Welcome to Edwards, Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Vail Valley, Edwards is a small but vibrant community that perfectly blends world-class recreation with an authentic small-town charm. Located just 110 miles west of Denver, Edwards is surrounded by the majestic Sawatch Mountain Range, with the Eagle River flowing gracefully through its center. This unincorporated gem offers visitors and residents alike a diverse range of shopping, dining, lodging, and services, making it a gateway to the exceptional lifestyle of Colorado’s high country.

 A Growing Community with Rich Offerings

Established in 1984, Edwards sits at an elevation of 7,226 feet and is home to approximately 11,250 residents, making it the largest unincorporated community in Eagle County. Its friendly neighborhoods, access to mountain trails, rivers, and open spaces, as well as a thriving commercial center, have turned Edwards into a sought-after destination for visitors and a cherished home for locals. Just 15 miles west of Vail and 5 miles from Avon, Edwards boasts a unique combination of natural beauty and modern amenities.

Eagle County comprises six towns—Vail, Red Cliff, Minturn, Avon, Eagle, and Gypsum—and numerous unincorporated communities functioning as Metropolitan Districts. Edwards stands out as the largest of these, embodying the best aspects of small-town living while addressing the needs of a growing population.

Edwards Metropolitan District (EMD)

As part of this unincorporated area, the Edwards Metropolitan District operates under the Service Plan and Operation Plan, which define its role in maintaining streets, drainage, traffic signalization, parks, recreation, and more. These documents guide EMD’s mission to ensure a high quality of life for residents. You can explore the full plans at Governing Documents.

Originally established as a Water District, EMD evolved in 1984 into a Metropolitan District with expanded powers, including:

• Streets and drainage
• Traffic signalization and transportation
• Parks and recreation (in partnership with Mountain Recreation Metropolitan District)
• Mosquito control
• Fire protection services (with Eagle River Fire Protection District consent)
• Business recruitment, management, and development

Collaborative Governance

As Edwards lacks a municipal government, EMD works collaboratively with Eagle County and other entities to provide essential services. These include police protection, planning and land use, fire protection, water and sanitation, recreation, and health services. EMD also appoints a representative to the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority, which supplies water to the District.

Community Engagement and Vision

Guided by the Edwards Area Community Plan, created in 2003 and updated in 2017, EMD partners with Eagle County and other agencies to address the evolving needs of the community. 

The District holds monthly Board meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 12:00 PM in the Community Room at the Edwards Field House (450 Miller Ranch Rd). A Zoom option is available for those who cannot attend in person, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all.

Edwards, Colorado, is more than just a place to visit—it's a community that combines natural beauty, modern amenities, and a collaborative spirit to create a truly exceptional place to live, work, and play.