Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Keystone, CO

  • Published 2023/02/23

Keystone is a city in Summit County, Colorado, primarily known for its winter activities at the world-renowned Keystone Resort!

Its location also gives guests a breathtaking view of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

This city is a hotspot for skiers, hikers, and other individuals who enjoy various outdoor activities and recreation with the natural trails, terrains, and slopes found here.

Keystone is one of the go-to destinations for families, big or small, with all the fun, excitement, and adventure it offers!

Despite being known for its winter activities, tons of other attractions you can check out during the summer are equally fun, making Keystone the ideal year-round getaway.

Check out this list of best things to do while visiting Keystone, Co.

Go Skiing at Keystone Resort

Aerial view of Keystone Resort

Cascade Creatives / Shutterstock.com

Keystone Resort is Keystone’s most sought-after tourist destination, best known for its skiing amenities.

Besides stunning mountainside views, this resort has the most acreage of skiing terrain that caters to skiers of all skill levels, whether they’re trying it for the first time or as experts.

The resort offers expansive space with over 135 different trails, giving you brand new skiing experiences.

People at Keystone Resort

Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com

This terrain is also kid-friendly, and you may even get a discount.

Night skiing is also an option on certain nights when the ski trails are lit up, giving you a chance to ski under the moon and stars.

Keystone Resort has received awards for its unique terrain and features, so check it out.

Skiers and snowboarders at Keystone Resort

Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com

Dine at Alpenglow Stube

Alpenglow Stube is North America’s highest restaurant above sea level, providing guests with an experience.

At over 11,444 feet, this restaurant requires tourists to ride two gondolas, giving you a breathtaking view of the mountainside as you ascend and descend.

Once you’re at the top, this restaurant and its upscale, rustic atmosphere will relax you with a delicious meal from their full menu.

Award-winning chefs cook and prepare the food, ensuring a tasty, heart-warming dish that can also keep you warm during the winter season.

This restaurant is one of the best mountaintop hangouts in Keystone, so don’t miss the chance to visit this one-of-a-kind eatery!

Trail the Terrain at Keystone Bike Park

You can efficiently explore Keystone on a bike by visiting Keystone Bike Park!

Tourists can drop by this bike park during the summer season and test out the different terrains and trails that cater to bikers of all skill levels.

Adventure awaits bikers at this park, from lift-serviced downhill mountain biking to mellow bridges, berms, rock gardens, and even drops.

Keystone Bike Park spans over 100 miles, where you will test your stamina and endurance.

With over 55 downhill trails, the park pushes each rider to find a route that best suits them according to their skill level.

Enjoy blazing the paths that are both paved and bare.

The natural, breathtaking beauty of this destination is a sight to behold!

Try Out Snow Tubing at Keystone Adventure Point Tubing Hill

Two people going up the Keystone Adventure Point Tubing Hill

David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Snow tubing is another popular winter activity you can try at Keystone Adventure Point Tubing Hill!

This tubing hill towers at 11,640 feet, making your tubing experience exhilarating!

A family snow-tubing at Keystone Adventure Point Tubing Hill

David Shankbone , CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Guests can take the gondola up the hill, where they’ll reach the tubing hill that’s perched on the summit, before flying down the hill on an inflatable tube.

Six different lanes range from gentle to steep, which you can select depending on how fast and smooth you want to go!

Keystone Adventure Point Tubing Hill provides snow tubing like no other, so try and drop by!

Explore Keystone on a Sleigh at Keystone Resort Sleigh Rides

A sleigh ride in the snow is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss while visiting Keystone.

Keystone Resort Sleigh Rides provides guests with an experience on a sleigh ride, led by a coachman and a group of the friendliest Percheron and Belgian horses.

This journey begins in the Soda Creek Valley area, where you load the sleigh with your friends and family and snuggle under the blankets provided.

The valley takes you through the paths and trails designated for the sleigh as the coachman tells you all about the city’s history while you take in the scenic sights of the surrounding area.

If you decide to take a night sleigh tour, you get a lovely view of the constellations that light up the night sky.

Some tours even include dinners upon arriving at the homestead cabin, where you enjoy fresh and hot meals after riding a sleigh in the cold.

Each tour lasts about an hour, so schedule a trip ahead of time.

Learn to Ice Skate at Dercum Square Ice Rink

Ice skating is a fun sport you can do with your loved ones at Dercum Square Ice Rink during the winter.

This land boasts over 7,200 squares of ice that you can skate on 24/7.

If you’re skating for the first time and don’t have your equipment, they have available rentals onsite.

The rink doesn’t require an admission fee, so you get to skate for free as long as you like at any time of the day.

Bring your skates and learn a trick or two on the ice at Dercum Square Ice Rink.

