20 Best Things to Do in Eagle, CO

The town of Eagle is the County seat of Eagle County, Colorado, residing in the west-central area of the county in Eagle River valley at 6,601 feet of elevation.

The ranch town is a two-hour drive from Denver and lies west of the Avon area.

Eagle has a current population of 7,511 based on the 2020 United States Census.

It’s a Statutory Town and is also a part of the Edwards CO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The town was incorporated on April 5, 1905.

This laid-back area is true to its “Classic Colorado” slogan, with its rich cultural roots dating back to the Native American era.

The town offers a unique old-western flavor with a small-town community feel and wild outdoor attractions.

Eagle has numerous world-class single-track trails and terrains perfect for hiking, biking, trail running, and horseback riding.

Ski resorts, caves, springs, and mountain areas are accessible around Eagle.

Get to see these sights and find out the best things to do in Eagle, Colorado.

Go for Raft and Kayak Adventures at the Eagle River

Eagle River will give you an entertaining expedition of the clear Colorado waters.

The river stretches between the areas of Wolcott and Eagle and is a favorite spot among anglers.

The river’s rocky stretch may challenge your maneuvering skills a bit, especially when you get to an area with low water levels.

Paddle your way as you pass through the Red Canyon and get fascinating views of the area.

With this route, the easiest put-in along the Eagle River is from the Wolcott Campground, where you can also access the parking area and complete restroom facilities.

You can take out on Chambers Park, where you’ll see a primitive boat ramp which is the only take-out before the Rodeo Rapids area.

Just make sure you get to exit at Chambers Park, or you’ll risk going towards the fast Class IV Rodeo Rapids.

Go for a Scenic Hike from the Second Gulch

The Second Gulch route provides a well-marked and mellow path, though, with a few hundred feet in length with a steep incline and dusty surface.

The loop goes with the Third Gulch and leads to other Eagle trails like the Riddle and Mayer Gulch.

The loop is great for ATV and dirt bike rides, especially the connectors to Hardscrabble Road.

You’ll find both single and double track loops that are great for bike rides and trail running, too.

It’s a fantastic area for leaf peepers and viewing wildlife.

Enjoy Recreational Sports at the Mountain Recreation Eagle Pool & Ice Rink

Located on Bull Pasture Road, the Mountain Recreation Eagle Pool & Ice Rink offers various activities you can try with your family.

Splash up at the large zero-depth entry outdoor pool or zoom through the large and small waterslides.

There are also six 25-lap lanes to aid beginners to more advanced swimmers.

Try the NHL-size ice rink, the homecourt for the Vail Mountaineers Hockey Club, and score some goals on the ice.

There are loads of programs for kids like summer camps, skating lessons, sports clinics, and leagues they will surely enjoy.

Be at Par with Your Golf Game at Eagle Ranch Golf Course

Enjoy hours of tee time at the Eagle Ranch Golf Course with the Colorado Rocky Mountains in the background.

This golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer and was opened in 2001.

Practice your golf swing with guided instructors or be in your golf game mode and take on the challenge of the course.

They also have a Junior Golf program for aspiring and future pro golfers.

Stop by and relax at the Clubhouse, find some great merchandise at the Golf Shop, or eat some hearty meal at Eagle Ranch Grille.

Have an Exciting Hot Air Balloon Ride by Camelot Balloons

Camelot Balloons has been in the business for over 30 years, offering hot air balloon rides over the scenic Rocky Mountains.

Fly away and see the breathtaking 360-degree views over Vail the Avon and the Eagle and Gypsum areas.

You’ll be set to meet at Buckhorn Wildlife Park just after sunrise to prepare for your flight while the crew inflates the balloons.

You’ll get to enjoy the balloon tour for 45-60 minutes in the air.

At the culmination of the balloon ride, you’ll be served light snacks and a champagne toast to celebrate the morning.

This tradition of champagne toast dates back 200 years when the first balloon flights were held in France.

Ride a Dirtbike at Bocco Mountain Recreation Area

The 1,396-acre Bocco Mountain Recreation Area can be accessed just north of the Wolcott area and the west part of Vail.

Though the area is much smaller than other lands owned by the BLM government agency, it has become one of the popular dirtbike destinations in Colorado.

It has been recognized by the Step Outside Organization as second on its list of Five Amazing Dirt Motorcycle Trails in the state.

It offers upland riding with spectacular sceneries.

The recreation area offers an 18-mile stretch of single-track trails exclusive to non-motorized vehicles.

You’ll get to utilize the well-developed trails and properly placed signages.

