Things To Do
in Edwards
Edwards is a scenic mountain town in Eagle County, Colorado, perched near the Eagle River with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. It serves as a convenient base for accessing Vail and Beaver Creek, while retaining a quieter, residential vibe. The town blends upscale amenities with outdoor-friendly living, making it popular for families, seasonal workers, and serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Year-round, Edwards offers easy access to hiking, skiing, rafting, and a relaxed Colorado lifestyle.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Eagle County Regional Airport and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery during the drive to Edwards. Settle into your cozy accommodations and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Spend your morning wandering through the quaint shops and galleries in the area to get a feel for the community.
After lunch, embark on a scenic hike in the nearby McCoy Park, where you can explore the beautiful trails surrounded by stunning alpine vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you soak in the fresh mountain air. As the day progresses, consider swinging by the Edwards Riverwalk for some outdoor relaxation by the river.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy dinner at one of Edwards' renowned restaurants, showcasing locally-sourced ingredients. Take a stroll along the riverwalk, enjoying the calming sounds of the water and the picturesque views. Cap off the evening with a nightcap at a cozy pub, where you can mingle with the friendly locals.
Drive to the iconic Vail Ski Resort for an exciting day of winter sports or outdoor activities, depending on the season. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of Vail's charming mountain diners. Then, strap on your skis or snowboards, or lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails for an unforgettable experience.
After an exhilarating morning on the slopes, take a break for lunch at a lodge with stunning mountain views. Spend the afternoon either hitting the slopes again or enjoying leisure activities, such as shopping in Vail Village or visiting the Colorado Ski Museum. Make sure to take plenty of photos to capture the mesmerizing landscapes and your day's excitement.
Wrap up your Vail adventure with a delightful dinner at a gourmet restaurant, where you can indulge in culinary delights and culinary innovation. Enjoy the vibrant après-ski scene, with options ranging from live music to cozy fire pits. Relish your evening while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the mountain town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Hotel per night | $150-350 |
| 🥗Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚗Gas per gallon | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and easy access to ski resorts
- Strong outdoor recreation options and family-friendly amenities
- Smaller town feel means fewer big-city services locally
- High season can bring crowds and higher prices in peak months
Places to Visit in Edwards
Visit one of these nice places.
Shot from the riverbanks with the mountains as a dramatic backdrop, especially during sunrise or golden hour.
Snow-capped peaks framed by village charm; great for architectural shots and landscape photography year-round.
Alpine ridgeline with sweeping valleys and wildflower blooms in summer; perfect for panoramic landscape shots.
High-elevation vantage point with dramatic skies and long shadows; ideal for dramatic early-morning photography.
Food in Edwards
Edwards Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-simmered chili featuring locally sourced elk, served with cornbread or corn tortillas.
Must-Try!
Herb-crusted lamb chops with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Creamy green chili made with pork or beef, peppers, and potatoes; great with warm tortillas.
Juicy bison patty with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, and mountain condiments on a brioche bun.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, meats, baked goods, and artisanal products; a great stop for rustic snacks and picnic ingredients.
Popular market in nearby Vail featuring fresh produce, prepared foods, and regional crafts; ideal for street-style bites and seasonal treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep a safe distance from wildlife; do not feed animals; store food securely if camping or picnicking.
Be mindful of altitude and hydration; take it easy on first days to avoid altitude sickness.
Mellow, family-friendly environment in residential areas; keep noise levels reasonable in evenings.
Pack out what you bring in; stick to established trails and dispose of trash properly.
Safety
Tipping in Edwards
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and bars, tip around 15-20% of the bill. For guides, tours, and services, a 10-15% tip is typical; round up for excellent service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for small vendors and markets. Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are commonly supported at larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm daytime temperatures with cool evenings; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring layers, sunscreen, and water; trails are dry and scenic with wildflower displays.
Snow-covered landscapes and cold temperatures; expect clear, crisp days and frequent ski resort activity nearby. Bring winter gear, traction devices, and plan for icy roads.
Mild days with possible snowmelt runoff; trails can be muddy early in the season. Pack waterproof layers and check trail conditions.
Crisp air and aspen colors; ideal for photography and scenic drives. Weather can be variable, so bring warm layers and a light rain jacket.
Edwards at Night
Hiking in Edwards
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular alpine trail with spectacular vistas and wildflower displays; moderate to strenuous hike.
Scenic riverside path suitable for easy to moderate walks and birdwatching.
Ridge-top route with sweeping valley views and occasional wildlife sightings.
Colorado's highest peak accessible via several trailheads within a couple of hours' drive.
Airports
How to reach Edwards by plane.
Located near Gypsum, CO, this regional airport offers seasonal and year-round flights to major hubs; convenient for access to Edwards and the Vail Valley.
Satisfactorily close to Edwards for quick connections to the Aspen/Snowmass area; limited schedule but useful for winter ski trips.
A major hub about a 2.5-3 hour drive away; offers the widest range of domestic and international connections.
A smaller option with occasional domestic flights; useful when routing via southern Colorado destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families seeking outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and good school districts.
Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, climbers, and anglers drawn to the Colorado mountains.
Residents who work in tourism, hospitality, and resort services during peak seasons.
People who enjoy a quieter mountain lifestyle part-time or year-round.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Access to Alpine resorts in nearby Vail and Beaver Creek; premier winter sports in the region.
Fly fishing on the Eagle River and nearby streams is popular in summer and early fall.
Trail networks around the valley and resort areas offer challenging climbs and scenic descents.
A wide range of alpine trails with panoramic views and wildlife opportunities.
Mountain layouts at courses near Beaver Creek and Red Sky Ranch provide a scenic round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Edwards.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Edwards restaurants offer veggie-focused entrées, salads, and sides. Look for grilled veggie plates, hearty grain bowls, mushroom risotto, and locally sourced produce. Inform staff of any additional restrictions and request meatless preparations where possible.