Keystone Summer Activities and Tips for Family Fun and Adventure
While many know Keystone, Colorado, for ski resorts that attract people throughout winter months, during summer vacationers have plenty to do as well. When temperatures warm up, visitors find new ways to explore the Keystone outdoors scene, including hiking, biking, golfing and other mountain activities. Here’s a list of the most popular Keystone summer activities for epic adventures.
8 Keystone Summer Activities to Kick Off Vacation
Take a Train Ride
Want to see Colorado via the Old West’s original mining railroads? Alpenglow Adventures offers seven railroad excursions. Visitors can select rides from three to 12 hours, providing flexibility in High Country tour options.
Keystone summer train tours take guests on Georgetown Loop, Colorado Zephyr or Royal Gorge. Alpenglow Adventures even customizes packages that include shopping spots, silver mining, picnics and lots of photo ops. These tours have delighted guests for more than 25 years, so don’t miss the fun.
Play 18 or 36 Holes of Golf
Keystone features two 18-hole courses designed with greens and hazards that flow with the natural environment. Keystone Ranch Golf Course measures a par 72 and winds through lodgehole pines and a 9-acre lake. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this course welcomes golfers to enjoy 360-views as they play the course.
The River Course at Keystone – designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry – is a par 71, with a 194-foot elevation drop on the 16th hole. In addition, golfers will find several bunkers, water hazards and stunning views of Lake Dillon.
Take Kids to Rainbow Park
In nearby Silverthorne, find one of the area’s top parks to explore. Ideal for families with children, Rainbow Park measures 7 acres packed full of places to play. Kids have quick access to a skateboard park, tennis and volleyball courts, multipurpose fields, playground, picnic tables, and public restrooms. In addition, the park hosts local events.
Drive Loveland Pass
Couples and nature lovers can’t miss Loveland Pass. Situated on the Continental Divide at nearly 12,000-foot elevation, Loveland Pass provides couples a romantic drive and opportunities to see 360-views of mountains and valleys.
Online reviewers suggest driving the pass in warmer seasons due to steep and winding roads. Moderate to experienced hikers should also hit the trails. The Pass houses three top hiking trails that range from 2 to 5 miles each. The easiest of the three is Baker Mountain Trail, which begins only steps away from the Continental Divide sign. View more Keystone hiking trails.
Summer Snow Tube
Three words: summer snow tubing. Dercum Mountain offers families the chance to enjoy snow during warm summer days. Ride the conveyor lift to the top, admire the views and ride down on a tube. Adventure Point Tubing park includes multiple lanes and a children’s area for those under 42 inches tall. This activity runs based on weather conditions, so double check availability before planning. Reservations are recommended.
Ride the Trails
For mountain bikers, Keystone Bike Park ranks among the top outdoor attractions in Keystone. Grab the bike and gear up for rocky, red-tinted terrain. The bike park features 100 miles of single track and a paved path, suitable for all skill levels.
Those looking for an adrenaline rush can take the lift to access downhill challenges. While speeding through the area, visitors see rock gardens, rock drops and high-speed options. In addition, bikers can also practice and hone their skills.
Go Horseback Riding
Keystone Stables offers another fun way to explore the region. Summer welcomes guests to try one- to two-hour guided horseback rides through Arapahoe National Forest. Tours occur various times a day, and guests are paired with a horse based on their riding experience. Families with kids ages 3 to 7 should plan a pony ride, where parents lead ponies around the corral.
Don’t Miss Keystone’s Festivals
Summertime also welcomes some of the top events in Keystone. From a bacon-lovers extravaganza to art and music, Keystone knows how to throw a party. All guests can sample Colorado mountain culture, so here’s where to buy tickets for Keystone’s festivals. A few must-sees include:
- June: Bacon and Bourbon Festival
- July: Wine and Jazz Fest, River Run Village Art Festival
- August: Bluegrass and Beer, Mountain Town Music Fest
Ready to visit? Reserve your Keystone summer vacation home.