Summer in the Vail Valley
Hiking · Fly Fishing · Mountain Biking · Paddleboarding · Free Concerts
Your Base Camp for Summer Adventure
Avon, Colorado sits at the heart of the Vail Valley — minutes from world-class hiking trails, Gold Medal fly fishing on the Eagle River, Beaver Creek's lift-served bike park, and Nottingham Lake's beach and paddleboard rentals. Our two condos put you within walking distance of Nottingham Park and a short drive from everything else. Here's what to expect when you visit in summer.
🥾 Hiking
The Vail Valley offers trails for every level — from easy lakeshore walks to challenging alpine routes above 10,000 feet. Summer temperatures stay comfortable in the mountains, making it a favorite escape from the heat of lower elevations.
- Nottingham Park Trail — An easy 1.25-mile loop around Nottingham Lake in downtown Avon. Flat, paved, and perfect for families with young kids. Walking distance from both condos.
- McCoy Park (Beaver Creek) — Gentle alpine meadow hiking at ~10,000 ft. Accessible via the Strawberry Park Express chairlift, which runs for free in summer. Wildflowers peak in July.
- Beaver Lake Trail — A moderate 4-mile out-and-back from Beaver Creek Village leading to a quiet alpine lake. Watch for elk and marmots along the way.
- Booth Falls Trail (Vail) — One of the most popular hikes in the valley. A 4.2-mile round trip to a stunning 60-foot waterfall. Moderate difficulty, with great views of the Gore Range.
- Vail Mountain Trails — Access via the free Eagle Bahn Gondola from Vail Village. Over 30 miles of hiking trails at the summit, including the iconic Vail Nature Center walks.
Tip: Trail conditions at elevation can change quickly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August — plan to be off exposed ridgelines by noon.
🎣 Fly Fishing the Eagle River
The Eagle River runs right through Avon and is one of Colorado's most accessible Gold Medal fisheries. The Gold Medal designation means exceptional brown trout and rainbow trout populations — anglers come from across the country to fish this stretch. Our River Condo sits steps from the riverbank, making it easy to wet a line before breakfast.
- Eagle River — Avon stretch — Public access along Highway 6 through Avon. Multiple pull-offs for wade fishing. Best for brown trout and rainbow trout May through October.
- Nottingham Lake — Stocked with rainbow trout and easy to fish from shore. Great for kids and beginners. No boat required.
- Eagle River — Minturn stretch — About 15 minutes west of Avon, the canyon below Minturn offers some of the most scenic and productive water on the river.
- Guided trips — Several outfitters in the valley offer half-day and full-day guided fly fishing trips. A guide is the fastest way to learn the river if you're new to fly fishing.
A Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available online at cpw.state.co.us or at local sporting goods stores in Avon.
🚵 Mountain Biking
The Vail Valley has earned a reputation as one of Colorado's top mountain biking destinations. Lift-served bike parks, cross-country singletrack, and paved recreation paths give every rider something to look forward to.
- Beaver Creek Bike Park — Lift-served downhill and flow trails for all skill levels. Opens mid-June. Bike rentals and demo fleets available in Beaver Creek Village. Just minutes from both condos via the free shuttle.
- Vail Mountain Bike Park — One of the largest lift-served bike parks in North America. Accessed via gondola from Vail Village. Over 80 miles of trails from beginner green runs to expert black diamonds.
- Eagle Valley Trail — A mostly paved multi-use path running along the Eagle River through Avon. Great for casual rides, with connections to Edwards and beyond.
- Bachelor Gulch & Arrowhead Trails — Intermediate and advanced cross-country singletrack within easy reach of Avon.
For a deeper look at biking in the valley, see our Vail Valley Mountain Biking guide.
🛶 Nottingham Lake — Beach, Paddleboarding & More
Nottingham Lake in the center of Avon is a summer hub for the whole family. The sandy beach, paddleboard rentals, and open lawns make it the go-to afternoon spot — and it's about a 10-minute walk from both of our condos.
- Stand-up paddleboard & kayak rentals — Available on-site during summer months.
- Swimming — The lake is open for swimming. No lifeguard on duty.
- Beach volleyball & open lawn — Great space for kids to run around.
- Fishing from shore — Stocked rainbow trout, easy access for all ages.
- AvonLIVE! concerts — Free Wednesday evening concerts on the lake shore, June through August. One of the best free events in the valley.
🎤 Summer Events Worth Planning Around
The Vail Valley packs a full calendar of free and ticketed events from June through September. Here are the highlights worth building your trip around:
- AvonLIVE! & SunsetLIVE! — Free outdoor concerts at Nottingham Lake, Wednesday evenings and select weekends, June–August. Bring a blanket and enjoy music with mountain views. Details at avon.org.
- Salute to the USA — July 3rd — Avon's big fireworks show over Nottingham Lake. One of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Colorado. Get there early — the lakeside fills up fast.
- GoPro Mountain Games (Vail) — Typically held in June. Whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, trail running, and rock climbing competitions at Vail Village. Free to watch, great atmosphere.
- Bravo! Vail Music Festival — World-class classical music performances in late June through early August. A surprising highlight if you enjoy live music. See discovervail.com for dates.
- FreeFall Bluegrass & Arts Festival — Avon's late-summer celebration, typically in August. Free entry, local food vendors, arts and crafts.
- Vail Dance Festival — Late July through early August. Contemporary dance performances at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail.
Ready to Plan Your Summer Trip?
Both condos sleep 6, include full kitchens, and are minutes from everything above. Check availability for your dates.
Or browse our properties: Shuttle Condo · River Condo