $7 million renovation, outfitting the small Rock Resort hotel into a modern mountain lodge. Curl up with a drink and some tapas in the new lounge or head back to your room, most of which feature a gas-powered fireplace, for your snuggling delight. Rates start at $229.

For the full resort experience, book your stay at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa. Complete with an award-winning spa and fitness center, fabulous on-site restaurants and chateau-style luxury, the recently renovated Park Hyatt is an ideal Rocky Mountain escape. Rates start at $139.

 

• Hiking guide, Nick, leads a group on a trail through a grove of aspens.

Ashleigh Nushawg

Hiking

After the snow melts from Beaver Creek’s top-rated ski slopes, the mountain transforms into a lush layout of hiking trails for skill levels. Whether or not you decide your group needs a guide, be sure to stop by the Beaver Creek Hiking Center in the Beaver Creek Village to learn about trail conditions, pick up a map of current trails, purchase lift tickets or reserve a spot on a group or private tour.

Beaver Creek Hiking Center guides hikes everywhere from within the resort area to a variety of 14,000-foot-plus peaks, known as the 14ers, that surround the Vail Valley. Beginners and families looking for a guided hike should try the Mini Colorado Adventure ($85/adult, $55/child), a three- to four-hour private hike led by an expert guide. If possible, ask for Nick Fickling, whose knowledge of local flora and fauna (as well as captivating life story) is so entertaining that he’ll surely keep your mind off of the high altitude and tiring switchbacks.

Families who would rather hike on their own should not miss Five Senses Trail. Starting at the base of the mountain, the mile-long trail follows along a paved path, taking you by the beautiful Beaver Creek Chapel and past the Flood’s Fishing Ponds. One of three trails that are part of the Hiking Center’s Hike-ology Program, the Five Senses Trail encourages children to explore the flora and fauna of with all their senses. Find a brochure in the Hiking Center where families can record their observations.

Horseback Riding

Only a short Dial-A-Ride from anywhere in the resort, the Beaver Creek Stables is the place to tap in to Colorado’s cowboy roots for a fun and family-friendly way to explore the mountain.

Open daily this summer from June 1 to Sept. 1, families can take a guided one-hour ride for $60 per person. For a longer excursion, try the nearly day-long ride out to Beaver Lake, where you’ll enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch and return to the stables by 3 p.m. ($200 per person, 24-hour advance reservations required).

Next: Summer Activities for Kids and Beaver Creek Rodeo