Theres a wide array of places to stay within the Keystone community, including apartment-like condos and a new Hyatt. Thank you for your kind words, Lori! Amazing inputs about Keystone Ski Resort. Spending time under the bluebird skies relaxing on the water and enjoying the views of the Continental Divide is one of Keystones only here experiences. When temperatures warm up, visitors find new ways to explore the Keystone outdoors scene, including hiking, biking, golfing and other mountain activities. As a complete novice, I sat toward the back of the raft, and, honestly, barely paddled, but I loved being out on the gentle Arkansas River (for more advanced oarsmen, there are full day rapids to run on the mighty Colorado River), and since we were floating for 90 percent of the time on my trip, I could take in the sky stretching scenery. Epic fun! Im glad that your whole family had such a fun reunion there. Rather, we wanted to spend time together and doing things that everyone would enjoy and remember for a lifetime. Be sure to check with businesses and locations regarding travel restrictions and safety precautions before visiting. Whatever it is, Colorado offers some of the best fishing you can find. I dont know why we dont do that in the Canadian Rockies. If you'll be at Keystone in summer on a Friday, you must make time for Friday Afternoon Club. Discover the world through travel and beyond! There are outdoor pools, tennis courts, paddle boat rentals at Keystone Lake, and even a stable where you can take a trail ride with the whole family. The classic summer time activities in Keystone include mountain biking, hiking, swimming, tennis, horseback riding, golfing, fly fishing, sailing, and more. Bike rentals start at $20 per hour, but if you know youd like to explore more, multi-day rentals start at just $30 a day. I am a planning for a Colorado tour soon. Keystone is also a great place for larger groups visiting for a wedding or family reunion. I don't know who had more fun zooming down the snow covered tubing hill, my 6-year-old son or my 70-year-old parents! Beautiful Keystone, Colorado in summer (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin). Summer time in Keystone and the surrounding mountains is full of wonderful activities for families with younger children, couples, and friends. My son, who was an experienced raftsman, took the key front position and paddled all the way. This play park provides fun activities for kids after lunch or shopping in the village. For mountain bikers, Keystone Bike Park ranks among the top outdoor attractions in Keystone. (Participants must be at least 42 inches tall, which tends to be about 4 years old. Maybe its because Im a sucker for any meal served outdoors, or maybe it was being away from bright lights, Wi-Fi, and electronics, but I loved arriving at dinner via covered wagon, and the food tasted even better as the sun set. I think I like ski resorts even more in summer than in winter! (Age and height restrictions apply for some of the Kidtopia Play Park and Breckenridge Fun Park activities. Learn how your comment data is processed. Take in the scenic views from a river, and then get ready for an adventure! While speeding through the area, visitors see rock gardens, rock drops and high-speed options. Look for a bounce house, climbing wall, miniature golf, gem panning, bungee trampoline, and Montezuma Mine Shaft maze. Ive always thought wagon rides seemed a bit hokey, but when I traveled with friends to Keystone, the whole group was able to take the wagon ride together and chat along the way to our final destination: an outdoor barbecue dinner. For more information and to book your tee time call 970-496-1488. Get ready for a night of fun with old-fashioned games, a barbecue dinner, and an energetic Wild West Show when you sign up for Two Below Zeros Chuck Wagon Dinner rides. They offer guided trips and equipment rental for those with experience, as well as discounts for guests of SCMR. Keystone is home to two championship golf courses: The River Course and The Keystone Ranch Course. Packages include refreshments or lunch at one of the mountain restaurants. It looks like you had an amazing time! Nature? My family set sail with Big Ed's Fishing Ventures on two pontoon boats. Mountaintop yoga (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin), Although the pace is slower than when skiing or boarding, Keystone's mountain range is never more impressive than when viewed from the saddle of a horse. Choose a one- or two-hour ride in the White River National Forest with an experienced wrangler from Keystone Stables as your guide. Mountain View Sports also offers the Vail Bike Pass Shuttle that allows travelers to experience Summit County on a bike tour. Let us know in the comments below! Melissa started her career as an editor at both Frommers and Fodors travel guides, where she created books that circled the globe on topics ranging from African safaris to honeymoons to Walt Disney World. Thanks, Lisa. Take in the beauty of Keystone with a scenic gondola ride to the top of Dercum Mountain and then to the North Peak. Ride the conveyor lift to the top, admire the views and ride down on a tube. Keystone features two 18-hole courses designed with greens and hazards that flow with the natural environment. Its not swanky like Aspen, a shopping destination like Vail, or a funky hangout spot like Breckenridge, but Keystone offers abundant outdoor activities without the crowds in spectacular settings with more to do in the summer than I could cram into a long weekend