Things to do in Summit County, Colorado All Year Round (2024)
Written by a Colorado Native
There are so many things to do in Summit County especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast! I’m a native of Colorado and Summit Country is truly one of my favorite areas, from Keystone, to Breckenridge, to Lake Dillon there is a special something about this part of the state that brings me here literally at least once in every season of the year.
My parents called this mountainous region home for nearly 20 years. My late father, Wally, whose passion for outdoor recreation inspired my blog, was particularly enamored with Summit County’s rich activities. The county encompasses charming towns like Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, as well as world-class ski resorts such as Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. The area is covered in natural beauty, boasting a 14,000-foot peak, pristine lakes, and scenic Aspen groves that make every season a visual delight. Summit County truly captures the essence of breathtaking landscapes.
Are you looking for the top things to do in Summit County all year round? In this post, I will take you through some of my favorite things to do here in the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Winter in Summit County
1. Hit the Slopes and go Skiing
There are several great internationally-recognized ski resorts within Summit County. Below are the four ski resorts within the area. Each resort offers a unique skiing and snowboarding experience. All resorts are easily accessible from Silverthorne as a base (if you want to hit up a few or all of them). There are many condo options in the area and VRBO is a great place to book.
For lift tickets to resorts in Summit County, there are bundle discounts available. The Epic Value pass will give you access to both Keystone and Breckenridge in one pass. Click below for lift ticket options for all resorts.
2. Go Tubing at the Frisco Adventure Park in Frisco
The Frisco Adventure Park is my kids’ favorite spot in the winter in Summit County. Situated just minutes from Frisco’s main street area, the Frisco Adventure Park is filled with winter activities that kids can enjoy offering a lift-assisted tubing hill and a beginner ski/snowboard hill. Additionally, it contains 27 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, 8 kilometers of snowshoe trails, and horse-drawn sleigh rides and dinners. Reservations are necessary for both the tubing hill and ski/snowboard hill, with available ski and board lessons. A convenient surface lift ensures easy access to the hill, located adjacent to a welcoming lodge, and complimentary parking is provided for added convenience.
Click Here to Make Reservations
3. Go Nordic Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a great winter activity in Summit County, and the Frisco Nordic Center is the place to do it. The center primarily focuses on Nordic skiing, offering a network of well-groomed cross-country ski trails suitable for various skill levels. The trails wind through scenic landscapes, providing a peaceful and immersive winter experience. Additionally, the Nordic Center caters to snowshoers, providing designated snowshoe trails for those who prefer exploring the snowy terrain on foot. Visitors to the Frisco Nordic Center can rent cross-country skis, snowshoes, and other necessary equipment on-site. This makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
Click here for information on the Frisco Nordic Center
4. Go Ice Skating at Keystone Lakeside Village
Keystone Lakeside Village, situated in the Keystone Resort and part of the larger Summit County area, provides a delightful ice skating experience, especially for kids. During winter, Keystone transforms the lake into a charming outdoor ice rink. The frozen lake offers a picturesque setting for skating amidst snow-covered landscapes. Skating on Keystone Lake provides an opportunity for skaters, particularly kids, to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, on-site ice skate rentals are typically offered by Keystone, making the activity accessible to visitors without their own equipment. The rental process is convenient, ensuring accessibility for families.
Additionally, Dercum Square offers ice skating in Keystone’s River Run Village right near the ski slope.
Click here for Information on Ice Skating at Keystone
5. Check out Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championship
Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships, presented by Toyota, stands out as a globally acclaimed snow sculpting competition. Teams from across the world gather in Breckenridge, Colorado, to skillfully hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into expansive and intricate works of art. This captivating event allows artists to bring their ideas to life using only hand tools, creativity, and inspiration—no power tools are allowed!
As a parent, bringing my kids to witness this competition adds a layer of joy. Teams invest countless hours over five days, totaling around 94 hours, to sculpt these awe-inspiring creations. The result is a temporary outdoor art gallery that transforms historic downtown Breckenridge into a mesmerizing display of snow artistry. It’s an experience that captures the imagination and showcases the incredible talent and dedication of the participating teams.
The International Snow Sculpture Championship is usually held at the end of January. For 2024 it is from January 26-31, 2024.
Click here for more information
6. Ride the Gondola to the Keystone Signature Snow Forts
The Kidtopia Snow Fort stands out as a must-see attraction for families exploring the summit of Keystone Mountain in the winter season. Make sure to experience the World’s LARGEST mountaintop snow fort at Dercum Mountain! This snowy marvel serves as an ideal pitstop before embarking on a mountaintop tubing adventure or offers a delightful way to appreciate our stunning mountain while taking a break from the slopes.
