Val's Keystone Guidebook
City/town information
Keystone is a world-class ski resort located just a short, scenic 90-minute drive west of Denver, Colorado. It boasts three ski mountains with a variety of year-round outdoor activities and adventures, convenient and comfortable lodging accommodations, and award-winning dining options. It is the perfect Rocky Mountain destination to make lasting memories with friends and family.
Keystone is a prime destination for the younger crowds with exciting, family-friendly activities dedicated to helping children of all ages discover the magic of the mountains, and where grown-ups can realize that, deep-down, they’re still kids at heart. Everyone in your party will rediscover that love for the Rocky Mountains through the endless opportunities for adventure in Keystone, including snow tubing, shopping, sleigh rides, ice skating and even snow biking! The top of Dercum Mountain even features the world’s largest snow fort – fun for adults and children alike.
Keystone is comprised of three base village areas: River Run Village, Lakeside Village, and Mountain House Base Area, all of which offer their own perks and adventures!
River Run
River Run Village is the “downtown” of Keystone, offering an activity-laden experience through its direct access to the three incredible mountains that make up the resort, featuring world-class downhill skiing, and adrenaline-inducing downhill mountain biking off of Dercum Mountain.
The village itself displays a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as hosts acclaimed festivals throughout the summer, exhibiting the best of wine/beer, food and local music! River Run Village is also the main hub for all things Kidtopia, a weekly festival designed just for kids with different fun-filled and kid-friendly activities to be enjoyed! For a list of upcoming activities and events, please contact us!
Lakeside Village
Lakeside Village, as the name denotes, sits right next to Keystone Lake and serves as a hub for many outdoor activities in both summer and winter. The village offers activities including paddle boarding, paddle boating, bike rentals, and seasonal events located at the Keystone Conference Center in the summer. During the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes the world's largest Zamboni-maintained ice-skating rink, open to hockey skaters, figure skaters, and those just looking for a new activity to try out! Along with Keystone Lake, the Snake River runs right through Lakeside Village, with a bike path that leads you on a tour throughout Keystone! Lakeside Village does not offer direct ski access, but you can easily shuttle over to River Run Village or the Mountain House Base Area of Keystone for skiing.
Mountain House
The “original” Keystone base area, Mountain House boasts a lot of ski history. Set in a thick forest of pines, it is a stunning area of Keystone. The rentals in this area feature old-world elegance and various ski-in, ski-out complexes for a fraction of the cost of River Run. Mountain House offers its own ski school and magic carpet, great for beginners. The lifts often boast shorter lines and access to the A51 Terrain Park, for those looking to be challenged. Mountain House provides easy access to both Lakeside Village and River Run, and is the spot for those seeking a great ski vacation.
Contact us for lodging reservations, activity ideas, packages, trip planning, and more!
99 os moradores locais recomendam
Keystone
Keystone is a world-class ski resort located just a short, scenic 90-minute drive west of Denver, Colorado. It boasts three ski mountains with a variety of year-round outdoor activities and adventures, convenient and comfortable lodging accommodations, and award-winning dining options. It is the perfect Rocky Mountain destination to make lasting memories with friends and family.
Keystone is a prime destination for the younger crowds with exciting, family-friendly activities dedicated to helping children of all ages discover the magic of the mountains, and where grown-ups can realize that, deep-down, they’re still kids at heart. Everyone in your party will rediscover that love for the Rocky Mountains through the endless opportunities for adventure in Keystone, including snow tubing, shopping, sleigh rides, ice skating and even snow biking! The top of Dercum Mountain even features the world’s largest snow fort – fun for adults and children alike.
Keystone is comprised of three base village areas: River Run Village, Lakeside Village, and Mountain House Base Area, all of which offer their own perks and adventures!
River Run
River Run Village is the “downtown” of Keystone, offering an activity-laden experience through its direct access to the three incredible mountains that make up the resort, featuring world-class downhill skiing, and adrenaline-inducing downhill mountain biking off of Dercum Mountain.