the first time I visited. Visit the Dillon Colorado website for information on runabouts, pontoons, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, rowing, and windsurfing. Weve been to Keystone this May, it was very quiet and peaceful. For a more relaxing experience, choose lake fishing. We love escaping to our local ski resorts in the summer. Visit our Discounts page for details on how you can save. All guests can sample Colorado mountain culture, so heres where to buy tickets for Keystones festivals. They have over one hundred horses allowing them to match a horse to a rider based on ability and age. We were supposed to rent a car but the price was so high and we ended up booking Silver Mountain Express, private car service both ways, it was awesome vacation with our son. Prices start at $16 per half hour for all the boat options and $25 for stand up paddleboards. Lots of wild animals, beavers, elks. Love it. Day 5: Lake fishing for half the family and horseback riding for the other half. She also scouts and writes about top locations for destination weddings (such as a fabulous French Chateau and Machu Picchu) for Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Destination I Do in addition to reporting on travel trends around the planet for Reader's Digest. Check into a vacation rental home. The Best 9 New Hampshire Vacation Rentals To Enjoy Fall Foliage, 12 Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences In Perus Sacred Valley, 9 Fantastic Experiences Exploring Dinosaur National Monument, My 8 Favorite Stops On A Round Trip Adventure From Durango To Telluride, 16 Fantastic Things To Do In Snowmass, Colorado This Summer, 7 Incredible Festivals To Experience In Colorado, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our. From up above you can take in the majestic mountain views, rolling hills and local wildlife. Grab the bike and gear up for rocky, red-tinted terrain. Keystone Ranch Golf Course measures a par 72 and winds through lodgehole pines and a 9-acre lake. White water rafting is an activity I never thought Id try, let alone enjoy, and yet theres something about being on the river near Keystone that hooked me as soon as I hit the water. Hi Lisa I booked some of the events and meals through the Keystone website and we booked our vacation rental through VRBO or Homeaway.com. Take the gondola from Riverside Village to Summit House for an evening of live music, food, and drinks with 360 degree views of the Rockies. Lessons with PGA pros can help you either learn or refine your game. Sure! Breckenridge Fun Park for my family of 4 in afternoon while other family members rent bicycles. As you might expect, Keystone offers some of the best hiking and mountain climbing opportunities. In Keystone, this means delicious food and rollicking come together every few weeks from June to September. Hiking in the sunshine feels like a good excuse to eat real mountain cuisine. Travel Mamas sometimes receives compensation and/or hosted travel and sample products related to blog posts. The ride to the campsite will provide for fantastic scenic views and upon arrival, the fun begins. This activity runs based on weather conditions, so double check availability before planning. While many know Keystone, Colorado, for ski resorts that attract people throughout winter months, during summer vacationers have plenty to do as well. Whether youre looking for a quiet float or challenging rapids, KODI Rafting can help find the trip right for you. Check out my ideas for crazy fun in Denver with kids: https://travelmamas.com/crazy-fun-denver-with-kids/. Reserve your Keystone summer vacation home. I visited Keystone Resort in summer during a multigenerational vacation, with 12 other family members spanning three generations. These tours have delighted guests for more than 25 years, so dont miss the fun. Take the gondola up Keystone Mountain from River Run Village for some adrenaline-pumping Adventure Point Summer Snow Tubing. Day 7: Check out of vacation rental, drive to Denver, flights home. Stretch, breathe and rejuvenate your mind and body while taking in views of the Tenmile Mountain Range. Alpenglow Adventures even customizes packages that include shopping spots, silver mining, picnics and lots of photo ops. Website Design by InterCoastal Net Designs. Nice blog by the way! I love Keystone in the winter and I admit I would not have thought about visiting in the summer. Ideal for families with children, Rainbow Park measures 7 acres packed full of places to play. Happy hour takes place daily 2 to 6 pm on their outdoor deck or inside the restaurant. Snow-tubing in afternoon for several family members. Keystone summer train tours take guests on Georgetown Loop, Colorado Zephyr or Royal Gorge. Would you consider visiting Keystone in summer? Wagon ride dinner with entire family for dinner. Can you suggest, Hi Maxi Sure! Visitors can select rides from three to 12 hours, providing flexibility in High Country tour options. Sign me up for the Travel Mamas monthly newsletter! For a little action, enjoy the thrill of downhill mountain biking. The Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner spurred many wonderful memories during this trip. Call 1-800-354-4386 for more information. If you are looking to dive into area history and culture, take a day trip to nearby towns for tours and museums that highlight Colorados mining past. (Not sure what the others did this day?!) 