Summer in Keystone, Colorado is like summer nowhere else. The pristine alpine meadows, the crystal clear trout streams gurgling down mountain slopes that rise like kings to meet the sky, in a place with more ways to enjoy life than your mind can imagine.
Sound like an exaggeration? Then you have never been to Keystone in summer. It does not matter what kind of adventure your spirit craves, there is something for everyone here.
Biking
Biking in Keystone is world class and second to none. Enjoy hundreds of miles of cross country trails, and an abundance of downhill slopes for everyone, from beginners to expert. You can ride a 26 mile loop, around Keystone, Lake Dillon, and Breckenridge. It is filled with vistas that stagger the senses and challenge the mind just to comprehend. (Especially when your mind is deprived of oxygen).
The lifts at the Keystone Bike Park run from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Keystone bike park is open 7 days a week from June 15 - September 6. Here there are 55 trails that cover 55 miles of downhill biking with a total decent of 2,360'. It seems that the planners of these trails thought of everything. There are plenty of places to biff and face plant if you're up to it. Table top jumps, corkscrews, steep drops and winding hills anything you want. Secondary alternatives are offered around all the more difficult areas, just in case you had one too many augers for the day.
Horseback riding
If you love horses, you probably agree with Ronald Reagan who said, "The world looks better from the back of a horse." You may even think you caught a glimpse of Wyatt Earp, or Butch Cassidy who used to haunt the Colorado hills, as you roam the mountain sides. More likely though, you will see the elk, or big horn sheep, that are residents there today.
You can ride horseback on trails all throughout Keystone. There are many stables in the area to choose from. Keystone Stables has horses available starting at 9 AM and ending at 1 PM. The pony rides offered here are always the kids favorite. Keystone Stables also offers a fascinating clinic on basic horsemanship, the clinic is free with the Adventure Pass (which you get at the Adventure Center), and covers the care of horses and preparation for riding.
Wagon Rides
Perhaps you would rather someone else handle the horses? No problem. Hop on the horse drawn wagon for a trip to the old homestead. There you will enjoy a home-cooked meal served with cowboy hospitality.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is one of my personal favorites. With all the streams, rivers, and reservoirs, there are loads of summer fly fishing opportunities. Try Big Ed's on the Dillon reservoir or, you can go to the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village. The Adventure Center offers a clinic, to teach the basics of fly fishing and it is free, with the Adventure pass or, you can take a day trip on the river with a guide to show you the best spots. Go and catch your share of the abundant rainbow trout and kokanee salmon!
Water Activities
Dillon reservoir has loads of summer water fun available. It is one of many places offering water sports, in and around Keystone. Besides swimming and sailing, there are charter cruises, paddle boats, and canoing . Dillon is about 10 miles from Keystone. While you are there, stop in for a bite at the Dillon Dam Brewery. It is a modern micro brewery with good food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Stagecoach State Park
Maybe you just want to relax and go picnicking, Stagecoach State Park is the perfect venue. Located in Yampa Valley, Stagecoach State Park is centered around a 780 acre reservoir and is a great place for hiking and boating also.
Rafters
Looking for whitewater can find it on the Arkansas and Blue Rivers. The Colorado River offers a bit more of a tamer ride.
Golfing
There are many world class golf courses to chose from, in and around Keystone. The River Course at Keystone is outstanding! Designed by Dana Fry and Michael Hurdzan, The River Course features a 194-foot drop from the tee to green on the par-4. When you get to the sixteenth hole it is a challenging 509 yards. By the way, bring a camera, at this elevation your drives will carry about 15% further. Your buddies back in the flatlands won't believe the stories you will tell.
The Ranch Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, carries you though lodge pole pines and around a nine acre lake. The front nine follows the link style of traditional Scottish links, while the back nine follows the traditional mountain valley layout.
Festivals
Summer time is festival time. There seems to always be party in the streets somewhere. In June is the Annual World Music Festival and Marketplace. Music from around the world, arts and crafts, great food, bounce houses for the kids, it is all part of the fun. Then there is the Blues festival and Art Show. I can't forget The Keystone Beer and Bluegrass Festival, either. Break out the banjo and rosin up your bow, this one is always a lot of fun. Over 30 micro breweries strut their stuff, besides all the other festivities. The Frontier Fair is another one you won't want to miss. Also, Breckenridge's Oktoberfest is a hoot.
As you can see, there is a lot to do in Keystone in the summer and I have only begun to scratch the surface of things to do. There are fancy restaurants and rowdy bars. There are Spas for relaxation and places to pan for gold. The excitement and adventure does not stop until you want it to. When you do, there are sanctuaries of majestic pine and aspen where the soul can renew and recharge. All the glory of nature surrounds you and as many creature comforts as you may want too.
A last word to the wise. Remember on your outdoor excursions to be prepared for fast weather changes. Storms can roll in quickly in the summer mountains and you don't want to be unprepared. A rain jacket or poncho is advisable.
Last of all, leave your cares behind. Go, have a ball. Experience Keystone this summer and remember it forever.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Thomas Alford
Summertime is the best time to play all day in Keystone. And then entertain all night in your sweet vacation villa. Oh, Keystone, we love you!
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