Go Boating at Keystone Lake

A bench near the waters of Keystone Lake

K.warterbeck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Keystone Lake is another popular tourist attraction in this city where both locals and tourists flock.

Over the winter, when the lake freezes, this lake becomes a prime ice skating destination that spans over five acres of ice.

People ice skating on the frozen Keystone Lake

Penni L. Levine / Shutterstock.com

During the summer, you can indulge in activities as you explore the water while admiring the mountain view backdrop.

You may rent a paddleboat, kayak, or canoe or walk along the side of the lake as you enjoy the cool summer breeze.

Swimming and fishing are strictly prohibited, but there are a lot of other fun activities for you to do at Keystone Lake.

Enjoy Cross-Country Skiing at Keystone Nordic Center

If cross-country skiing is your choice of sport, then check out Keystone Nordic Center!

With over nine miles of the best ski trails, this center provides guests with a lot of fun and excitement as they explore the nearby backcountry trails of the White River National Forest.

First-time skiers may rent the necessary equipment and take lessons and tours where experienced guides will teach them the basics.

Keystone Nordic Center is a short drive up north from the city center, and it has become the go-to destination for tourists and locals who wish to spend the day outdoors.

This venue is also home to several events throughout the year, including Ladies Days, Mountain Top Treks, and Snowshoe Eco Hikes, among many others.

You’re not limited to cross country skiing either, as you can also indulge in other sports such as snowshoeing and snow tubing.

Take a Hike at Keystone Gulch Road

Experienced and seasoned hikers must check out Keystone Gulch Road for a challenging hike that’s not for the faint of heart.

With an elevation of over 2,800 feet and extending for up to 18 miles, this hike will make you break a sweat.

Although challenging, this trail will give you several breathtaking views and sights since this path winds across a heavily forested area for about five miles.

Cascading waterfalls, swift creeks, and even an overhead view of the neighboring towns are only a few of the sceneries you might encounter, so don’t forget your cameras!

Keystone Gulch Road is a challenging yet rewarding hike for those who are brave and adventurous enough to take on this trail.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Keystone River Run Village

Daytime at Keystone River Run Village

Marcela Abrach / Shutterstock.com

At the heart of Keystone, Colorado, sits Keystone River Run Village, the newest outdoor base area home to some of the best eateries and shops in the whole city!

This village is the center of all the action in this city, where tourists stroll down the streets, eat at the best restaurants, or shop at chic boutiques and retail stores.

Fireworks over Keystone River Run Village

Ahodges7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Various events year-round are also held at this venue, including the Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival, Mardi Gras, and Oktoberfest, among many others.

Whether you’re going by yourself or bringing the whole clan, the Keystone River Run Village is family-friendly and provides a wide range of activities that everyone can enjoy.

Join the action at the Keystone River Run Village.

Ride on Horseback at Keystone Stables

Explore the scenery of the Rocky Mountains on horseback at Keystone Stables.

At this destination, guests can meet the friendliest horses you can pet and ride for up to two hours.

The trail takes you up the mountains behind the stables as you admire the fantastic views.

Only children above eight years old can ride the horses, but smaller kids can go on a pony ride.

Wear the proper attire and book a reservation ahead of time since Keystone Stables doesn’t take walk-ins.

Drive around Loveland Pass

The snow-covered Loveland Pass

iisariya / Shutterstock.com

Loveland Pass is a well-known high mountain pass in north-central Colorado that provides mesmerizing views and sceneries.

Most guests who drive up this trail avoid the winter months due to how dangerous its roads become, but it still attracts numerous tourists during the summer and spring.

Standing at an impressive 11,990 feet above sea level, Loveland Pass is also a historical site named after the former president of the Colorado Central Railroad, William A.H. Loveland.

Elevation sign at Loveland Pass

wernermuellerschell / Shutterstock.com

A relaxing, leisurely drive through this pass with the windows down will provide a refreshing experience.

If you’re looking to do something a little more adventurous, you may try backcountry skiing at this pass.

Bring your camera to capture this unforgettable experience!

View of the Loveland Pass from across the lake

Mitchbrooks / Shutterstock.com

Unwind at Keystone Lodge and Spa

After a long day of exploring the city and participating in all the strenuous activities, you’re sure to be exhausted.

Keystone Lodge and Spa can help loosen those knots with a relaxing session through a spa, hot tub, or heated pools.

You may also book a lodge where you can take a break from all the adventure, with a spectacular view of the Mountains and the Snake River.

In case you get hungry, the lodge also offers various dining options where you can grab a light meal or snack to get that boost of energy.

The Keystone Lodge and Spa has a long list of amenities you can avail of to maximize your stay.

