Heading to the slopes of Vail or Beaver Creek? There are also a wealth of places outside the ski resorts that locals say you can鈥檛 miss. Here's five that highlight the diverse topographical and cultural makeup of the 1,692 square mile county.
Eagle Pharmacy: The Nearly Everything Store
This place has everything. Or . Opened in 1966, the Eagle Pharmacy on Broadway Street sells everything from scented candles to motor oil. For locals, it鈥檚 the place to go to get necessities without having to travel to Vail or Glenwood Springs.
Horse Creek Colorado River Access Point
This hidden local hot spot is about an hour from Dotsero off . The stunning country is almost the opposite of the alpine terrain at mountain ski resorts up valley. This is ranching country. Access to the Colorado River is reached by a small point surrounded by private ranch land. Locals warn it鈥檚 illegal to stray from the small area, but the views are breathtaking and worth the trip.
Red Cliff Bridge
The mountain town of , 20 miles north of Leadville, has the distinction of being the oldest town in the county. It used to be the seat of government until the more populated town of Eagle took over. Red Cliff is also the highest incorporated town in the U.S.
A true western mining town, its narrow streets and Victorian houses sit underneath the long Red Cliff Bridge spanning the Eagle River. Take scenic Highway 24 and make a sharp left just at the start of the bridge to get into Red Cliff. Locals in the area say is a place not to miss, but be sure to give them a call; hours are irregular.
The Eagle River Preserve
Home to a former gravel company, the is a recent addition to Eagle County Parks and Open Space. Right off I-70 in Edwards, locals usually can be found taking a work break for a quick hike or munching a calming lunch next to the Eagle River. It鈥檚 popular because it鈥檚 close to civilization but still feels secluded. The county spent $12 million securing the land and an abandoned home which remains at the park. The county is working to restore it into a welcome center.
Costco Eagle County Regional Airport
Are you a plane spotter? While it may not be glamorous or visually stunning, locals say the Costco next to the Eagle County Regional Airport is one of the best places to see the many planes taking off and landing. For sheer joy of watching, ranked it alongside JFK in New York and O鈥橦are in Chicago.
Located off Cooley Mesa Road in Gypsum, locals said the parking lot sits just below the airport鈥檚 single runway and offers prime viewing of the many general aviation, as well as commercial flights that converge on the airport each winter.
Know of any other can鈥檛 miss spots in Eagle County, or in your neck of the woods? Let us know in the comments below.
