Avon is a spectacular summer destination with plenty of activities for everyone! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find just what you need from a vacation in Avon.
1. Take a Beach Day
While beach days may be rare in Colorado, the picturesque Harry A. Nottingham Park offers a splendid high-alpine beach experience on the north shore of Nottingham Lake. With panoramic vistas of Beaver Creek, visitors can indulge in the park’s array of amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic shelters, and the serene four-acre lake. Nottingham Lake boasts one of Colorado’s liveliest recreational lake scenes, making paddling across its shimmering waters one of summer’s most exhilarating pursuits! Stand Up Paddle Colorado provides an assortment of rentals, catering to various preferences, from sleek and swift models to spacious ones suitable for the entire family. Each rental comes with a complimentary paddle tutorial and mandatory personal flotation devices. Whether you bring your own water and beach toys or opt for a leisurely day in a beach chair or hammock with a captivating read, Nottingham Park promises a sun-drenched sanctuary.
For angling aficionados of all skill levels, Nottingham Lake beckons as an ideal fishing destination. Surrounded by the iconic backdrop of Beaver Creek Mountain, the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, ensuring an enjoyable fishing experience for families. Cast your line from the wooden fishing pier on the north shore or explore the rocky banks of this 15-acre expanse. Don’t be surprised if your catch extends beyond trout—word has it that the lake is home to some sizable crayfish! Utilizing a paddleboard or small boat offers a unique perspective on fishing, allowing for casting from every angle. Remember, a valid Colorado fishing license is mandatory for fishing in Avon, obtainable from various retail establishments. Prior to your angling adventure, it’s advisable to consult the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife for specific fishing regulations pertaining to these bodies of water.
2. Enjoy the Eagle River
Flowing through the heart of Avon, the Eagle River, a tributary of the Colorado River, presents a playground of recreational opportunities. Whether you seek the thrill of white-water rafting or the tranquility of a leisurely float trip, numerous guide services in town stand ready to tailor your adventure to perfection. White-water rafting and kayaking on the Eagle River in Avon are best enjoyed during the peak season, typically from mid-May to early July. As the river’s flow subsides post-runoff, it becomes less conducive to boating activities but transforms into an idyllic setting for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler, a novice fisherman, or simply in search of a family-friendly fishing outing, the Eagle River offers an ideal setting to cast your line. Renowned for its dry fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, the Eagle River originates high above Camp Hale, meandering its way to the confluence with the Colorado River in Dotsero. Notably celebrated for the abundant Caddis hatches during spring and early summer, the Eagle provides year-round fishing opportunities, with excellent public access from the Eagle Valley Trail in Avon. Fly fishing guide services across Eagle County offer full-day or half-day family-friendly excursions, offering a splendid opportunity to explore Avon and the Vail Valley from a unique riverine perspective. These guided trips are both educational and enjoyable, catering to anglers of all skill levels, fostering skill refinement and deepening fishing knowledge.
A valid Colorado fishing license is a prerequisite for angling anywhere in Avon and can be conveniently purchased at various retail outlets throughout the area.
3. See a Concert
Avon is home to so many free summer events, they hardly fit on a calendar.
The Avon Performance Pavilion, located in Nottingham Park, is the center of concert activity in Avon throughout the summer and offers a blend of free and ticketed events. Beginning mid-June, Avon kicks off the AvonLIVE! free summer concert series in the park every Wednesday through August. A community tradition, AvonLIVE! concerts showcase award winning national and regional talent in a relaxed, family-friendly environment that includes a free kids zone
Weekends in Avon wrap up with SunsetLIVE! concerts on the Terrace overlooking Nottingham Lake. These casual performances by local Eagle County musicians can be enjoyed from the south lawn of the pavilion, while lounging on your SUP board or pedal boat, or from the beach on the north shore. SunsetLIVE! is uniquely Avon and the perfect venue to wind down your weekend.
4. Take a Hike
Nestled amidst towering mountains on all sides, the heart of Avon boasts a relatively level terrain adorned with interconnected paved pathways. Venture northward, and you’ll discover the splendid hiking opportunities offered by the West Avon Preserve. Here, trails of varying difficulty levels wind through the mountainside, catering to hikers of all abilities. What’s more, these trails warmly welcome your furry companions, so feel free to bring along your four-legged friends! For family-friendly excursions, the Beaver Creek Point trailhead beckons, while “Our Backyard” presents a picturesque one-mile loop, ideal for sunset strolls, boasting breathtaking vistas stretching from Vail to Edwards and beyond. Keep in mind, however, that seasonal trail closures are in place at the West Avon Preserve from December to mid-April.
On the southern frontier of Avon, the majestic Beaver Creek Mountain invites exploration with its superb hiking trails, accessible by foot, chairlift, or gondola. Numerous trails await discovery from the charming Beaver Creek village, so be sure to grab a summer trail map before setting off. Feeling the altitude? Treat yourself to a serene, scenic ascent aboard the Centennial Express lift to mid-mountain, where aspen glades and wildflower meadows await eager hikers of all skill levels. So don’t forget your sunscreen, pack ample water and snacks, and embark on an adventure amidst Avon’s stunning natural landscapes!
5. Art Around Avon
Integrating the creative endeavors of artists into public spaces enhances the pedestrian experience, fostering vibrancy, creativity, and livelihood within the community. The presence and accessibility of public art breathe life into public areas, making them more inviting and engaging. This fosters deeper connections with the places we inhabit, work in, and visit. Public art serves as a beacon, illuminating the diversity and rich history of a community while also signaling its aspirations for the future.
The third annual Art Around Avon program has expanded to showcase an impressive array of 23 captivating works! New sculptures will grace our streets on June 7 and June 8, remaining on exhibition until May of 2025.