Beaver Creek is known for world-class skiing, but late summer and fall are great times to enjoy this Colorado mountain resort without crowds. Hiking trails cover the green slopes, patios are still pleasant in the afternoons, and the first golden aspens in late August and early September signal fall is arriving.
As the busy summer vacation season winds down and before ski season ramps up, Beaver Creek is an easy mountain escape for friends, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quiet, but adventurous, getaway.
My friend Adeina joined me for a two-night stay in late August. We packed in hiking, a 4×4 wine excursion, great meals, lots of laughs, and plenty of downtime without the weekend ever feeling rushed.
Stay at The Charter at Beaver Creek
The Charter at Beaver Creek is an easy basecamp. The European-inspired property is tucked into the trees and within walking distance of Beaver Creek Village. The location makes it easy to park your car and forget about it.
Adeina and I had a two-bedroom condo (unit A260), giving us plenty of space to spread out. Having separate bedrooms and a shared living area is especially nice when traveling with a friend. Plus, we had a delightful balcony with a view.
There’s a nice outdoor saltwater pool with a sundeck, plus indoor pool with hot tubs. Book a treatment at Elevation Recovery Spa. If you don’t want to venture into the village for dinner, Charter Steakhouse is the on-site restaurant and bar.
Take a 4×4 Wine Excursion to Beano’s Cabin
Our first adventure was a 4×4 Wine Excursion to Beano’s Cabin. The scenic ride climbs Beaver Creek Mountain and is part of the fun.
Beano’s Cabin sits in a tranquil setting surrounded by mountainside meadows that are skin runs in winter. The tasting pairs a phenomenal charcuterie board with glasses of Prosecco, white and red wines. The 4×4 Wine Excursions are offered June through September.
It’s a fun way to experience Beaver Creek’s higher elevations without hiking to get there. Wine, cheese, wildflowers, or golden aspens in September, and a mountain view are also a pretty fabulous way to start a weekend.
Back in Beaver Creek Village, we headed to Hooked for a light dinner. We split the lobster and crab fondue and a shrimp tempura roll. It was a delightful evening to dine on their patio.
Hike Beaver Creek Mountain
Beaver Creek has quick access to more than 60 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Adeina and I opted for different hiking adventures, making it easy for both of us to tackle the trail and distance we wanted.
I headed out early for Beaver Lake. While she enjoyed the more mellow first part of what I hiked.
From Beaver Creek Village, you can jump on the Five Senses Trail. It passes Beaver Creek Chapel. Step inside the simple but beautiful chapel if its open.
The mellow start ends once you connect with Beaver Lake Trail. That’s where the climbing really begins.
Beaver Creek Village sits at about 8,100 feet. Beaver Lake is at 9,746 feet. Late-summer wildflowers still lined portions of the trail during my hike, while hints of yellow in the aspens offered the first signs of fall.
The lake and mountain scenery are worth the workout.
Slow Down in Beaver Creek Village
After my hike, I met up with Adeina, already sipping a latte in the village. An iced latte and burrito were calling my name at Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Company.
As afternoon thunderstorms roll through, it’s a good excuse for some downtime at your condo. Once the storms cleared, we headed back outside.
We tried to make it back for one of Beaver Creek’s sweetest traditions. Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies are handed out daily at 3 p.m. near the bottom of Centennial Express. We missed the Cookie Time guy by one minute as he was already wandering through the village.
A gondola ride is an easy way to enjoy the mountain views without a lot of effort. You can ride the gondola to hike multiple trails as an alternative to Beaver Lake Trail or just relax at Spruce Saddle.
After enjoying the view, we were hoping to pop into Golden Eagle Inn for a mid-afternoon nibble, but the restaurant closes 3-5p, so we opted for an early happy of cocktails and truffle fries with live music on the patio at Chophouse, before our 7 p.m.
Enjoy an Evening in Beaver Creek Village
In between happy hour and dinner, we caught some live music in the village. Summer Saturdays also bring live music to the village. The Colorado Showcase Concert series features Colorado musicians on the village stage from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Beaver Creek Chophouse has been a longtime favorite of mine. The slopeside restaurant sits at the base of Centennial Express, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the mountain setting.
Opting for a light dinner, we split the grilled peaches and baby kale salad. For an entree, I ordered appetizer crab cakes, while Adeina went for French onion soup. Eating light means saving room for something sweet, and we split the gourmet ice cream sandwich.
Breakfast at Alpine and Antlers
Before heading back to Denver, we enjoyed a delightful early breakfast at Alpine and Antlers. It was the perfect send-off to a fun stay blending adventure and relaxation.
Why Visit Beaver Creek in Late Summer and Fall?
Beaver Creek has a wonderfully relaxed feel when the ski slopes are green.
Late summer brings wildflowers, long hiking days, and comfortable afternoons. As August gives way to September, cooler mornings arrive and splashes of yellow begin appearing in the aspens.
It’s also a great window for travelers looking to enjoy a popular Colorado summer destination with fewer crowds. Come with a friend, plan a couples’ weekend, or make it a solo mountain escape.
One of my favorite things about a Beaver Creek weekend this time of year is that you don’t need to constantly be on the go. Wander through the village, enjoy a nice hike or bike ride, grab a cocktail, or simply find a spot outside and enjoy being in the mountains.
For luxury stay in another part of Beaver Creek, check out post on Batchelor Gulch. For another weekend in the mountains at a neighboring resort, head to Keystone for a stay at Kindred Resort.
