Colorado Summer Travel: Things to Do Near Keystone Vacation Rentals

Set amidst the majestic Colorado Rockies, Keystone is a premier destination offering breathtaking alpine scenery, world-class skiing, and a wide range of year-round outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking thrilling mountain activities or a peaceful retreat, Keystone is the perfect playground for your Colorado experience.

Despite being known as a winter destination, summer in Keystone also offers memorable experiences in the Rockies. This season is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors of Colorado, filled with music, local food, drinks, and friendly people relishing the summer breeze.

In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the best summer activities in Keystone to help you have an unforgettable trip to this Colorado gem.

Before we start, a little about us…

At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, including ski-in/ski-out options and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly. In our destination blog, we've covered extensive information about Keystone and its surroundings. And soon enough, more interesting content awaits you with great tips to make your travel experience even better.

Take a Gondola Ride

The main gondola in Keystone is called the River Run Gondola, and admiring the breathtaking views while you ascend to Dercum Mountain is a must whether you visit during summer or winter.

However, summer offers plenty of activities when you reach the top of Dercum Mountain — from mountain-top dining at the Summit House and special events to scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, and summer tubing at Adventure Point. Needless to say, from the mountaintop you can indulge in stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, lush green forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and towering peaks.

Explore the Wilderness Through a Scenic Wagon Ride

The Scenic Wagon Ride in Keystone is a unique summer adventure that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in a relaxed and picturesque setting. During the ride, you’ll be transported through scenic mountain terrain on a horse-drawn wagon, enjoying breathtaking views of the Soda Creek, its surrounding peaks, forests, and meadows. The ride takes you to a rustic homestead where you can enjoy a hearty dinner featuring classic Western cuisine, including BBQ favorites like smoked ribs, grilled chicken, and delicious sides.

Throughout the meal, you’ll be entertained by live cowboy music, storytelling, and occasionally even line dancing. The ride starts at the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village. Reservations are required, and you can book the experience on Keystone Resort's official website.

Hit the Golf Courses

Keystone is a premier destination for golfers in the summer, offering two world-class 18-hole golf courses surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Both courses — Keystone Ranch Golf Course and The River Course at Keystone — provide challenging and picturesque rounds for golfers of all levels.

Keystone Ranch Golf Course is designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and it features 18 holes, rolling terrain, open fairways, challenging bunkers, open meadows, and pristine mountain vistas. The River Course offers dramatic elevation changes, challenging holes, and stunning views of the Snake River Valley. A nice detail about the River Course is that while you play, you can spot wildlife, which is a common sight in the area, adding to the mountain golf experience.

Get a Dose of Adrenaline at Keystone Bike Park

During summer, Keystone Bike Park turns into every mountain biker's paradise. Renowned for its extensive trail system, the park features over 55 miles of diverse trails suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced bikers. It includes various terrain options, such as flowy downhill trails, technical features, and scenic cross-country routes for a summer activity filled with adrenaline.

One of the park's highlights is the access provided by the River Run Gondola, which transports riders to the top of Dercum Mountain, offering stunning views and exhilarating descents. The park also hosts events, competitions, and clinics throughout the summer. If you want to learn, professional instructors offer lessons for all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced rider wanting to refine your technique.

Relax Your Mind and Soul with a Mountaintop Yoga Class

How about a relaxing and rejuvenating summer experience in Keystone? Join the Mountaintop Yoga class at the summit of Dercum Mountain, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

These summer classes offer a serene, invigorating experience, allowing participants to practice yoga at over 11,000 feet. Accessible via the River Run Gondola, the class provides stunning panoramic views, creating a peaceful setting for yoga enthusiasts of all levels. This unique outdoor activity is a great way to reconnect with both nature and your mind while enjoying the crisp mountain air. Reservations are required. For more details, click here.

Feel the Summer Breeze and Have Fun at  Lakeside Village

Lakeside Village is a picturesque destination centered around Keystone Lake, offering a serene setting for various outdoor activities during the summer. Popular options include paddle boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also rent a bike to explore the area at your own pace while admiring the stunning surroundings.

Kids will love the free yard games available around the lake, such as Giant Jenga, Giant Checkers, Cornhole, and more. When your energy is low after a day of activities, you can enjoy a picnic or relax in one of the complimentary hammocks set up around the lake during the summer months.

Enjoy Keystone’s Summer Festivals

Summer in Keystone is synonymous with special events and festivals. The summer schedule is packed with local music, food, culture, and happy faces enjoying some of the best celebrations in the Rocky Mountains. Here are some must-attend summer events in Keystone: 

• Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival (Typically mid-July): This festival pairs wine with live jazz music, creating a sophisticated yet fun atmosphere throughout River Run Village. You can sample wines from over 300 varieties from around the globe while enjoying performances by talented jazz musicians. Additionally, indulge in wine tastings, food pairings from local restaurants, and educational wine seminars.

• Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival (Early August): A Keystone favorite, this festival brings together two beloved traditions—bluegrass music and craft beer. You can enjoy live bluegrass performances from national and local bands while sampling craft beers from more than 40 breweries.

• Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival (Late June): A celebration of all things bacon, this festival pairs savory bacon dishes with premium bourbons. It’s a quirky and indulgent event perfect for foodies and whiskey fans. Bacon-inspired dishes from local chefs, bourbon tastings, live music, and bacon-eating contests? That sounds suitable for an amazing summer in Keystone!

• Mountain Town Music Festival (Late August): This festival celebrates the best of Colorado's small-town culture with live music, local artisan food, and craft vendors. The music lineup features a mix of indie, folk, bluegrass, and rock, with both local and nationally known acts. There’s also plenty of kids’ activities like face painting and games. The event often closes with a spectacular fireworks show over River Run Village.

• Keystone Oktoberfest (Early September): Keystone’s take on the traditional German festival brings Bavarian culture to the Colorado Rockies. Enjoy authentic German beers, bratwurst, pretzels, and lively polka music. Stein-holding contests, brat-eating competitions, and free kid-friendly activities add to the excitement of one of Keystone's most anticipated summer events.

Hike Your Way Through Pristine Nature

Keystone offers a variety of scenic hiking trails during the summer, catering to all skill levels and providing breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Here are some notable hiking trails in the area:

• Dercum Mountain Trail (Moderate): This trail takes you to the summit of Dercum Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and Keystone Lake. The trail is well-maintained and can be accessed from the top of the River Run Gondola during the summer months.

• Ski Tip Trail (Easy to Moderate): The trail begins at the base of the Ski Tip Lodge and winds through beautiful wildflower-filled meadows. It’s perfect for a leisurely hike, and you’ll be rewarded with lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Molly Hogan Trail (Moderate): Starting from the Keystone Nordic Center, this trail leads to the summit of Molly Hogan, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trail is well-marked and features wildflowers in bloom during the summer.

• Tenderfoot Mountain Trail (Moderate): This trail offers a bit more of a challenge, leading you to the top of Tenderfoot Mountain. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of terrains, including forests and rocky sections, as well as beautiful views of Lake Dillon and the Gore Range from the summit.

• Keystone Gulch Trail (Modeatate): This trail follows Keystone Gulch, leading hikers through lush forest and scenic meadows. It’s a great option for those looking for a longer hike, and you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

How can you make your trip to Keystone, CO even better?

While in town, it's a great idea to stay in style with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly.

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