Top Summer Things to Do in Keystone for Your Bucket List

From scenic gondola rides and alpine hikes to mountain biking, yoga with a view, and lakeside fun, summer in Keystone is full of adventure and charm.

Keystone, tucked amid the towering peaks of the Colorado Rockies, may be best known for its world-class skiing, but when the snow melts, it becomes a mountain paradise of sunshine, festivals, and outdoor thrills. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors of Colorado,  filled with music, local food, drinks, and friendly people relishing the summer breeze.

1. River Run Gondola rides and mountaintop adventures at Dercum Mountain.
2. Scenic wagon rides and Western-style dinners.
3. Championship golf at Keystone Ranch and The River Course.
4. Biking thrills at Keystone Bike Park.
5. Mountaintop yoga with panoramic views.
6. Paddleboarding and lakeside fun at Lakeside Village.
7. Summer festivals with live music, local food, and craft beer.
8. Breathtaking hiking trails through wildflower meadows. 

At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.

As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!

In this article, I'll share the best summer activities in Keystone to help you make the most of the sunshine and warm weather at this Colorado gem.

Let's jump into the details!

1. Take a Gondola Ride

The River Run Gondola is Keystone's gateway to summer fun. Glide up to Dercum Mountain and take in the stunning alpine scenery as the world unfolds below you. Once at the summit, the day's possibilities are endless, from scenic hikes and wildlife spotting to mountain-top dining at the Summit House and even summer tubing at Adventure Point.

What You'll Love

• Sweeping panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
• Access to hiking, biking, and mountaintop yoga.
• Family-friendly attractions and photo ops at every turn.
• Refreshing high-altitude air and sunshine at 11,000 feet.

2. Explore the Wilderness on a Scenic Wagon Ride

Looking for a taste of the Old West? The Scenic Wagon Ride through Keystone's backcountry is as relaxing as it is unforgettable. Sit back on a horse-drawn wagon as you wind through the Soda Creek Valley toward a rustic homestead for a hearty dinner of BBQ favorites, live cowboy music, and storytelling under the stars.

What You'll Love

• Peaceful wagon ride through meadows and forest trails.
• Classic Western dinner with ribs, chicken, and sides.
• Live cowboy tunes and plenty of fun for families.
• Stunning views of Soda Creek and the surrounding peaks.

3. Tee Off at Keystone's Golf Courses

Golfing in Keystone is a high-altitude dream come true. Two world-class courses, Keystone Ranch Golf Course and The River Course, blend challenging play with jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Ranch Course offers open meadows and rolling fairways, while The River Course adds dramatic elevation changes and views of the Snake River Valley.

What You'll Love

• Two championship 18-hole courses.
• Cooler summer temps and longer drives at altitude.
• Frequent wildlife sightings on the greens.
• Mountain views from every fairway.

4. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Keystone Bike Park

With over 55 miles of trails, Keystone Bike Park is a summer paradise for riders of all skill levels. The River Run Gondola takes you straight to the top, where scenic descents and flowy downhill runs await. From technical terrain to smooth cross-country trails, every ride comes with a side of mountain air and big views.

What You'll Love

• Lift-access biking from the River Run Gondola.
• Flow trails, jumps, and cross-country routes.
• Instruction and clinics for beginners and pros.
• Events, races, and bike festivals all summer long.

5. Recenter with Mountaintop Yoga

For something a little slower, but no less inspiring, take your yoga practice to new heights. Mountaintop Yoga classes at Dercum Mountain let you stretch and breathe at over 11,000 feet, surrounded by endless blue skies and rugged peaks. It's equal parts peaceful and exhilarating.

What You'll Love

• Practicing yoga high above the valley with mountain views.
• Fresh alpine air and total serenity.
• Classes suitable for all levels.
• Easy access via the River Run Gondola.

6. Feel the Breeze at Lakeside Village

Keystone's Lakeside Village is summer relaxation at its best. Spend a sunny afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, or pedaling across the calm waters of Keystone Lake. The area buzzes with activity: families playing yard games, couples sharing a lakeside picnic, kids laughing in hammocks, all with the mountains as a backdrop.

What You'll Love

• Paddle boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for rent.
• Free family yard games like Giant Jenga and Cornhole.
• Shady picnic spots and lakeside hammocks.
• Easy access to cafés and shops nearby.

7. Celebrate Summer at Keystone Festivals

Keystone knows how to throw a summer party. The season brings a packed calendar of festivals celebrating music, food, and mountain life, each with its own flavor and energy.

Festival Highlights

• Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival (July): Sample 300+ wines paired with smooth jazz in River Run Village.
  
  
• Bacon & Bourbon Festival (June): A sizzling mix of bacon dishes, bourbon tastings, and live tunes.
  
  
• Bluegrass & Beer Festival (August): Colorado's favorite mix of mountain bluegrass and craft brews.
  
  
• Mountain Town Music Festival (August): Local food, artisan vendors, and live folk and indie performances.
  
  
• Keystone Oktoberfest (September): Bavarian beer, bratwurst, and polka music in the Rockies.

8. Hike Through Keystone's Scenic Trails

Keystone's trails are pure Colorado: lush forests, wildflower meadows, and sweeping mountain views at every turn. From a leisure stroll to a full-day challenge, the options are endless.

Top Picks

• Dercum Mountain Trail: Moderate trail to the summit with panoramic views.
  
  
• Ski Tip Trail: Gentle path through meadows and wildflowers.
  
  
• Tenderfoot Mountain Trail: A rewarding climb with views of Lake Dillon and the Gore Range.
  
  
• Keystone Gulch Trail: Shady forest path ideal for spotting wildlife.

What You'll Love

• Trails for every skill level.
• Easy gondola access to high-elevation routes.
• Wildflowers in full bloom through midsummer.
• Endless photo ops and picnic spots along the way.

Quick FAQ: Summer in Keystone

1. Can families enjoy Keystone in the summer?

Absolutely. Lakeside Village, wagon rides, and easy hiking trails make it perfect for families of all ages.

2. How do I reach the top of Dercum Mountain?

Hop on the River Run Gondola from Keystone Village for a scenic ride to the summit.

3. Is there mountain biking for beginners?

Yes, Keystone Bike Park has trails and lessons for all skill levels.

4. When do summer festivals happen?

From late June through early September. Check Keystone Resort's event calendar for exact dates.

5. Where should I stay in Keystone?

For a seamless trip, stay with Great Western Lodging. Our Keystone vacation rentals combine luxury, location, and that welcoming mountain feel.

How can you make your trip to Keystone even better?

At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.

Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.