With the amazing view and terrain, no wonder why this has become a favorite location for thrillseekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Enjoy Local Coffee at Red Canyon Café

A locally-owned coffee shop and restaurant on Broadway, the Red Canyon Café has been serving the Eagle community and travelers passing the area since 2006.

Admired for its warm and friendly service and atmosphere, Red Canyon is the best local place to stop for breakfast, lunch, and of course, a cup of coffee.

The café opens seven days a week with choices of breakfast meals, sandwiches, soups, and salads on the menu.

Try their breakfast specialties of pastries, bagels, and satisfying burritos.

Have a filling lunch with artisan sandwiches, hearty soups, and healthy salads.

And you’ll surely have a good caffeine fix with the local Espresso drinks and coffee.

Dig in for Smoking Barbecue at Moe’s Original BBQ

What’s a Western country experience without feasting on a smoking barbecue?

Moe’s Original BBQ at Grand Avenue is famous for serving flavorful and tasty food at an affordable price.

The present venue is an old gas station revamped to cater to locals and visitors with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Get to savor some of their sandwich specials like Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, and Smoked Turkey, or sink your teeth in the Southern Fried Shrimp Moe Boy.

It’s a hot barbecue treat when you try their Pulled Pork, Smoked Turkey, Chicken Wings, and Ribs.

Enjoy their Food Specials every Thursday, drop by for Happy Hour for some beer and drinks, and see some local entertainment.

Bring Your Fur Baby to the Town of Eagle Dog Park

Fur parents will be ecstatic to find out about the Town of Eagle Dog Park—a perfect addition to your itinerary if you have your pets with you.

Town of Eagle Dog Park is a rustic dog park that doubles as a natural area.

This is because it’s less of a man-made dog park and more of a grassy open field that the town has converted by adding fences, obstacle courses, and a few benches.

It’s also right by a creek, accentuating the natural beauty of this dog park.

This makes Town of Eagle Dog Park a haven for larger breeds, especially working dogs that need a lot of exercise and stimulation.

You can access Town of Eagle Dog Park along Sylvan Lake Road, across Eagle Ranch Golf Course.

Watch an Old Film at Capitol Theatre

Capitol Theatre is a hidden gem in the busy streets of Eagle, found along Capitol Street near Eagle Ranch Golf Course.

What makes this a special theater is the vintage vibes it gives off mostly due to its old-school architecture and interior design.

This rustic look of Capitol Theatre makes it a great stopover as well to take photos, even if you don’t intend to watch a movie.

If, however, you do, Capitol Theatre has several interesting screenings, and while it may look old, the place is pretty comfy in terms of seating and ventilation.

If you have some downtime or you have a thing for vintage cinema houses, give Capitol Theatre a try.

Tour Chambers Park Local History Museum

Found along Fairgrounds Road lies Chambers Park Local History Museum, managed by the non-profit organization, Eagle County Historical Society.

This museum has several artifacts displayed that depict the early agricultural life of Eagle’s pioneers—dating as far back as the time of the Utes who are known as the oldest residents of Colorado.

Beyond that, you’ll also see more recent relics here, such as when Eagle County was developing into a ski resort town during the 1960s.

Some of the leading attractions in Chambers Park Local History Museum include large ranch and farming equipment from the 19th Century.

If you’re a lover of history, this underrated museum is a must-try, so contact the organization for tours.

Go Rock Climbing at Eagle Climbing + Fitness

Eagle Climbing + Fitness is a go-to rock climbing center in Eagle, a great excursion if you’re planning to hike the mountainous areas of Colorado.

This rock-climbing gym is highly rated by both locals and tourists because of their facilities and excellent staff.

The climbing routes are well thought of, and there’s plenty of space and areas that keeps the place efficient even on busy hours.

The place also has an indoor gym, making it an all-rounder for those who want to do conditioning.

Eagle Climbing + Fitness can be located along Chambers Avenue.

Relax at Eagle Town Park

Eagle Town Park is one of the leading town parks that has huge open fields for picnics and relaxation during spring, summer, and fall.

During the winter, this place becomes clad in snow and even features an ice-skating rink, making it a haven for winter sports.

If you’re lucky, there are events being held occasionally at Eagle Town Park as well.

During the summer, there are free live concerts that happen here once a week—a great bonus if you’re visiting during that season.

With lots to offer depending on the time of your visit, Eagle Town Park is a great place to check out.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Camping at Sylvan Lake State Park

This 1548-acre state park is surrounded by the White River National Forest and was established in 1987.

