Skiing, Rafting, Fishing Near Keystone CO & Much More

Here’s a quick guide to the best outdoor activities in and around Keystone, CO

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Colorado Rockies, Keystone offers an unbeatable mix of great nature, renowned skiing, and a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in any season. From horseback riding to fishing and exhilarating rafting near Keystone, CO, this place is the ultimate Colorado playground.

In this blog, we’ve highlighted the best activities to enjoy in each season in Keystone, so that the next time you visit, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of 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.

Autumn Outdoor Activities 

Hiking and Fall Leaf-peeping 

Fall is an ideal time for hiking in Keystone, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant autumn foliage—every nature exploration in the region gains an extra layer of charm. Some of the most popular trails in Keystone are Sapphire Point Overlook, Montezuma Trail, and Loveland Pass, featuring panoramic views of the Continental Divide and glimpses of the stunning fall colors that paint the Rockies.

Keystone offers some of the best fall foliage views in the state, with vibrant aspen groves and stunning mountain landscapes that turn golden in autumn. For more fall leaf-peeping, be sure to include Keystone Gulch, Keystone Resort Trails, Montezuma Road, Snake River, and Keystone Lake in your itinerary.

Wildlife Viewing & Fishing Near Keystone CO

Fishing in Keystone during the fall is a fantastic experience, offering anglers a peaceful setting amid stunning fall foliage. As the season cools down, fish like trout become more active, making it an ideal time for both fly fishing and spin fishing.

The best spots to enjoy this activity include Keystone Lake, the nearby Snake River, and Dillon Reservoir, just a short drive from Keystone. This large reservoir is excellent for catching various species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

The shoulder season is also an ideal time to spot wildlife, as animals prepare for winter. Look out for elk, deer, and even moose in the forests and valleys around Keystone.
 

Horseback Riding Near Keystone CO

The fall scenery, fewer crowds, and cool weather create a picturesque and pleasant setting for horseback riding in Keystone and nearby areas. Within town, Keystone Stables and Keystone Ranch are fantastic spots to ride, with trails that wind through alpine meadows and forested landscapes.

A short drive from Keystone, Breckenridge Stables also offers scenic trail rides around the Tenmile Range. Additionally, Swan Mountain Outfitters, just outside of Keystone, provides guided trail rides in the Dillon area, with routes offering views of Lake Dillon, aspen groves, and rugged mountain landscapes.

Winter Outdoor Activities

Skiing and Snowboarding

Snowy adventures are the number one activity that attracts people to Keystone during winter. Keystone Resort is a prime destination for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. With 3,149 acres of terrain across three distinct peaks—Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback — Keystone offers a diverse range of skiing experiences. 

A highlight during the season is the night skiing sessions, a rare feature in Colorado. Select runs remain open until 8 PM, offering a magical skiing experience under the stars with fewer crowds and quieter slopes.

Snow Tubing at Adventure Point

During winter, Adventure Point is the go-to place for families wanting to enjoy snow tubing. Located at the top of Dercum Mountain, the multiple lanes of snow tubing offer not only thrills but also stunning views as you slide down. Are you up for a magical adventure? Visit Adventure Point after dark for a unique experience with evening tubing.

Ice Skating at Keystone Lake

With low temperatures, Keystone Lake transforms into one of the largest outdoor ice skating rinks in North America—a massive 5-acre rink with smooth ice, perfect for leisurely skating or a game of pick-up hockey. Skating on this beautiful frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, is a must-try winter experience in town.

Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing

Explore Keystone’s stunning winter landscapes at a slower pace with snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at the incredible Keystone Nordic Center, featuring over nine miles of groomed trails for these outdoor activities.

This is a perfect opportunity to experience the snow-covered forests and mountains in a peaceful, unhurried way. Guided snowshoe tours are also available if you’d like to learn about the local wildlife and winter ecology.

Sleigh Rides

A sleigh ride through Keystone’s snowy landscape is a quintessential winter experience, perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a unique way to enjoy the winter scenery. The rides travel through the beautiful Soda Creek Valley, with a knowledgeable guide sharing entertaining tales. During the ride, you'll stop at an original Keystone homestead, where you can warm up with hot cocoa or hot cider.

For an epic adventure, consider the dinner ride, where you'll enjoy a hearty meal at the homestead in Soda Creek Valley while wranglers share stories about the past.

Spring Outdoor Activities

Spring Skiing and Snowboarding

Keystone’s ski season often extends into early spring, offering some of the best conditions with sunny skies and softer snow. Spring skiing and snowboarding tend to be more relaxed, with fewer crowds and fun end-of-season events, such as spring ski parties and pond skimming (where skiers attempt to skim across a pond of melted snow).

Spring Hiking

As the snow starts to melt, some of Keystone’s lower-elevation trails become accessible for spring hikes. Early wildflowers begin to bloom, allowing you to experience the transition from winter to spring — an unmissable outdoor activity during the blooming season.

Sapphire Point Overlook is one of the first trails to open in the spring, and another great option is Tenderfoot Mountain, where the snow tends to melt early, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the area.

Biking Through Summit County Rec Path

The Summit County Rec Path begins to open up for biking as it becomes free of snow. This paved trail connects Keystone to nearby towns like Dillon and Frisco, offering stunning views and an incredible ride through the region. Early spring may still have some snow patches, but as the season progresses, this trail becomes a perfect way to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic landscapes.

Summer Outdoor Activities

Dercum Mountain

During summer, Dercum Mountain comes alive with activities: dine at the Summit House, join in on special events, or embark on scenic hiking trails. Mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and summer tubing at Adventure Point are also available. From the summit, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies, with sweeping forests, meadows of wildflowers, and dramatic peaks.

Hit the Golf Courses

Keystone is a top summer destination for golf enthusiasts, featuring two exceptional 18-hole courses set against stunning mountain scenery. Both Keystone Ranch Golf Course and The River Course at Keystone offer challenging yet scenic rounds for players of all skill levels.

Mountain Biking at Keystone Bike Park

Keystone Bike Park transforms into a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts each summer. With over 55 miles of varied trails, the park welcomes riders of all abilities, offering everything from smooth downhill runs to technical challenges and scenic cross-country routes, making for an adrenaline-fueled summer experience.

Rafting Near Keystone CO

In early summer, from May to early July, rafting is an excellent outdoor activity for thrill-seekers near Keystone. Although you’ll need to drive to nearby locations, the experience is well worth the effort.

The best places for an epic rafting experience include the Blue River, located a short drive from Keystone; the Arkansas River; the Colorado River near Kremmling; and Clear Creek, located near Idaho Springs, about 45 minutes from Keystone.

Mountaintop Yoga Classes

Summer isn’t all about thrilling activities; it’s also a time to care for your mind and soul in Keystone. Every summer, yoga classes are available at the summit of Dercum Mountain for those looking to reconnect with nature and their inner self.

You'll practice yoga at over 11,000 feet, with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and the fresh summer breeze filling your lungs. For more details about the classes and reservations, visit Keystone's official website.

Water Activities and Family Fun at Lakeside Village

Surrounded by the calm waters of Keystone Lake, Lakeside Village is perfect for summer outdoor activities. Paddle boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are top choices, along with bike rentals for leisurely exploration of the scenic area.

With free yard games like Giant Jenga, Giant Checkers, and Cornhole, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy around the lake. Afterward, you can take a break with a lakeside picnic or relax in one of the complimentary hammocks available during the summer season.

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.