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. With various personalities, preferences, and abilities, we were able to put together an itinerary that, amazingly, pleased us all. Keystone Golf also offers fun programs and a variety of clinics to get families playing together, which is a great perk if youre traveling with your extended clan. Online reviewers suggest driving the pass in warmer seasons due to steep and winding roads. Find more from Melissa here. You have not recently viewed any properties. A Note from The Travel Mama: Some activities and meals were hosted by Keystone Ski Resort and other providers for my family of four during our Keystone summer vacation. Day 4: Fly-fishing for many family members while 2 members go mountain biking and 2 others go hiking. Arkansas Valley Adventures Rafting & Zipline offer a variety of activities, and they provide rafting options ranging from the least experienced, including children as young as three years, to the most experienced who are looking for Class V rapids. I launched this family travel blog in 2009 to make travel easier and more fun for all ages. Keystone is a wonderful place to sit back and enjoy the views on a mellow, relaxing vacation. Copyright 2022 Keystone Colorado Vacation Rentals. Take in majestic Keystone by horseback. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this course welcomes golfers to enjoy 360-views as they play the course. Three generations in Keystone in summer (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin). From a bacon-lovers extravaganza to art and music, Keystone knows how to throw a party. Taking in a movie is a great way to relax after a fun day full of adventure. Have you ever vacationed at a ski resort off-season? Copyright 2022 SummitCove. Did you have a main contact in Keystone of someone who helped you find lodging, etc? Moderate to experienced hikers should also hit the trails. If you do choose to pursue an outdoor activity, remember that weather in the mountains can change quickly, so you need to pack wisely and be prepared. Don waders and fight to hold yourself against the river's cold current for a catch and release adventure you'll always remember. Mountain View Sports has a wide selection of bikes and can help determine which is the best fit for your skill level. We enjoyed it so much. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Even if you didn't fall in love with the idea of fly-fishing (and Brad Pitt!) With more dexterity and balance, you can opt for a stand up paddleboard (SUP), kayak, or canoe. One of my favorite things about Keystone is the lake, which comes alive in summer with myriad water-based activities. In fact, my kindergartner was beyond thrilled when he caught his first-ever fish with Big Ed's! All opinions are mine, as always. Dont forget to bring your camera, as you will have the opportunity for some majestic views of Lake Dillon and River Run Village. Here are all my favorite finds in Keystone. It would be an understatement to say it was difficult to narrow down a multigenerational vacation destination with 13 family members ranging in ages from 6 to 70. Yes, please. I hope you have a wonderful time there this winter! Ive tried both horseback and wagon rides and found they both offer highlights for every level of horse fan. Day 6: Spa treatment for 3 family members. Friday Afternoon Club views (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin). To exchange the short drive for a walk, go to Lodging, and then Near Keystone and check out the properties located in Dillon. But the views from up the mountain, without any other people around, were worth discovering the new muscles in my legs. ), Horseback riding with Keystone Stables (Photo credit: Karen Mullery), Just because it's summer in Keystone, it doesn't mean you can't get some snow play in! The easiest of the three is Baker Mountain Trail, which begins only steps away from the Continental Divide sign. Or if youre looking for something less challenging, consider a scenic float down the river. July: Wine and Jazz Fest, River Run Village Art Festival, August: Bluegrass and Beer, Mountain Town Music Fest. Kids have quick access to a skateboard park, tennis and volleyball courts, multipurpose fields, playground, picnic tables, and public restrooms. Large parties of seven or more (like ours) receive a 10 percent discount off their second and third boats. ), All set to zoom down the Alpine Slide at Breckenridge Fun Park (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin). After a day of outdoor play a couple cold drinks and hot beer cheddar fondue hits the spot at 9280 Tap House in River Run Village. Day 1: Drive to Keystone from Denver. If you enjoy shopping, try River Run Village or the Outlets at Silverthorne. Better still though, the professional guide on the back of the raft made all the decisions and steered, so I knew we were always safe. All gear is provided by Colorado Angleras well as lessons in casting, during which participants learn how to mimic the flight pattern of a fly on the water's surface. When temperatures start to soar across the country, its the ideal time to head to the Rockies, where higher elevations and towering pines bring mountains worth of cooler temps. Keystone Resort in Colorado is just as beautiful off-season as it is in winter. (Guests must be 15+ to enjoy all of the spa's facilities and services. Keystone, just 90 minutes from Denver, is the first of the Rocky Mountain resorts youll reach from the Mile High City, yet possibly the least well known. Summertime also welcomes some of the top events in Keystone. I love going to the mountains during the summer months almost as much as I love skiing on them