Fall is a fantastic time to plan a girls' mountain trip, especially to a place like beautiful Edwards, Colorado. The aspen trees transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, creating an ideal backdrop for photos and adventures.
As the season settles in, the trees become awash with gorgeous shades of golden leaves. The morning air is crisp, but inside is cozy. Curl up in a chair with a cup of coffee until the cooler air gives way to a glorious day. This time of year, the temperature swings throughout the day, as does the weather. Be prepared for sunny days in the 70s or the possibility of snow. Pair the stunning scenery with a lively dining scene, local shops, art galleries, and a relaxing riverside hot tub for a fun fall trip with your favorite ladies.
Ready to pack your bags? Grab an oversized sweater, a pumpkin spice latte on the way, and your best gal pals for a fun fall weekend in Edwards.
Where to Catch the Fall Colors
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the fall colors. Walking through the woods under a canopy of colorful leaves is an incredible way to savor the season's beauty. The drive to the East Lake Creek Trail, on the south side of Edwards,is as beautiful as the path itself. A singletrack meanders through tall aspen groves and is one of the most scenic spots to catch the colors. It’s almost 5 miles round trip to the wooden bridge that crosses the creek, or turn around at any time - it’s gorgeous no matter how far you wander.
Beaver Creek has beautiful hiking trails. Link the Village Loop Trail with Buddy’s Wayfor a nice 3-mile loop trail that takes hikers through lush aspen groves, past the horse stables, and along the outskirts of Beaver Creek Village. For a longer hike, head to Beaver Lake, a 5-mile hike that climbs to a peaceful alpine lake. Pack sandwiches for a lunch at the lake or dine in Beaver Creek Village after your hike.
In Minturn, park at the Grouse Mountain Trailhead for a 4-mile loop that follows mountain streams through dense forest. Follow the signs to West Grouse Creek / Grouse Lake for about half a mile. At the split, take the left to the Grouse Lake Trail, which starts to climb more steeply. In another mile, the trail intersects with the Half Nelson Trail. Make a right on the newly built wide path, which gently climbs and zig zags a mile until it crosses West Grouse Creek Trail. Take another right to follow the creek back to the parking lot.
The North Trail traverses the hillside on the north side of Vail. The trail system has several entrance points, all of which provide great views of the Gore Range and Vail Mountain while walking through gorgeous aspen groves.
For a more leisurely walk, the Eagle Valley Bike Pathis a flat paved path that follows the river connecting Edwards to Vail. It’s lovely with a warm drink from The Inn at Riverwalk’s 24/7 self-serve Lavazza Coffee & Tea Bar. Cover more ground by grabbing a bike from The Inn’s complimentary Gear Garage, which is stocked with Specialized hybrid bikes.
Where Ladies Lunch and Brunch
Edwards has a vibrant dining scene that the ladies love. Most restaurants are locally owned and operated, priding themselves on sustainable sourcing and seasonal ingredients. With various cuisines and price points, there is something to satisfy everyone’s palette.
Start your day at Hovey & Harrison | Cafe, Bakery & Market for the tastiest treats in town, including fresh baked bread and pastries. Indulge in their full menu for breakfast or lunch, which features seasonally inspired food sourced from small, family-run farms in Colorado.
The Bookworm, an independent bookstore and cafe, serves smoothies, coffees, and crepes for a lighter breakfast.
For those who take their caffeine seriously, fuel your day with a coffee from Yeti’s Grind. In addition to their perfectly poured espresso, the menu includes numerous specialty latte flavors and seasonal drinks, such as a salted maple latte or the Headless Horseman; a pumpkin spice and dark chocolate latte.
Swing by The Boardroom Market & Deli to pick up sandwiches before your adventure. Their hand-crafted subs are stuffed with house-roasted meats, taking classic sandwiches to the next level.
Spend a sunny afternoon at the Drunken Goat with wine and cheese on the patio. Dozens of cheeses are available to create a custom cheese board. Their menu includes small plates, unique bruschetta combinations, and tasty grilled sandwiches. With an extensive wine list and a sun-soaked patio, this is a lively spot for lunch or dinner.
Head to Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar, located in the lobby of The Inn at Riverwalk, for the best happy hour in Edwards, offered daily from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Specials include $1.50 oysters, 50% off select appetizers, and discounted drinks. Stay for dinner to savor the best seafood in the Rocky Mountains. Their menu, sourced from fishermen on the East and West coasts, features classic dishes such as crab cakes, fish & chips, overstuffed lobster rolls, and hearty bowls of clam chowder.
For a fancy night out, Juniper is a long-time local favorite for a fine dining experience. Their elevated menu consists of contemporary cuisine and mouth-watering seasonal dishes made from scratch. Sample starters include grilled Spanish octopus or heirloom tomato and passion fruit gazpacho. Dig into main dishes, including veal scallopini with angel hair caprese, delicate Alaskan Halibut with whipped chickpea puree, or a tender braised short rib with creamy polenta and Colorado corn. Their desserts are delicious, especially the hot and sticky toffee pudding cake.
Where to Shop in Edwards
Stroll through Riverwalk, Edwards's downtown area, strung with bistro lights and filled with local shops. You will find everything you need in this compact area, from modern women’s clothing stores to outdoor gear, home decor or oriental rugs, boutique beauty supplies, unique kitchen accessories, or a bookstore. Guests at The Inn at Riverwalk receive exclusive discounts at many local stores so if you’re wondering if you need that extra souvenir, the answer is yes.
Where to Stay for a Fall Girls Getaway in Edwards
The Inn at Riverwalk is the ideal location for a girl’s fall trip to the mountains. Conveniently located in Riverwalk, The Inn is just steps from the best shopping, restaurants, and the Eagle River. Surrounded by National Forest and just minutes from Beaver Creek Ski Resort, The Inn provides easy-to-access adventure from Edwards.
The Inn is great for groups. Various room types offering mountain or river views range from a single room with a double queen or king bed to spacious one- and two-bedroom condos equipped with a full kitchen, dining room, living room, and cozy fireplace. Stocked luxury bath products, blackout curtains, and plush feather-bed topped mattresses, you’ll find a quiet and relaxing place to lay your head.
Spend quality time with your girlfriends while soaking in the riverside hot tub, gathering around the outdoor fire pit, or grabbing board games from the gear garage. For a memorable girls' getaway, The Inn at Riverwalk is your perfect home base to relax and reconnect.
Experience the beauty of fall while getting away from it all. Book your stay at The Inn at Riverwalk today.