Click here for information on the Keystone Snow Forts
Spring in Summit County
I often call spring in Summit County “mud season”, which lasts from May to early June. Growing up in the Colorado Mountains, this was the period when the snow began to melt, and things got a bit muddy. However, despite the muddy conditions, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. Thanks to its high elevation, Arapahoe Basin stays open late into the spring (most other resorts close in mid-April). This means you can indulge in spring skiing in Summit County for an extended period, longer than anywhere else in Colorado and even in North America. Also, things start opening up in Spring like boating season in Lake Dillon and Fishing.
Below are some activities that are great in the Spring in Summit County.
1. Ski at Arapahoe Basin
The ski season at Arapahoe Basin typically runs from October to June making it Colorado’s longest ski season. A great place for those warm sunny Spring bluebird ski days, my favorite!
Click here for lift tickets to A-Basin
2. Go White Water Rafting (Spring, Summer, Fall)
As temperatures rise, the snowmelt increases the water flow in rivers, creating optimal conditions for white-water rafting adventures during spring. Summit County offers a variety of guided tours for those looking to experience the thrill of navigating turbulent waters, making it an ideal destination for adrenaline enthusiasts seeking an exciting rafting experience.
See below for Guided White Water Rafting tours on the Colorado River:
- Colorado River Whitewater Rafting: Half Day Trip
- Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling
- Upper Colorado River Scenic Float Trip – Half Day
Summer in Summit County
There is no shortage of summer activities and things to do in Summit County. It’s a really fun time of year here, it’s a great place to escape the heat of the lower elevations and spend quality time in the majestic rocky mountains.
1. Boating on Lake Dillon
Dillon Reservoir, also known as Lake Dillon, is a hub for boating and water activities. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, pontoon boat, or sailboat to explore the lake’s tranquil waters surrounded by mountain vistas. The Dillon Marina and the Frisco Bay Marina offer boat rentals, including sailboats, pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Below are some options for boat rentals:
- Adventure Paddle Tours
- Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco
- Dillon Marina Boat Rentals
- Frisco Bay Marina
2. Hiking
Whether you’re a novice hiker looking for a stroll or an experienced trekker seeking challenging alpine adventures, Summit County offers miles of trails and hiking, options for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Every town in Summit Country offers great hikes and if you haven’t ventured a Colorado 14er it’s worth trying Quandry Peak!
Easy Hikes for Adults and Kids
- Lily Pad Hike in Silverthorne
- Sawmill Reservoir in Breckenridge
- Mohawk Lake Trail in Breckenridge
- Rainbow Lake in Frisco
Moderate Hikes
- McCullough Gulch in Breckenridge
- North Tenmile Trail #37 in Frisco
- Ptarmigan Peak Trail near Silverthorne
- Willow Creek Falls in Silverthorne
14,000 Foot Peaks
Guided Private Scenic Colorado Mountain Hike – Half Day
3. Mountain Biking
Summit County stands out as a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, providing an enormous amount of activities suitable for the whole family. Each town within the county boasts an expansive network of trails tailored to accommodate riders of varying skill levels. In the following sections, we’ll dive into the biking offerings specific to each town in Summit County.
Silverthorne
Silverthorne has a diverse trail network that accommodates everyone from families seeking leisurely rides to enthusiastic mountain bikers in search of a more challenging experience. In the vicinity of Silverthorne, numerous bike rental shops cater to various terrains, providing a selection of bikes and necessary gear for a secure and enjoyable biking adventure.
Click here for Bike Trails in Silverthorne
Keystone
Keystone offers numerous opportunities for mountain bikers to enjoy riding on diverse terrains. First off, the Keystone Bike Park features a network of trails designed for various skill levels. Beginners can delight in easier trails, while more advanced riders can challenge themselves with more technical descents, jumps, and features. Additionally, Keystone provides scenic rides through alpine meadows and forests. One notable example is the Keystone Gulch Road, offering a beautiful mountain biking experience with stunning views of the Gore Range.
For a list of Bike Trails in Keystone, click here
Breckenridge
During the summer months, Breckenridge Ski Resort transforms into a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts. The ski lifts are repurposed to transport bikes, offering riders convenient access to downhill trails. Within the resort, the Breckenridge Bike Park serves as a central hub for downhill and freeride enthusiasts. The park boasts a variety of trails featuring jumps, berms, and technical sections, making it an ideal destination for riders seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience. Additionally, the surrounding area offers an epic singletrack that meanders through forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain terrain.