in winter! Take the five-minute drive to Dillon where youll find Skyline Cinemas. Graduation celebration dinner at vacation rental. Just pin the image below to Pinterest. Ive got to get myself to Colorado one of these days, Hi Colleen, I am planning a family reunion in Keystone this summer for my extended family. By closing this reminder, you will lose your incomplete booking. This tour company is happy to cater to families with young children. If youre ready to add some excitement to your life, then whitewater rafting is for you. Dine in style at one of Keystones many restaurants, or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee with a good friend at a coffee shop. Big Ed's will provide all you need, including rods and reels, lures, and a captain for each boat. Read more about what made our Keystone Wagon Ride Dinnerso special. I hope you can return to Keystone someday when its safe to travel again! Nothing better. Visit the spa for a massage, soak in a nearby hot springs or gaze at the stars from while soaking in a hot tub. Colleen loves sharing tips on hotels, cruises, spas, theme parks, and global lifestyle topics. Reservations are recommended. We are definitely planning to go back in Winter for tubing and skiing. At over 12,000 feet, Keystone is one of the highest resort mountaintops not just in Colorado, but also in the entire country. Highlights include the Bacon and Bourbon Festival, a Wine and Jazz Festival, and the Bluegrass and Beer Festival, which features 30 different breweries and three stages of music. Keystone, Colorado Summer Activities for Families, 2. Dreaming of a Keystone Ski Resort summer trip? Heres a list of the most popular Keystone summer activities for epic adventures. Note that mountain bike rentals are available at the bike park; rentals with full body protection gear are around $100 a day. Dercum Mountain offers families the chance to enjoy snow during warm summer days. Kids aged 12 and younger may receive a manicure or pedicure if accompanied by a parent. There are hills, mountains and trails ranging from easy to advanced allowing you to find an activity thats right for your party. Summer welcomes guests to try one- to two-hour guided horseback rides through Arapahoe National Forest. Let me convince you to book your own future trip with these 10 Keystone summer activities for families! All Rights Reserved. Heres a handy link for booking your Keystone summer vacay: https://www.keystoneresort.com/deals/summer-adventure.aspx Enjoy! Keystone really is just incredible for families all year round. Ive found that peddling slow laps around the lakes circumference in a paddleboat is the perfect way to get my Keystone bearings and take in the scenery without requiring any special skills. Enjoy snacks and games, and then settle in for dinner and a show. We didn't want the focus of this trip to be on site-seeing, beaches or cruise activities. Your toughest decision will be the choice of where to hike. I havent been to Keystone since I was a child but would love to return. 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. Families love Kidtopia Play Park in River Run Village. Hi there! Take in the grandeur of Keystone by floating above the mountain ranges. The crazy beautiful scenery, sweet draft horses, a delicious barbecue dinner, campfire songs, and the cowboy games added up to an incredible experience. See historic sites, visit shops, have lunch and best of all: take in some of the most beautiful sights in Summit County. Be sure to save these things to do off-season at this family-friendly ski resort. A few must-sees include: Ready to visit? Be sure to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and start off with lighter activities when you first arrive, gradually building up to more strenuous activities. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. With an array of outdoor activities to choose from, there's lots to keep all ages content. The bike park features 100 miles of single track and a paved path, suitable for all skill levels. Summer snow tubing sounds awesome! No matter which type of fishing you choose lake or fly all fishers need a valid fishing license. Part of the allure is that its a fit for almost all abilities and experience levels. Appreciate any help and tips you could provide to me! The Pass houses three top hiking trails that range from 2 to 5 miles each. And best of all, everything in this beautiful destination is affordable and easy to access. Day 2: Mountaintop Yoga in morning for 3 family members. Full disclosure: I dont know a 4 iron from an andiron, but I do know that people love the summer golf season in Keystone. This story may include affiliate links for which we receive a small commission at no extra cost to consumers. Cutthroat Anglers is the premier fly shop and guide service for Colorado and their mission is to provide the finest quality fly fishing products, instruction, and personal service. Couples and nature lovers cant miss Loveland Pass. Kickstart your day with a scenic gondola ride from River Run Village to do some Mountain Top Yoga. In addition, the park hosts local events. Summit County features hundreds of scenic miles of singletrack and paved bike paths through designated national forest lands. Go ahead and follow Travel Mamas on Pinterestwhile youre at it! Either way, guests of SCMR can take advantage of discounts through Arkansas Valley Adventures Rafting & Zipline and KODI Rafting. . Birthday celebration dinner at vacation rental home. We visited Keystone a few years ago and it is indeed a fun place to spend a summer vacation! They present live action entertainment in their intimate, 70-seat black box theatre. Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. The fresh air and views of majestic mountains, lush forests and a sea of wildflowers can be life-changing. And, depending on the company, hot air balloon rides are available year-round. Swimming in the best hotel pools? After many suggestions including Hawaii, Utah, San Diego, and a Disney Cruise, I finally convinced my fellow type-A family members to head to Keystone. I'm Colleen Lanin, the founder of Travel Mamas. Lake Dillon has a wide range of rentals that will meet the needs of your party. View more Keystone hiking trails. Colleen Lanin, MBA, is the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular travel blog, TravelMamas.com. Grilling fresh-caught fish at our rental cabin (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin). Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise, 6 Family Hiking Trails for Summer in Telluride. I love exploring the world via road trips, airplanes, and cruise ships. Whether you have an action packed vacation full of mountain sports in mind or you prefer to spend a few quiet days in the the high country sunshine, you will find that Keystone Resort has just what youre looking for. When she is not traveling the world, she lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids. In addition, golfers will find several bunkers, water hazards and stunning views of Lake Dillon. Parents may appreciate a full bar while kids will love free activities like horseshoes, corn hole, ladder ball and bocce ball. For a mountainous region, there are a surprising number of long, flat trails, with easy paved options carouseling around the lake, plus a 25-mile bike path that heads toward Breckenridge. ), Relaxing at Keystone Spa (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin). Id love to do some mountaintop yoga or summer tubing at Keystone! Click on the pic to learn more about moi! Another thing to love about summer: Its outdoor festival season! Both give golfers an opportunity to hit at high altitude, which makes balls soar. Anniversary dinner celebration at vacation rental. Families with kids ages 3 to 7 should plan a pony ride, where parents lead ponies around the corral. Or have a chipmunk eat right out of your hand! All options are available to rent from the Keystone Adventure Center located on the path leading to the lake. Tours occur various times a day, and guests are paired with a horse based on their riding experience. No matter your ability, this is a great way to take in the great outdoors. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases. Keystone in summer? Fly-fishing with Colorado Angler (Photo credit: Michael Lanin). Alpenglow Adventures offers seven railroad excursions. A New Jersey native, ice cream addict, and a lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan, Klurman lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband, son, and rescue dog. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can take the lift to access downhill challenges. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Fly Fisherman will enjoy a quiet haven on the Snake River. If youre an adrenaline junkie, know that Keystone is a mecca for mountain biking, with a quick-paced terrain park with 55 miles for freeride and downhill mountain biking with lift service and a unique Drop Zone that features jumps, ramps, ledges, and rock gardens all designed to allow mountain bikers to get air time, if thats your thing. Three words: summer snow tubing. She has covered African travel (her passion) in myriad ways over the past two decades, visiting a dozen times, gorilla trekking in Uganda, visiting meerkat colonies in Botswana, soaking up the sprays of Victoria Falls, and exploring Cape Town, her favorite city on the globe. In fact, having a glass of wine will feel like youve been drinking on an airplane, which is to say way more potent. In nearby Silverthorne, find one of the areas top parks to explore. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. There are three different tours, and each provides a different experience according to the fitness level, ability and time available for biking. As the author of the book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents how to make the most of traveling with babies and children. We stayed at the Hyatt in Keystone, great location close to the hikes. Snow crowns the mountains but the grass is green, plentiful, and dotted with delicate wildflowers. Some of my all-time favorite family memories were made on this trip and I came home feeling more connected to my 12 travel mates, each and every one of them! You can also subscribe without commenting. Whether youre looking to see rolling hills of green and lush forests or a sparkling sea of white and snow-covered pines, a hot air balloon ride is an experience youll never forget. Check out their schedule for plays, concerts, workshops and special events. Then I lace up my hiking boots and head to the top of the gondola for fresh air, warm rays, and spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies and Lake Dillon. Yes! Lake Dillon is just a short drive from Keystone and offers some of the best summer activities on the water. Although our crew loved our ride up and then down the side of a mountain, those with a fear of heights (or horses) might find portions of the ride intimidating. Visit nearby Lake Dillon to watch sailboats or take the Water Taxi that runs between the Dillon and Frisco Marinas.