Get Your Ski Gear at Christy Sports Ski & Snowboard Rental Delivery

Skiing is the major recreational activity in Keystone for its beautiful terrain and gorgeous mountain vistas.

But if you don’t have your gear with you, Christy Sports Ski & Snowboard Rental Delivery is at your service.

The outfitter offers skiing and snowboarding gear like boots, boards, bindings, goggles, blades, bags, poles, helmets, and many more.

Its delivery rental allows you to fix your skiing needs as the outfitter gets right to your door wherever you are in Keystone.

Christy Sports Ski & Snowboard Rental Delivery is located in River Run Village on River Run Road in Keystone.

Learn How to Ski at Keystone Ride School

Whether you want to learn how to ski or snowboard, Keystone Ride School has the best amenities in town for your lessons.

Kids as young as three years old can start learning the sport with professional instructors at the resort’s school.

You can choose whether you want to do it the whole day or half day, do it by group, or solo.

Here, you’ll discover and experience the magic and joys of skiing and snowboarding, including safety and rules.

You may have to book in advance at Keystone Ride School if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful place in Colorado.

Stop for a Hot Coffee at Inxpot

Located in the beautiful River Run Village, Inxpot is a great stop to get your coffee fix with a delicious breakfast.

Enjoy your hot coffee in a laid-back and cozy atmosphere along with your choice of breakfast eats like a hearty toast, signature burrito, and more.

Inxpot serves locally roasted coffee and freshly brewed in small batches to ensure quality.

The coffee house also serves lunch, smoothies, tea, and a great selection of spirits, including Irish Coffee and its signature shots.

Look out for Inxpot Happy Hour to get your drinks even cheaper!

Bring a Picnic to Pass Lake

The waters of Pass Lake

David S Mohn / Shutterstock.com

A hidden gem in Keystone, it’s easy to miss Pass Lake while driving or hiking in Loveland Pass.

But if you carefully look through, it’s a small lake with stunning mountain vistas and plenty of wildflowers.

There’s a small picnic area with tables and benches to use for lunch and snacks with amazing views of the Colorado Peaks.

It’s relatively a quiet and peaceful spot to chill and relax, away from the usual city noise.

So, if you’re planning a picnic in Keystone, don’t miss out on Pass Lake.

It’s a great place to be with nature at its best.

Enjoy Golfing at Keystone Ranch Golf Course

For those who play golf, Keystone Ranch Golf Course sits on the historic property where homesteads in the 1900s were built.

The 18-hole course gives stunning views of the Colorado Peaks across a lake and meanders through lodgepole pines and sage meadows.

Its greens and undulating downhill are what make the course more fun and challenging.

And if you book a stay here at its resort, you can save more on your tee time.

Book it and enjoy the smell of nature at Keystone Ranch Golf Course!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Fishing at Dillon Reservoir

Aerial view of Dillon Reservoir

Connor Savolt / Shutterstock.com

Dillon Reservoir, also known as Lake Dillon, is a short drive away from Keystone in the neighboring city of Dillon, about 20 minutes away!

This lake is a hotspot for anglers who want to catch a variety of fish they can have for dinner!

From trout to salmon and even bass, this lake harbors multiple species of fish for you to catch.

Scenic view of Dillon Reservoir

Time Stood Still Photo / Shutterstock.com

Guests may rent boats at the marina or a fishing outfitter for a guided trip while they soak up the afternoon sun.

Besides fishing, you may try other passive recreational activities that can give you a relaxing day next to or on the water.

Their campgrounds are also open if you want to spend the night admiring the mountain views at Dillon Reservoir!

The waters of Dillon Reservoir

Photo Spirit / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the Stunning Views at Sapphire Point Overlook

Scenic view from Sapphire Point Overlook

Lenspiration / Shutterstock.com

Also located in Dillon City, Sapphire Point Overlook is an observation deck that gives tourists a mesmerizing view of various mountain ranges, the White River National Forest, and an overhead view of the stunning Dillon Reservoir.

This venue is between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road and stands at 9,500 feet.

There are also nearby paved trails you can trek while exploring this forest, where you can get back in touch with nature.

Winter at Sapphire Point Overlook

Deanoj / Shutterstock.com

You may go nature watching for a passive recreation where you can sit back while looking for various birds and other species.

Sapphire Point Overlook is a relaxing destination if you’re looking for serenity and solitude.

Bring a camera and snap some pictures of the scenic views.

View of Dillon reservoir from Sapphire Point Overlook

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Keystone is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who are always looking for fun and excitement!

This city is packed with a long list of activities you can enjoy no matter what season it is.

Enjoy skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, and other outdoor activities while enjoying the views of the mountain ranges!

You can also explore the city on a sleigh or horseback for a unique experience.

Book a trip to this fantastic city now and be a part of the adventure!

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