Things To Do
in Keystone
Keystone, Colorado is a resort community in Summit County best known for its ski area, family-friendly base villages, and easy access to high-alpine recreation. The town centers on River Run Village and Keystone Village, which offer lodging, dining, gondola access, and the popular Keystone Lake ice rink in winter. Because it sits at high elevation near Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Range, Keystone is a convenient jump-off for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and scenic drives.
The resort atmosphere means services, events, and activities are geared to visitors year-round, with a strong focus on outdoor sports and family amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Keystone, check into your lodging, and get settled. Take a leisurely stroll around the quaint town to get your bearings. Visit some local shops to find unique souvenirs and gear.
Head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, just a short drive away, to witness the iconic sculptures. Enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of this historic site. Don’t forget to snap photos and visit the visitor center for more insight into the monument’s history.
Return to Keystone and enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant. Take a night walk to appreciate the starlit sky and the quiet charm of the town. Wind down with a warm drink at a cozy cafe.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out to hike the nearby trails. The Black Hills offer a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels, with stunning scenery at every turn. Choose a trail that brings you to some scenic overlooks for unforgettable views.
After your hike, have lunch back in Keystone before visiting the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Experience a guided tour through the historic mine and learn about the gold rush era. Test your luck by panning for gold and discover the history surrounding this fascinating area.
Relax with dinner at one of Keystone's family-friendly restaurants. Enjoy the local cuisine and perhaps try some traditional American dishes. Wrap up your day by attending a local event or live music performance, often found in the summer.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee / café drink | $3-6 |
| 🎿Day lift ticket (resort dependent) | $100-200 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / lodge (per night) | $150-350 |
| 🚗Rental car (daily) | $40-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent year-round outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, biking, fishing).
- Family-friendly resort amenities and services.
- Stunning mountain and reservoir scenery with easy photography opportunities.
- Can be crowded and expensive during peak ski and summer seasons.
- High elevation requires acclimatization and can affect some visitors.
- Limited nightlife and urban amenities compared with larger mountain towns.
Places to Visit in Keystone
Visit one of these nice places.
Take photos from the gondola and summit areas for sweeping views of the Tenmile Range, Dillon Reservoir, and valley landscapes—sunrise and late afternoon light are best.
Classic wide-water reflections and mountain backdrops; Sapphire Point is a short stop with dramatic panoramic compositions, especially at golden hour.
Village architecture, gondola silhouettes, and the seasonal ice rink create atmospheric scenes—festive lights in winter and lake reflections in summer are photogenic.
High-elevation trails produce colorful wildflower carpets against rugged peaks—use a telephoto or macro for detail shots and a wide lens for landscapes.
Food in Keystone
Keystone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Game-meat burgers are common in Summit County—lean, flavorful, and often served with local cheeses; find them at mountain lodges and village pubs.
Must-Try!
Fresh-caught or regional trout prepared grilled or pan-seared at area restaurants; look for it on menus near Keystone and in neighboring towns like Dillon and Frisco.
Slow-cooked stews and green-chile-inspired chili are popular winter staples; a warming choice after a day on the slopes and commonly available in lodge dining rooms and casual spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
During summer and holiday periods small pop-up vendors and markets appear in the base villages offering baked goods, snacks, and local crafts—good for grab-and-go picnic supplies.
Short drives bring you to larger farmers’ markets where you can buy local produce, baked goods, and specialty items—open mainly in summer through early fall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keystone is a resort with residential areas—keep noise down late at night and follow posted quiet hours in lodging properties.
Do not feed wildlife, stay on marked trails, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment and animal populations.
Shuttle services, lift times, and lessons run on tight schedules—arrive early to avoid missing reservations and to ensure a smooth experience.
Safety
Tipping in Keystone
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–5 for ski valets or luggage assistance; tip ski instructors and guides when you receive personalized service (often 10–20%).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; most businesses also take contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay). Carry a small amount of cash for tips, small vendors, or remote services, but major purchases will be card-based.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak ski season with cold temperatures, abundant snow, and bustling resort activity; dress in layers, book lodging and lessons early, and expect possible road delays on I‑70 during storms.
Variable conditions—late snow can persist, lower trails thaw; shoulder-season discounts appear but check trail access and lift schedules, and be prepared for muddy or icy conditions.
Warm days and cool nights with afternoon thunderstorms common—ideal for hiking, biking, and water activities; pack sun protection and plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons to avoid storms.
Crisp air and brilliant aspen colors usually peak mid-September to early October; a quieter time for visitors but cooler nights and early snow are possible late in the season.
Keystone at Night
Hiking in Keystone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, dramatic viewpoint above Dillon Reservoir with easy access and excellent panoramic views—great for sunrise or sunset photos.
A classic alpine hike featuring waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountain scenery; moderate difficulty and popular in summer.
Flat, multi-use lakeside trail ideal for walking, biking, and relaxed photography with reservoir and mountain vistas.
A network of higher-elevation trails accessed from the gondola—offers tundra landscapes, wildflowers, and expansive views; suitable for acclimatized hikers.
Airports
How to reach Keystone by plane.
About 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Keystone depending on traffic; most major carriers fly here. Shuttle services, rental cars, and private transfers operate between DEN and Summit County.
Located near Vail (roughly 1.5–2 hours west of Keystone by car); seasonal flights increase in winter for ski traffic. Car rentals and some shuttle options are available but schedules can be more limited than Denver.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Tourists from across the U.S. and internationally who come for skiing, summer recreation, and events—numbers peak in winter and summer.
Large seasonal workforce supporting hospitality and outdoor recreation; many workers live in nearby towns and travel to the resort for work.
A smaller population of locals, families, and retirees who live in Summit County year-round and maintain local services and businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Primary winter sports with a large visitor base, lessons, racing programs, and terrain parks.
Popular in summer with lift-served downhill runs and cross-country trails in the county.
Dillon Reservoir and local streams support seasonal fishing and non-motorized boating.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Keystone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants and cafés—menus increasingly include salad bowls, pasta, and vegetable-forward dishes; communicate preferences when ordering.
Most places can accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets with notice; higher-end restaurants and many cafés label or can adapt items, but in peak season call ahead if you have strict needs.
Small kitchens and busy service can increase cross-contact risk—notify staff of serious allergies and consider carrying essential medications and an allergy card if helpful.