Click here for Information on Mountain Biking in Breckenridge
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain has a well-developed bike park that offers a diverse array of downhill trails catering to various difficulty levels, ranging from beginner to expert. The lift-serviced terrain facilitates riders’ access to the mountain’s higher elevations, providing the opportunity for exhilarating descents. The bike park incorporates freeride features, including jumps, drops, and berms, catering to riders who enjoy more technical and challenging experiences.
For Information on Mountain Biking in Copper Mountain Click Here
4. Go Horseback Riding Near Keystone, Colorado
Horseback riding at Keystone Stables is another great activity in the summer. Keystone Stables provides more than just horseback riding experiences; they also offer horse-drawn wagon rides. For horseback riding enthusiasts, guided trail rides are available, taking participants through the picturesque landscapes around Keystone. These rides accommodate various skill levels, and for children, there are supervised interactions with horses and pony rides. What sets Keystone Stables apart is the opportunity to ride a horse-drawn wagon, providing a unique and family-friendly outdoor experience. This activity includes engaging narratives about Summit County’s rich history and natural features. In the winter months, visitors can delight in the combination of dinner and a sleigh ride experience.
5. Check out the Summer Adventure Park in Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain’s Summer Adventure Park offers a variety of activities, including a bungee jump, climbing wall, zip line, and a go-kart track. Kids can enjoy these outdoor adventures while taking in the beautiful mountain scenery.
Copper Mountain is also home to one of America’s longest alpine coasters. Descend along 5,800 feet of track, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. The coaster operates year-round, providing an exhilarating experience in both summer and winter.
Click here for more information on Copper Mountain’s Summer Activities for Kids
Fall in Summit County
1. Go on a Guided Fly Fishing Excursion (Summer & Fall)
The fishing season on the Colorado River in Summit County extends from spring through summer and into fall. Spring and early summer, in particular, offer excellent conditions for fly fishing, attracting hungry trout. The Colorado River is home to various fish species, and anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout.
Summit County hosts numerous fly fishing outfitters and guides that provide guided trips on the Colorado River. Below is a list of available guided trips for anglers seeking a memorable and informed fishing experience.
- Trouts Fly Fishing in Frisco
- Cutthroat Anglers in Silverthorne
- The Colorado Angler in Silverthorne
- Breckenridge Outfitters
2. Go on a Leaf Peeping Hike
Summit County is breathtaking in the fall as the golden aspen trees transition into shades of yellow, orange, and red. The optimal time to experience the beauty of Summit County in the fall is from early to mid-September. Numerous fantastic hikes are available to witness the vibrant colors, and the weather is generally sunny and spectacular, albeit occasionally chilly. It is, personally, my favorite time to visit and bring the kids to enjoy the outdoors.
Below are some great hikes for leaf peeping you can take the kids:
Old Dillon Reservoir Trail 
3. Go on a Drive on Boreas Pass
For those seeking a scenic fall drive in the backcountry, Boreas Pass Road offers a truly rewarding experience with stunning autumn foliage. To reach Boreas Pass, take Keystone Gulch Rd. to US-6 W, then continue along US-6 until you reach CO-9 S, leading you to Breckenridge and eventually Boreas Pass Road. It’s crucial to be aware that portions of Boreas Pass consist of backcountry dirt roads, so exercise caution and monitor weather conditions before undertaking this journey. Note that there are off-road segments along Boreas Pass Road.
For those who may be a bit hesitant about off-roading (similar to me), the drive alone from Silverthorne to Breckenridge offers delightful opportunities to appreciate the fall foliage. Explore the charming main street of Breckenridge, where you can shop, dine, and immerse yourself in the beautiful autumn scenery.
Best Breweries in Summit County
Colorado is known for its breweries where they brew up the best craft beer in the country. Summit Country is no exception to this. Below are three of my favorite craft breweries in the area and links to reviews.
- Breckenridge Brewery
- Dillon Dam Brewery
- Pug Ryan’s Brewing Company
- Outer Range Brewing Company
- Broken Compass Brewery & Tap House
Conclusion
You will not be lacking in things to do in Summit County. I continue to bring my kids here, even as they grow into teens. We love the outdoor activities and the mountain air here. The beauty never gets old. We also love the accessibility from Denver. This was such a wonderful place for my parents to live for so long, it brought my dad Wally, and my mom years and years of happiness.
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