Summary
The town of Eagle is nestled in Colorado’s northwestern region, situated between Denver to the east and the Utah state line to the west.
In recent decades, Eagle’s population has more than doubled, establishing it as the seat of Eagle County.
The town was established in 1905 and is surrounded by some of the state’s most rugged and picturesque scenery. It provides visitors with relatively convenient access to some of the western United States’ most renowned ski resorts, alongside numerous expansive state and national parks that offer year-round recreational opportunities.
Below are 15 recommended activities to pursue in and around Eagle, Colorado.
1. Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan State Park is a brief drive from Eagle and serves as an ideal destination for individuals seeking to experience the natural beauty of Colorado without spending excessive time commuting to larger national parks.
The park is especially favored by backcountry hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, and amateur photographers, while the lake is home to various species of game fish, making it a popular locale for anglers.
Within the park, two campgrounds accommodate dozens of individual sites, with some equipped for RV use.
Numerous hiking trails traverse the area, allowing visitors to encounter an array of unique wildlife typical of Colorado.
2. Hiking
Hiking stands out as one of Colorado’s most favored outdoor activities. For active travelers yearning for adventure, it presents an exhilarating opportunity to appreciate the state’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
For families with young children, the Yeoman Park Discovery Trail is relatively accessible and features informational plaques that highlight the region’s flora, fauna, Native American cultures, and history.
The Mount Thomas Trail is well-known for the splendid views of the town offered to those who successfully reach its summit. While it is considered moderately challenging, care must be taken as it can become slick and hazardous during wet conditions.
3. Yeti’s Grind
In contrast to other regions where large national coffee chains dominate, independent coffee shops are thriving in Colorado. For those in Eagle seeking a robust and energizing beverage, Yeti’s Grind serves as an excellent choice.
This establishment meticulously selects and roasts its own beans, and patrons consistently recognize that this dedication is reflected in the quality of their coffee.
Regularly ranked among the most popular coffee venues at both their Eagle and Vail locations, Yeti’s Grind also provides a variety of non-coffee drinks alongside an assortment of fresh pastries such as muffins, scones, and croissants baked daily by a local bakery.
4. Bonfire Brewing
Bonfire Brewing, situated on West 2nd Street in Eagle, is open daily to visitors.
Since its inception in 2010, Bonfire has cultivated a loyal customer base, currently featuring over two dozen distinct beers on tap at any given time.
Their offerings range from crisp, refreshing ales to hearty porters, and they provide a variety of entertainment options, including darts, foosball, and live music.
Although Bonfire lacks its own kitchen, patrons can order food from nearby restaurants for delivery.
The atmosphere tends to become vibrant during the early evening happy hour.
5. Moe’s Original Barbecue
Barbecue enthusiasts traveling in Colorado are never far from an excellent restaurant, and Moe’s Original Barbecue ranks as Eagle’s favorite.
Visitors have praised the generous portion sizes, reasonable prices, and remarkable flavors, featuring all the classic barbecue staples such as ribs, smoked wings, and pulled pork.
It is rumored that their side dishes are exceptional as well, particularly the mac & cheese, potato salad, and baked beans.
Guests often find that their dinner platters, which include a selection of meats, sides, and dessert, offer significant value.
Moe’s is located on Grand Avenue and operates daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.
6. Garduno’s
Colorado’s expansive wilderness and fresh mountain air tend to cultivate hearty appetites. Dishes like barbecue, steaks, and traditional Mexican fare generally outshine lighter salads and low-calorie snacks.
Garduno’s, located on Capitol Street downtown, is the prime location for aficionados of classic Mexican cuisine, ranging from tacos and burritos to carne asada and carnitas.
The menu features diverse options to satisfy a range of palates, with homemade salsas crafted from fresh ingredients, including jalapeños, pineapple, green onions, and cilantro.
Visit on Tuesdays for impressive taco deals if your schedule permits.
7. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Hot Springs has served as a quintessential area attraction for over 125 years, and is believed to be the largest mineral spring pool in the world.
The Ute tribe referred to the springs with a name signifying ‘big medicine’ in English. Many visitors assert that the warm, mineral-enriched waters provide relief for numerous muscular, skeletal, and tension-related ailments.
