Travel your way in Summit County

Unforgettable itineraries for one, three or five days around Breckenridge, Keystone

By Kyle Kirves

Mention Colorado to out-of-staters and they almost invariably visualize the kind of landscape you’d find in Summit County. It’s an instinctual response, and certainly not a wrong one. High snow-capped peaks, dense pine and aspen forests, whitewater creeks and rivers flowing cold and clear through the valleys. So it’s not surprising that when people plan their vacations to Colorado, Summit County tops their list of destinations (in fact, judging by the traffic on Interstate 70, it ain’t just the flatlanders flying in who look to Frisco, Breckenridge, Dillon, and Keystone as getaways). Whether you’re in from out of state, newly transplanted or a native looking for friendly reminders of great places to go in Summit County, Thirst Colorado has you covered with suggestions for an enjoyable vacation in the high country. Read on to discover (or rediscover) some favorites.

If you get thirsty during these adventures, sample our six-pack of tasty Frisco drinks.

If you only have one day in Summit County….

Drive the Dam Road – Dillon 

No trip, however big or small, would be complete without a drive across the Dillon Reservoir Dam. Even if you’re just passing through on I-70, driving over the dam is a thrilling diversion, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Dillon Reservoir. Closed seasonally. From I-70, take Exit 205 and follow the signage to the Dam Road. 

Have Lunch at Pug Ryan’s – Dillon

He may not have the name recognition of Butch Cassidy or Billy the Kid, but outlaw Pug Ryan is a local legend in his own right after robbing the Denver Hotel in Breckenridge in 1898. It’s his name (or rather the pseudonym of Arthur L. Scott) that lends itself to this Summit County brewery. Pug Ryan’s Brewery has two locations in Dillon: the main restaurant at 104 Village Place, and the seasonally open tiki bar (you read that correctly -- tiki bar) on the marina at 150 Marina Drive. It’s a great venue for craft beer and pub fare. 

Hike the Iowa Hill Mine Trail – Breckenridge

Sometimes, a hike is about the scenery, sometimes about the exercise, and sometimes it’s about the history. The Iowa Hill Mine Trail has all three! This quick 1.2-mile loop meanders through the mine site for which it is named – still replete with historical artifacts in various states of decay, and signage that tells the story of the mine. It’s a fun hike for family, all downhill on the way back, and not to be missed even on the quickest of trips through Summit County. Access the trail from Airport Road near the public works building.

But if you have three days in Summit County…

Well, let’s face it: if you have three days in Summit County in the winter, you should be skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, or Copper Mountain. But let’s stick with summer and fall.  What about golf, or an alpine nautical adventure on Dillon Reservoir? But hey, that’s probably already occurred to you. Here are a few favorites that maybe haven’t. 

eat Breakfast at Sunshine Café – Silverthorne

Man, what’s more synonymous with Colorado than sunshine? At the Sunshine Café, you’ll find all manner of Summit County takes on classic breakfast fare, as well as some things that are high country. Call me an (Eggs) Benedict Arnold, but I go for the salmon benny over the classic every time. Open until 2:30 p.m., the cafe also serves lunch. 

Ride Summit County - Frisco)

If summertime bikes and boards are your (or junior’s) jam, head out to the Frisco Adventure Park. It features a bike park with four courses that will challenge every skill level. The expanded skate park boasts 28,000 square feet of bowls, jumps and transition lanes to keep everyone rolling. Tired of wheeled action? Head over to the disc golf course for a relaxing round on the 18-hole course or the newer 9-hole. With benches throughout to checkout the surrounding peaks, it’s one of the most scenic disc golf courses in the state. 

Try Stand Up Paddleboarding

(Lake Dillon, Breckenridge and more) 

Photo courtesy Todd Powell

What’s SUP? It’s Stand Up Paddleboarding: half surfing, half kayaking, and all fun. Rental places such as Stand Up Paddle Colorado, are plentiful in Summit County at Dillon Reservoir – even offering multi-person “Monster Boards” big enough for the whole family. Even if you’ve never boarded before, you can learn SUPing in no time. Or, if you want to show off master technique, consider the one-hour course on Maggie Pond from local outfitters Colorado Adventure Guides.  

Eat Lunch or Dinner – Dillon Dam Brewery – Dillon

A brewpub as big as the mountains, Dillon Dam Brewery (DDB) is officially the largest of its kind in the Colorado Rockies. The diverse menu caters to all tastes (including even the pickiest members of the kid crowd). Unique mountain-style and southwestern takes on pub favorites abound, including a pretty DAM good Philly cheesesteak. Everyone will feel right at home at DDB, including the family pooch on the pet-friendly patio. 

Play Mini-Golf at Epic Discovery – Breckenridge

Sure, Summit County offers some of the best high-altitude golf courses in the world. But if playing a round for your family means never having to choose between clubs, consider 18 holes of mini golf at Epic Discovery. 

Enjoy Dessert at Higgles Ice Cream – Breckenridge

Considered a “can’t miss” by fans of frozen confections, Higgles on Main Street in Breck is a distinctive high-country take on the old-school ice cream store. Exotic flavors (lemon crème freche? Malted milk ball? Coconut macadamia?) and traditional old-school flavors share space in the freezer. And they also offer vegan flavors! Made-fresh waffle cones (none more than 30 minutes old) top off -- or rather, bottom in -- the best ice cream in Summit County. 

Got five days in Summit County? 

Visit the Summer Fun Park and Alpine Slide – Breckenridge 

Who says all the fun has to happen in the wintertime? There’s more to coming down the mountain than skiing or snowboarding. Take the gondola ride to the top of Peak 8 for magnificent views and to access Breckenridge’s Summer Fun Park. Bring your bike for a memorable ride down. Or consider the 2,500-foot Alpine slide or Gold Runner coasters to get your downhill kicks. Open from early June to mid-September. Head out to Watson Road and North Park Avenue and look for the gondola North or South lots to get to Peak 8. 

go Horseback Riding – Various

Giddyup for a great time with horseback riding departing from several towns in Summit. Breckenridge Stables (Breckenridge), Gore Range Outfitters (Silverthorne), or Keystone Stables (Dillon) make great choices for the equine inclined, offering rides as short as an hour up to half-day picnic rides (varies by provider). Never ridden before? No problem. All riding outfits offer shorter rides for the new-to-the-saddle and city-slicker types, and pony rides for the youngest riders. You may not go from green horn to top hand in one ride, but that’s the great thing about horseback riding, it gets better every time you do it. 

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.