Escaping the Heat: Top Spots to Cool Off in the Valley This Summer

Nestled in the heart of the Vail Valley, Edwards, Colorado, offers an idyllic escape for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. Just a short drive west of Denver, Edwards is not only a hub for the outdoors but also a destination known for its vibrant dining scene and picturesque Riverwalk. As temperatures rise, finding ways to cool off becomes essential, and Edwards has access to plenty of activities and spots to get a break from the summer heat.

Whether you’re hiking shaded trails, relaxing by the river, or indulging in refreshing local drinks, this guide will help you discover the best ways to beat the heat and make the most of your summer stay in Edwards, CO.

1.) Feel the Breeze

Being in the Vail Valley surrounded by beautiful outdoor recreation, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The area is also known as an epi-center for delicious dining and if you want to be near it all, Edwards is the spot to stay. Driving west from Denver on I-70, you can pull off towards the Edwards Riverwalk in the town of Edwards, about 20 minutes past Vail.

Local Tip: At  7,569 feet in elevation, the altitude and the heat can get to you. Be sure to plan accordingly and pack a reusable water bottle, hats, sunscreen, and maybe even a hydration powder packet like Liquid IV to keep you and your crew hydrated for exploring Edwards. 

Hit the Patio

Picture this: a cool breeze, a refreshing cocktail, and a shaded outdoor patio. Sounds dreamy, right? Edwards restaurants along the Riverwalk have no shortage of outdoor dining space. At The Inn at Riverwalks’s resident restaurant, Mountain Fish House, guests can grab a delicious drink and enjoy the open garage-style door when temperatures rise. Sip an Aperol Spritz with a shared plate of oysters to get the full fish house experience.  

Across from the Riverwalk is the local favorite Craftsman Brew Co., where visitors can always find cold kombuchas and refreshing frozen cocktails. Craftsman’s happy hour is daily from 3:30-6 pm. For an expanded list of great outdoor sipping spots, read our full Guide to Happy Hour in the Vail Valley.

Hit the Trail

There are many trails to choose from in and around Edwards. Find the shade on trails like Stag Gulch Trail. Or head to the heights to catch the breeze on hikes a bit further in nature like the Flat Tops. Read our Guide to Vail Valley Hiking Trails for more hikes to add to your itinerary.

2.) Head to the Water

One of the easiest ways to cool off is to spend time/spend a day at the river. Luckily there are a few nearby. The Eagle River flows through the Valley and right through The Inn’s backyard. One of our favorite ways to spend a few hours is sitting by the Eagle River and having a picnic with sandwiches from Boardroom Market & Deli. Freedom Park parallels the Eagle River in Edwards, making it easy to walk the river path or enjoy the Park’s green spaces.

Float the River

River floating and rafting are staple summer activities in the Vail Valley. If you are looking for a family float that doesn’t encounter too many rapids, we recommend checking out Timberline Tours’ Dinosaur Discovery Rafting trip. The rafting company has a variety of raft/float trips, but this one is regarded as the most fun for families. The float goes down the Colorado River making stops to dig at the Fossil Posse bone quarry, where guests find fossil shark teeth, ammonites, and fossil bone pieces. Other activities along the float include fossil casting, geology talks, fossil presentations, and meeting a living fossil, Fossil Posse’s giant snapping turtle.

Explore whitewater rafting from Edwards. 

Fly Fishing with Vail Valley Anglers

The Eagle River flows right through Edwards offering floating, rafting, and trout fishing throughout the year. A short walk on the Riverwalk from The Inn, Vail Valley Anglers takes care of everything you need for a day on the river. Choose from guided float trips, wading trips, and fly fishing school to spend a day on the water. Keep in mind before booking that all trips require a Colorado fishing license. Purchase a fishing license before your trip at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

Local Tip:  The Inn at Riverwalk guests receive a 15% discount on retail items at Vail Valley Anglers 

Band by the River 

An annual summer favorite, Band by the River brings live performances to the Edward’s Riverwalk Fridays beginning in June through August. The bands start at 5:30 pm and the shows end around 8:00 pm. Beverages will be available at the event and the Riverwalk is home to over a dozen restaurants. 

With the Kids

Edwards is a great spot for family getaways, too! And if you are planning a trip with little ones, these are a few summer spots and activities that will keep you cool that you cannot miss. After a family float down the river, Mountain Recreation Freedom Park Splash Park in Edwards is your next go-to. Bring their swimsuits and a picnic blanket because nearby the splash park is two playsets for kids to enjoy. 

Families also enjoy the Walking Mountains Science Center in the Valley where kids can get up close and personal with various history exhibits. Their Discovery Center located at Vail Mountain is located within a yurt accessed by a gondola ride. 

Local Tip:  If you are staying at the Inn at Riverwalk in Edwards, you can check out bikes from the Gear Garage and skip the car ride. Bike by way of the Eagle Valley Trail to Freedom Park. You’ll catch a breeze and enjoy a nice ride along the Eagle River.  

3.) Stay Poolside

One thing about the mountains, the weather can be unexpected. Plan some time by the pool when the hotter 90-degree days roll in and take a post-dinner hot tub session as temperatures make a dip in the evening. 

When it comes to staying in The Valley, a pool is a must. The Inn’s outside pool is nestled next to the Eagle River with patio loungers, lush greenery, and star gazing in the evening. Make it a pool day with a good book, refreshing drinks, and pool floaties for the family.