The Perfect Beach Getaway in Colorado Rocky Mountains
Beach or Mountains?? Sometimes choosing between the beach and the mountains for a summer vacation is a tough decision, but if you did not know it already, here in Vail Valley there is a way to have both! Imagine this… you wake up in the morning to the serene tranquility and stunning beauty of the mountains. The sun rises over the horizon as you ride your bike or scooter through stunning scenery. After a long day of adventuring and exploring, you are definitely ready for some relaxation in the water.
Colorado may be landlocked but that doesn’t mean the state doesn’t boast some sandy and scenic beaches. A Colorado beach is a sandy oasis on a lake’s shore. The summer heat warms up the water to make these spots a perfect place to swim and lounge. This summer, head to one of best Colorado beaches in Avon to cool off and chill out.
The Vail Valley offers several water activities that allow you to experience a unique beach adventure while in the mountains. If you cannot go to the beach, we will bring the beach to you.
You have to experience the epic views of the Vail Valley from peaceful Nottingham Lake, which is located in a small town of Avon, Colorado. Rent a boat, paddleboat or a standup paddleboard and explore the relaxing waters of this amazing mountain lake. You can also enjoy kayaking, boating, fishing, or simply soak in some Colorado sunshine on the sandy beach. The park also has running and walking paths, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a playground, and grills around the park to enjoy a cookout. What else do you need for a perfect mountain beach gateway?
Nottingham Lake & Beach are Open for the Summer Season!
Beaches in Colorado are truly unique, with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains that you will not typically find along ocean coastlines. Whether it is sunbathing, camping, biking, playing volleyball, swimming or building sandcastles — we guarantee that a trip to the beach in Avon, Colorado will be one of your most memorable.
Nottingham Park is ready for Summer 2021!
The Town of Avon is excited to announce the opening of Nottingham Lake and Beach for the 2021 summer season! Nottingham Park is always a prominent gathering place for both everyday enjoyment and outdoor recreation opportunities. Eagle County’s Public Health Order was lifted beginning Wednesday, May 19th, paving the way for a full schedule of events and programs in the park!
Local triathletes know Nottingham Lake as their training grounds. It’s one of the only swimmable lakes in the region, both legally (in the designated swimming area) and due to its (somewhat) tolerable water temperatures, which range from 60 to 68 degrees in the summer. Hanging on the beach is always a nice option, especially for kids.
Nottingham Lake opens for swimming on Thursday, May 26th with SUP and pedal boat rentals available through SUP Colorado on the north shore of Nottingham Beach. Guests are welcome to bring their own boats or paddleboards. Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet are allowed, and PFDs are required for all passengers. Please launch in the designated areas adjacent to the docks on the north and south sides of the lake.
The Nottingham Park restrooms are open for the season during park operating hours. Picnic reservations are available for groups of 50 or less, and the barbecue grills and picnic shelters are ready and available for public use. The public is reminded that Nottingham Park grills may not be used during Stage 2 fire restrictions or a Red Flag Warning.
Nottingham Park is the crown-jewel of Avon, and we are thrilled to return to a normal schedule of events and recreational park activities!
The Town of Avon has partnered with Stand Up Paddle Colorado to offer recreation activities on the lake during the summer months from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day weekend from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. They offer pedal boat rentals, stand up paddle board rentals, and kayak rentals.
This summer will be filled with our signature recreation programs! Drop-In Open Water Swim return on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. starting June 10th and our Dunk-N-Dash race duathlon series will return on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. beginning June 28th. Our family Father’s Day race, the Daddy’s Girl Tu-Tu 2K, is scheduled for Sunday, June 20th. Lastly, hundreds of athletes will assemble at the beach for the Colorado Swimming Open Water Swim Championships on August 14th and 15th.
Outdoor fitness offerings begin in June with spin, yoga and HIIT classes in the mix. The Nottingham Park Fit Court will be utilized for some classes but remains available for everyday use! Take your pick of activities in the park whether it is at the beach, on our paved walking and biking paths, on our playground or at the basketball, volleyball, tennis or pickleball courts.
Please call Stand Up Paddle Colorado at (970) 453-7873 for more information.
Avon.org lists the following water sports available at the Lake this summer.
Paddle Board Rentals
Stand up paddle boards are available for rent by the hour to use on Nottingham Lake.
- Fees: $30 per hour for paddle board rental
- No pets are allowed on the paddle boards
- Life jackets are provided
Pedal Boat Rentals
Four-person pedal boats are available for rent by the hour to use on Nottingham Lake.
- Fees: $20 per half-hour and $25 per one-hour for pedal boat rental
- No pets are allowed on the pedal boats
- Life jackets are provided and are required to be worn by all persons at all times
- Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while on the pedal boats
Athletic Equipment Rentals
Tennis racquets, volleyballs, and frisbees are available to borrow from the Recreation Center’s Front Desk. A driver’s license or credit card must be held until all equipment has been returned. Equipment is not available for overnight rental.
Fishing on Nottingham Lake
Colorado State Fishing Laws apply. Fishing may be conducted from the banks of the lake during boating hours and is permitted from the dock anytime prior to 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at many Avon retail stores.
Boat Registration
The Town of Avon Parks and Recreation Department no longer requires boat registration. Boats must have enough PFDs for all occupants.
Check out what other people are saying about Nottingham Lake gateway on TripAdvisor.
How to get to Avon, CO? Getting to Avon By Car.
Planning a Colorado road trip? Or do you live within driving distance? Avon is a must-stop spot! Here are approximate driving times (given no traffic or weather conditions) and mileage from some nearby destinations:
Aspen to Avon – 1 hour 50 minutes – 93 miles
Vail to Avon – 16 minutes – 10 miles
Breckenridge to Avon – 1 hour – 46 miles
Eagle to Avon – 21 minutes – 21 miles
Eagle Airport to Avon – 26 minutes – 25 miles
Colorado Springs to Avon – 3 hours 3 minutes – 172 miles
Denver to Avon – 1 hour 50 minutes – 106 miles
Denver Airport to Avon – 2 hours 20 minutes – 133 miles
Fort Collins to Avon – 2 hour 50 minutes – 166 miles
Grand Junction to Avon – 1 hour 50 minutes – 138 miles
Steamboat Springs to Avon – 1 hour 40 minutes – 84 miles
If you’re traveling to Avon from the west along Interstate 70 during summer months, it is usually an easy drive, but it is always recommended up until May 31st (and sometimes required) that your vehicle has appropriate snow tires, four-wheel drive, and/or chains. The route requires driving over several passes, which are known to have dangerous conditions in winter, and pretty easy driving conditions in summer if the weather is cooperating.
Parking at the Nottingham Lake has always been an issue. Now with more restrictions coming into place this summer, it is highly recommended to use Public Transport, Private Car Service, Uber or Vail Taxi services to get to the lake and not have to worry about parking. The use of public transportation is always encouraged as well as walking or riding a bike to the park. Free on street parking is available but very-very limited.
Please consider reserving a private SUV with one of the local Avon, Vail or Beaver Creek transportation companies or private car services. There are quite a few in the area to choose from. Check out TripAdvisor for reviews.
https://www.vailmag.com/outdoors/2016/06/great-lakes-best-for-paddling-swimming
https://www.avon.org/431/Nottingham-Lake-and-Beach
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2263146260025/nottingham-lake-beach-are-open?s=i3
https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/2020/07/the-ultimate-beach-getaway-in-the-mountains/