Campsites and cabins are available, as well as yurts and picnic sites.

Meet some wildlife like elks, mules, pine marten, and beavers in the area.

Take a boat ride in the serene waters and enjoy the sight of lush aspen groves, pines, and firs.

Go Fishing or Hunting at Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area

The Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area is a stretch of nearly 90 acres of ponds that offers great outdoor recreational activities.

You can enjoy fishing some rainbow trout and cutthroat trout or hunting for waterfowl on the ponds.

Make sure, though, that you have a valid hunting or fishing and waterfowl license to do these activities.

You can also watch different bird species or view wildlife in the marshlands.

It’s important for you to also take note of reminders and restrictions when you’re in the area.

Play Great Sports at Edwards Freedom Park

The Edwards Freedom Park facility is located at Miller Ranch Road in Edwards.

It regularly hosts the largest lacrosse, baseball, and soccer leagues and tournaments in Eagle.

The site can also be booked for sports tourism tournaments.

Enjoy some time for skates or have some water fun at the splash park.

You can try some laps, jog or exercise at the multipurpose fields.

Play a game of soccer or lacrosse on the large artificial lawn field.

Have a Fun Game of Golf at Gypsum Creek Golf Course

Located at Gypsum Valley, the Gypsum Creek Golf Course is a premier golf venue with splendid scenery.

Designed by Pete Dye, this 18-hole Championship course accommodates golfers of all levels.

For first-time golfers and newbies, the instruction programs offer fun learning about the golf game.

Their Resident Teaching Professional, Blake Scott, will be there to assist you with golf lessons and tips.

Aside from the excellent course grounds, you can also dine at Creekside Grill, with a panoramic view of mountain ranges and fairways.

You can enjoy some fine wine, tasty appetizers, and a sumptuous dinner while looking at the sunset from the spacious outdoor deck.

Explore Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Get to stay at one of Colorado’s prime ski resorts, the Beaver Creek Ski Resort, located near Avon.

The resort is owned by Vail Resorts and is composed of three villages, the Beaver Creek Village, the Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead.

The prestigious resort is a regular host of World cup events, usually happening in December.

Enjoy winter activities like skiing or snowboarding.

Visit the Beaver Creek Wonder and get to see outdoor displays like the Frost Flowers, Chips, Ice Bikes, and Snowed In.

There are plenty of shops to buy goods from apparel to sports gear.

You can’t miss the galleries like the C. Anthony Gallery, Horton Fine Art, the Knox Galleries, the Paderewski Fine Art, and Tony Newlin Gallery.

You’ll find good eats at the Beaver Creek Village from quick services like the Candy Cabin or the Talons, or you can opt for fine dining at Beano’s Cabin, Allie’s Cabin, Zach’s Cabin, and Citrea.

Learn about Natural Science at Walking Mountains Science Center

The Walking Mountains Science Center is an environmental resource and learning center that provide opportunities to learn about nature, learn about the wonders of the mountain environment and share sustainability programs.

It serves as a nonprofit institution founded in 1998 by Kim Langmaid.

You can have a great family nature time and educational hikes with the Snowshoe Tours and Experiences and the Nature Walk.

Go for a more exciting backcountry experience like the Full Moon Snowshoe hike at the Buck Creek Trail, where you’ll climb up to 700 feet above the valley floor under a full moon.

They also offer great Summer Camps for kids to learn and have fun at the same time.

Get to join special and featured events or catch workshop lectures and films.

Enjoy Horseback Riding at Bearcat Stables

Bearcat Stables at Squaw Creek Road in Edwards offers horseback rides that your family can surely enjoy.

The business was established in 1998 and is acclaimed as one of the Vail Valley’s top stables and was also featured in several magazines like Trail Rider and American Way.

The stable is placed at the historic Bearden Homestead, where early settlers in the 1900s lived.

Get to hear about and rediscover stories of American history and travel through the Cordillera Valley.

You can get an hour of horseback ride or book a four-day trip to Aspen.

You’ll get to see the ranch settled in Squaw Creek, renovated, and now has become well-known horseback riding stable operated by the Indian Summer Outfitters.

See some videos and photos of American Pioneers on display.

Final Thoughts

Eagle is a laidback western town with numerous trails and terrain that any outdoor fan would love.

It has an array of natural attractions like gulches, mountain ranges, and river lines where you can also enjoy and do various activities.

The town, as small as it is, hosts great tourist locations and some even to be discovered.

Get to see these incredible nature locations in Eagle and see that this town has much to offer.