Set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Keystone Colorado is renowned by outdoors men, hikers, and winter sports aficionados alike. Located within Summit County where according to the county website “Our elevation ranges from a low of 7,947 feet above sea level at Green Mountain Reservoir to 14,270 feet at Gray’s peak”. Although a small part of summit county, Keystone which is comprised of a large ski resort of the same name, has been built up a great deal since its humble beginnings back in the early 1970’s. Currently Keystone is comprised of a 7 mile stretch along the Snake River, within that area are three mountains and three accompanying villages that contain shops, bars, stores, restaurants, and world class accommodations. While it is true that Keystone, and Summit County as a whole are primary known for their world class ski resorts there are many other obscure highlights of Keystone Co, which will be discussed in greater detail below.
Highlights of Keystone Co- Winter
Outdoor Activities
- Ice Rinks- Keystone is home to two outdoor ice skating rinks, including the pristine rink located at Keystone Lake in Lakeside Village which offers some of the best combination of setting and skating in the country. The mountains are spread all around, and skating there oftentimes feels like being in a fairy tale.
Brewery Hopping
- There are several breweries located throughout Summit County including: Broken Compass a highly regarded brewery known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality beers, try the coconut porter. Angry Middle James Brewery located in nearby Silverthorne is known to combine locals with visitors ensuring a lively atmosphere, the beer is good too.
River Run Village
Known as the hub of Keystone, River Run Village combines a variety of boutiques and restaurants in a compact area that is frequently used for events the likes of which include a Mardi Gras Party and Gumbo kickoff, the Keystone wine and Jazz festival, as well as frequent firework displays and other activities, for more information check out the Keystone festivals website…. https://www.keystonefestivals.com/keystone-wine/.
Highlights of Keystone Co- Summer
The summer season in Keystone can be just as exiting as the more famed winter season, Keystone offers something for everyone.
Summer Snow Tubing
- Yep, you read that right, no matter the time of year the option for snow related activities is available in Keystone. Adventure point offers its tubing park even in the summer months. Complete with a high tech, escalator esque lift, the summer snow tube park is one of the premier facilities of its type in the world.
Keystone Lake
- There is nothing more picturesque than a high alpine set Keystone Lake, Keystone provides visitors with a variety of activities to choose from including paddle boarding, canoeing, as well as adjacent bike trails from which one can enjoy the incredible scenery.
Various Free Activities
- Perhaps the greatest advantage of visiting Keystone during the summer I.E. the off season are the free activities available. On Friday afternoons the areas Friday Afternoon Club offers free scenic chairlift rides to the top of Dercum Mountain, once at the summit guests are privy to free music and additional activities that vary from time to time. Significant discounts on food and wine can also be found on “Free Fridays”.
The community of Keystone has grown from a small resort in the early 1970’s to its prominent place today among the country’s best ski resort communities. Keystone has set itself apart from other resorts of similar natures through its plethora of interesting things to see and do, year round. Hopefully this article touched on some of the highlights of Keystone CO, for more information please visit the Keystone resort web page: https://www.keystoneresort.com or the Summit County website : http://www.co.summit.co.us.
