Last week, I traveled to one of my favorite places in the world. Less than three hours from where I live in northern Colorado, Beaver Creek is a magical, alpine-inspired village in the Colorado Rocky Mountains 10 miles west of Vail. It’s where my family vacationed in winter and summer over the past 25 years, and it’s where my kids learned to ski and ice skate. This time, I ventured up there solo to enjoy the fresh mountain air, hiking, and solitude.

Established in 1980, Beaver Creek Resort was once referred to as the “Tiffany’s of ski resorts.” And while the resort is undeniably upscale, it’s most definitely not snooty or pretentious. In fact, it has a real family feel to it with wholesome activities and attractions. One of them being Munich transplant, Helmut Fricker, who gives weekly performances in the plaza on his alpenhorn and accordion while dressed in traditional lederhosen.

Entrance to Beaver Creek Village in Colorado

The entrance to Beaver Creek village is this photogenic pedestrian bridge crossing over Beaver Creek.

Village of Beaver Creek Colorado

The center of Beaver Creek plaza features an ice skating rink in winter. During summertime, however, the rink turns into a turf-covered family area with games, picnic tables, and a small stage for musical performances. Quaint shops and restaurants surround the ice rink. When it’s time for a break, settle into one of the plush couches near a fireplace and enjoy a refreshing gelato.

Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado Beaver Creek Colorado in summer time

The Chapel at Beaver Creek sits on the outskirts of the village and is an easy stroll from the plaza. The peaceful creek runs past the chapel, through town, and down the valley.

View from mid-mountain in Beaver Creek, Colorado

I rode the chairlift and had lunch at the Spruce Saddle, which is a restaurant located mid mountain. Then I hiked a bit and took in the breathtaking scenery. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant on the mountain. Lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush, among others, line the hiking trails.

Lisa from Midlifeinbloom.com in Beaver Creek Colorado

Outfit Details

top || shorts || shoes || visor

A quick word about my outfit…I recently purchased these pieces from Athleta and love them for hiking! Both the top and shorts are lightweight, quick drying, breathable, and offer sun protection. I’ll also use the top over my swimsuit for paddle boarding and boating for added sun protection.

Helmut Fricker playing an alpenhorn in Beaver Creek

As big as Helmut Fricker’s alpenhorn is, his personality is even bigger (photo from Beaver Creek Mountain’s Facebook page)!

Beaver Creek mountain in summertime water feature in Beaver Creek Colorado

Flowers are everywhere you look, from the mountain to the creekside to the village.

Saint Bernard dog at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch

Bachelor Gulch is Beaver Creek’s neighboring village and is home to the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch and “Bachelor,” the hotel’s 8-month old, 100-pound Saint Bernard ambassador pup.

A favorite hike is the village to village trail connecting the two resorts…then finishing with a refreshing mimosa.

flowers from Betty Ford botanical garden

Just 15 minutes away, Vail is home to the Betty Ford Botanical Gardens. It’s free of charge (donations are appreciated) and definitely worth a visit.

* * * * *

If you’re taking a road trip this summer and coming anywhere near Colorado, put Beaver Creek on your list. You won’t be sorry!

xo, Lisa

Also, I’d love it if you would help me grow my Pinterest by pinning this image. Thanks for your support!

14 Comments

Monica Eccher on July 20, 2020 at 5:34 am

It’s beautiful! Wonderful information. Now I want to go!
- Lisa Harris on July 20, 2020 at 8:32 am
  
  I hope you do!
  xo, Lisa
Bev Dickes on July 20, 2020 at 5:41 am

I was in Beaver Creek this past October. I experienced the winter views. Thanks for sharing these. I loved seeing it in full bloom. So pretty.
- Lisa Harris on July 20, 2020 at 8:33 am
  
  It’s a pretty special place! Glad you enjoyed the photos.
  xo, Lisa
Midlife and Beyond on July 20, 2020 at 7:55 am

Beaver Creek looks like a beautiful place to visit whatever time of year it is. xx
- Lisa Harris on July 20, 2020 at 8:36 am
  
  It really is, Alison. Summer is my favorite, though.
  xx, Lisa
jodie filogomo on July 20, 2020 at 10:53 am

We visited the Betty Ford Botanical Gardens and it was amazing!! Colorado has such wonderful mountain towns, and I’m glad we were able to enjoy them once I retired.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
- Lisa Harris on July 20, 2020 at 1:01 pm
  
  I couldn’t agree more, Jodie!
  xoxo, Lisa
Suzana Barton on July 20, 2020 at 7:35 pm

This place is a dream come true. I would love to see photos of Beaver Creek this winter too!
- Lisa Harris on July 22, 2020 at 5:45 pm
  
  It really is dreamy. Not sure I’ll go back in the winter, but it looks like a winter wonderland!
  xo, Lisa
Leslie Susan Clingan on July 22, 2020 at 11:33 am

Oh, my gosh!! I have pinned this post and am looking up how far Beaver Creek is from El Paso. What a stunning vacation spot. Your photos are breathtaking. Beaver Creek needs to put your on their Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Bureau. Truly, you should share your post with them.

Love the hiking shorts. I have 2 similar pair of hiking pants from North Face. They were snug before Covid. Might have to make dust cloths out of them now.
- Lisa Harris on July 22, 2020 at 5:51 pm
  
  Thanks for pinning, Leslie! You can see why it’s one of my favorite places. I hope you can make the trip someday.
  
  My favorite thing about these shorts is the wide stretch band at the waist – almost like maternity pants, but way cuter and super comfy.
  
  xoxo, Lisa
Lisa on July 22, 2020 at 3:15 pm

Lisa, these photos are amazing! I totally want to visit! It all looks so beautiful!
- Lisa Harris on July 22, 2020 at 5:43 pm
  
  Thanks, Lisa! It’s a gorgeous place. You’d love it!
  xoxo

Summertime in Beaver Creek, Colorado

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