In addition to the springs, the resort offers various amenities designed for relaxation, with many guests opting for massages to complement their soaking experience.
The springs remain open throughout the year, and admission is relatively affordable.
8. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Springs makes for an attractive day trip for those visiting Eagle who appreciate a picturesque drive through the countryside.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a year-round recreational facility touted as the only mountaintop venue of its kind in the nation, positioned over 7,000 feet above sea level in the Rockies.
The park provides various options for guests, including cave tours, live entertainment, dining, and amusement park-style attractions.
Single-day passes are available; however, for those planning a longer stay, annual passes offer the best value for exploring all the park has to offer.
9. Vail
Vail Ski Resort is recognized as one of Colorado’s leading alpine sport destinations. Although it may be more upscale and costly than other resorts, many visitors find that the experience is worth the investment, often becoming the highlight of their trip.
The expansive slopes and amenities cover over 5,000 acres, making it the third-largest resort of its type in the United States. Established in the 1960s by experienced ski patrolmen who recognized the mountain’s potential, it continues to thrive today.
The resort features an array of trails ranging from advanced-only routes to easy slopes suitable for children and novice skiers. During the warmer months, popular activities include hiking, fishing, rafting, and mountain biking.
10. Vail Square Ice Rink
Ice skating is a refreshing activity best enjoyed in the open air.
The Vail Square Ice Rink operates seasonally, commencing from Thanksgiving through spring, with daily hours of operation from 1 PM to 9 PM.
Visitors have likened the rink to a scene from a fairy tale, making it especially appealing to families and couples seeking a unique and romantic experience.
Numerous dining and entertainment options are available in close proximity to the rink, and the atmosphere becomes particularly festive during the holiday season.
Admission is affordable, and skate rentals are offered. As evening descends, the rink is illuminated with twinkling lights, creating a magical ambiance.
11. White River National Forest
Covering nearly two million acres, White River National Forest is significant even by western park standards, and ranks among the most frequented and popular parks in the western United States.
The forest encompasses diverse ecosystems, the most notable of which include the White River and its ten peaks towering over 14,000 feet, commonly considered the threshold between substantial and majestic mountains.
Several ski resorts are situated within the national forest, and during the spring and summer months, a wide array of warm-weather activities, such as rafting, biking, and fishing, attract many outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Bearcat Stables
Located on Squaw Creek Road in Edwards, Bearcat Stables has been providing adventurous guests with unforgettable experiences since its establishment in 1998.
The stables and their home were once the settlement of a frontier family in the early 20th century, allowing visitors to learn about the local history and culture while partaking in numerous activities.
The most popular excursions at the stables are guided horseback tours, offering various options suitable for both novice and experienced riders.
Visit their website to explore which package may best suit your needs before embarking on your journey.
13. The Bookworm of Edwards
Books are pivotal for numerous travelers during their holiday, and The Bookworm of Edwards is an independent bookstore that boasts an impressive selection of both fiction and non-fiction literature, including works penned by local and regional authors.
This establishment provides an excellent opportunity to acquire texts related to local history and culture, alongside a significant collection of hiking and fishing guides, trail maps, and cookbooks featuring traditional Colorado recipes.
The on-site café enhances the experience, and various special programs, such as book signings, children’s storytime, and charity events benefiting local communities, are frequently held.
14. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge ranks among Colorado’s most favored ski resorts, encompassing five peaks and a wide range of runs, complemented by more than 30 lifts that typically minimize wait times, allowing for extended time on the slopes.
This resort also offers a variety of accommodation and dining options, alongside year-round events such as fairs and festivals that feature wine tastings, live music, and extreme sports competitions.
For those new to skiing, experienced instructors and specially tailored ski schools are available, many of which focus on children’s learning. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are also highly popular activities.
15. Peak 8 Fun Park
Peak 8 Fun Park in Breckenridge derives its name from its location on the resort’s Peak #8.
This warm-weather attraction operates exclusively from June through September, when conditions are typically ideal. Access is granted only via a stunning gondola ride.
Features of the park include a mini-golf course, climbing wall, zip lines, and one of the largest mazes in Colorado.
With an abundance of activities, this attraction typically requires considerable time from visitors, making it advisable to plan for more than just an hour or two, particularly for families with children.
