Summit County Activities

There are plenty of Summit County activities for all ages. From skiing to golf to finding the perfect hiking trail.

Summit County Winter Activities

Skiing & Riding
Summit County is home to some of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado.

  • Arapahoe Basin
  • Keystone
  • Breckenridge
  • Copper Mountain
  • Loveland

Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling in Summit County is a great way to enjoy the winter landscape, with the added thrill of speed. There are several companies that offer snowmobile rentals in Summit County.

  • High Country Tours
  • Good Times Adventures
  • White Mountain Tours

Nordic Centers
In Summit County, Colorado you will find the Nordic atmosphere to be casual, friendly, and warm. The warm winter sports of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are affordable and can be enjoyed by people of all skill and age levels.

  • Breckenridge Nordic Center
  • Gold Run Nordic Center
  • Frisco Nordic Center

 

Summer Activities in Summit County

Hiking Trails
Summit County is surrounded by mountains, and there are many opportunities for hikers who want to enjoy their splendor up close. From short half day jaunts to climbs up some of the tallest peaks in the state, you’ll find it all here.

  • Quandary Peak – An easy climb by fourteener standards, this makes for a nice day trip into the high peaks. On top you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains, as well as the Gore Range, Front Range and other 14er’s. Give yourself plenty of time, most people underestimate how the high altitude will affect them. This is also a popular winter climb due to the low angled nature of the popular east slopes route.
  • Mohawk Lakes – This trail has it all: rugged peaks, waterfalls, old mining ruins and massive views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure not to stop when you come to the lower lake, the views just keep getting better and better. It’s about seven miles round trip, so plan on being out all day and bring plenty of food and water.
  • Lily Pad Lakes – A trip to the lakes is easy on the relatively flat trail that is only two miles round trip. They are aptly named, as the surface is covered in lily pads! There is another lake further up the trail for those wanting to explore a little more of the area.
  • For more information about these and other hikes in Summit County, visit the Summit County Explorer.

 

Fly-Fishing
There are several rivers in the Summit County area that offer excellent fly fishing opportunities.

  • Blue River – The Blue is one of Colorado’s Gold Medal fisheries and justly popular. The section below the Lake Dillon is a tail water that holds large fishing feeding off the mysis shrimp that come out of the reservoir. This section is fishable year-round, and the rest of the river is good from about March through November, given average weather conditions.
  • Snake River – Winding through Keystone Resort, this is a moderately-sized river, making wading easy and offering some fun water. As long as you practice catch and release, Keystone allows fishing on most of the resort property. There is normally a healthy Brookie population, plus Keystone stocks the river with Rainbows. Most sections of the stream are seldom fished, very quiet and lined with fir and pine trees.
  • Rivers in Surrounding Counties – The Williams Fork, South Platte, Eagle and Arkansas Rivers also offer great fishing, and there are numerous high alpine lakes in the area. Check in with local outfitters for more information and latest conditions.

 

Golf Courses
Summit County’s five scenic golf courses offer great Colorado outdoor experience with panoramic views and an ever-changing landscape.

  • Breckenridge Golf Course – 970-453-9104 – Like all Jack Nichlaus-designed courses, the Breckenridge Golf Club utilizes the intrinsic features of the terrain to derive its character. The 72-par course offers three 18-hole rotations that play through mountain valleys, forests and streams in breathtaking Breckenridge.
  •  Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks – 970-262-3636 – The challenging, but eminently playable Tom Lehman and Hurdzan/Fry golf course design, features lush rolling fairways and immaculate greens surrounded by towering stands of pine and aspen, snow capped 13,000 foot peaks, crystal clear creeks and trout filled lakes.
  • Keystone Ranch Course – 1-800-464-3494 – Winding through lodgepole pines, around sage meadows and across a nine-acre lake, this par-72 golf course features slight elevation changes and many bunkers. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Keystone Ranch Golf Course follows the legendary links-style of a Scottish course on the front nine, while the back nine presents a traditional mountain valley layout.
  • The River Course – 1-800-464-3494 – This par-71, Hurdzan-Fry course brings an element of drama to your game. Impressive elevation changes, variable bunkers, water hazards, and five sets of tees on each hole combine to challenge golfers of all abilities. The 16th hole features a 194-foot elevation drop from tee to green and the scenic 18th hole offers 12 bunkers and spectacular views of Lake Dillon.
  • Copper Creek Golf Club – 1-866-286-1663 – Pete and Perry Dye’s incorporation of the natural alpine terrain, unique use of railroad tie bulkheads and elaborate mound systems present you with thought-provoking challenges and scenic pleasures. The back nine changes in character as the fairways cut through the forest and the scant remains of a 19th century mining town.

 

Mountain Biking
The hills and mountains surrounding Breckenridge hold some of the finest mountain biking trails in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you are looking for mellow cruisers or steep, rocky singletrack, you are sure to find what you are looking for. These are some of our favorite mountain biking trails in Breckenridge.

  • Wheeler Trail – This incredible ride is recommended only for the most fit riders, as it boasts a 3000’ elevation gain and covers some rough ground, much of it above treeline. The ride starts in Breckenrdige and takes you up Peak 9, over the top of the mountains and drops down the other side to Copper Mountain. From herel, you can either ride the bus or take the paved bike path back to town. You;ll be challenged like never before on this rough ride, but thw views of the Ten Mile range will be well worth the effort.
  • Burro Trail – Expect a social outing on this popular trail. Whether you do it as an out and back, or make it into a loop, you’re likely to encounter other people out enjoying this beautiful trail that sits so close to town.
  • Boreas Pass – Baker’s Tank – Amazing views and a glimpse of the past await you on this popular ride. A good introduction to mountain biking in the Breckenridge area, the ride starts up an old scenic dirt road and then splits off into some fun, winding singletrack before returning to town.