For many years, Minturn has been a historical gem in the Vail Valley. This charming, small-town is situated between the famous ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek. Minturn is set in the heart of White River National Forest land offering visitors a mountain escape while enjoying skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and more.
Population: 1,027
Elevation: 7,861 feet
Temperatures:
Claim to Fame: There are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area and White River National Forest. Colorado Highway 24, running through town is also a designated Colorado Scenic Byway, offering stunning views along the way.
Click here to view the Minturn & Red Cliff Outdoor Responsible Recreation Guide. This outdoor responsible recreation guide provides two-day itineraries for each of the four seasons. Together, we will keep our public lands open, safe, and clean all year long.
Minturn is the perfect place for any outdoor recreation fan because it is surrounded by the Holy Cross Wilderness, a national forest, and the Eagle River. There is an outdoor adventure available in every season: hiking, biking, fishing, uphilling, snowshoeing and more! About 35 percent of Minturn is designated wilderness and includes portions of the Holy Cross and Eagles’ Nest Wildernesses. One of the most loved hikes is the Missouri Lakes Trail, which is an amazing hike with stunning scenery with creeks, wildflowers, lakes, and alpine cirques.
Minturn Bike Park is a free bike park for kids and families. It is used by kids and beginners who want to improve their bike riding abilities. The park also includes advanced dirt jumps and technical gravity trail features with rock drops, wood features, bridges, and more.
Little Beach Park is situated between the Minturn cliffs and the Eagle River, which makes it the perfect location to spend time with family, have a picnic or small party since the park has many shade trees, picnic tables, grills, and an easy access to the river for fishing and boating. The park also features a playground for all ages, a climbing wall & rock climbing, and a basketball court. Stop by in the evening and there might even be a local band playing.
The Minturn Market is a true artisan market held weekly from mid-June to early September. The market features a variety of vendors with items such as farm-fresh produce, fine art, jewelry, clothing, gifts and more. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch at the market. Live music and face painting for the kids will ensure that this event is filled with fun for the whole family.
Minturn’s Independence Day Celebration is usually celebrated on July 2 with a parade, live music, great food, and fireworks. This day features a bounce house for the kids to play in, a mechanical bull, face painting, and balloon artists. While in Minturn, explore the restaurants, cafes, and shops around the charming town.
Christmas Tree Bonfire is an event to say goodbye to the year’s holiday season in a spectacular way. Minturn hosts this free family-friend event and takes place in Little Beach Park. Visit with friends around a warm fire and enjoy free hot chocolate and smores.
The Minturn Concert Series is an annual intimate outdoor free concert event with music of all genres. The concert takes place in Little Beach Park next to the Eagle River, which allows visitors to enjoy the wonderful outdoors, use the picnic tables and grills while listening to amazing music.
Eat well and different in the historic and unique town of Minturn which features plenty of secluded restaurants that offer an extraordinary experience to visitors. The town has the perfect meal for every craving, from casual eats to gourmet menus, the town has something to please everyone. Minturn is known for having the most lively historic restaurant in the Vail Valley that offers a friendly gambling joint and a bar. Many of the restaurants have a patio, which makes it a great opportunity to socialize, grab a drink, enjoy the stunning views, and relax after a day of outdoor adventures.