The village itself displays a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as hosts acclaimed festivals throughout the summer, exhibiting the best of wine/beer, food and local music! River Run Village is also the main hub for all things Kidtopia, a weekly festival designed just for kids with different fun-filled and kid-friendly activities to be enjoyed! For a list of upcoming activities and events, please contact us!
Lakeside Village
Lakeside Village, as the name denotes, sits right next to Keystone Lake and serves as a hub for many outdoor activities in both summer and winter. The village offers activities including paddle boarding, paddle boating, bike rentals, and seasonal events located at the Keystone Conference Center in the summer. During the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes the world's largest Zamboni-maintained ice-skating rink, open to hockey skaters, figure skaters, and those just looking for a new activity to try out! Along with Keystone Lake, the Snake River runs right through Lakeside Village, with a bike path that leads you on a tour throughout Keystone! Lakeside Village does not offer direct ski access, but you can easily shuttle over to River Run Village or the Mountain House Base Area of Keystone for skiing.
Mountain House
The “original” Keystone base area, Mountain House boasts a lot of ski history. Set in a thick forest of pines, it is a stunning area of Keystone. The rentals in this area feature old-world elegance and various ski-in, ski-out complexes for a fraction of the cost of River Run. Mountain House offers its own ski school and magic carpet, great for beginners. The lifts often boast shorter lines and access to the A51 Terrain Park, for those looking to be challenged. Mountain House provides easy access to both Lakeside Village and River Run, and is the spot for those seeking a great ski vacation.
Contact us for lodging reservations, activity ideas, packages, trip planning, and more!
Food scene
Kickapoo Tavern is a great place for lunch, apres ski, or dinner, whether you’re with friends or your family. The bar and grill atmosphere means friendly staff and great customer service so you can RELAX and enjoy.
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Kickapoo Tavern
129 River Run RdKickapoo Tavern is a great place for lunch, apres ski, or dinner, whether you’re with friends or your family. The bar and grill atmosphere means friendly staff and great customer service so you can RELAX and enjoy.
Located in River Run Village, Keystone, CO, Montezuma Roadhouse is a contemporary eatery, bringing a fresh, modern menu and a family-friendly atmosphere to the Colorado high country.
It is located on your way to the gondola in River Run, right in the heart of the village. During the summertime, dine on the patio, or cozy up inside the restaurant during the winter, all while overlooking the beautiful village.
29 os moradores locais recomendam
Montezuma Roadhouse
91 River Run RdLocated in River Run Village, Keystone, CO, Montezuma Roadhouse is a contemporary eatery, bringing a fresh, modern menu and a family-friendly atmosphere to the Colorado high country.
It is located on your way to the gondola in River Run, right in the heart of the village. During the summertime, dine on the patio, or cozy up inside the restaurant during the winter, all while overlooking the beautiful village.
Distinctively Colorado, Uniquely Keystone. The Ranch utilizes the finest quality meat, sustainable practices and locally sourced products, paying homage to the ranchers and farmers who helped settle the area. Set in an authentic 1930’s homestead, the Keystone Ranch thoughtfully pairs rustic elegance, welcoming and knowledgeable service and an award-wining culinary team to create an unforgettable dining experience.
18 os moradores locais recomendam
Keystone Ranch
1437 Co Rd 150Distinctively Colorado, Uniquely Keystone. The Ranch utilizes the finest quality meat, sustainable practices and locally sourced products, paying homage to the ranchers and farmers who helped settle the area. Set in an authentic 1930’s homestead, the Keystone Ranch thoughtfully pairs rustic elegance, welcoming and knowledgeable service and an award-wining culinary team to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Enjoy breathtaking views while traveling in enclosed comfort aboard two gondolas to the top of the North Peak¨ at 11,444 feet. Award-winning chefs create delicious contemporary cuisine with a Bavarian accent to complement this unique, secluded setting.
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Alpenglow Stube
100 Dercum SquareEnjoy breathtaking views while traveling in enclosed comfort aboard two gondolas to the top of the North Peak¨ at 11,444 feet. Award-winning chefs create delicious contemporary cuisine with a Bavarian accent to complement this unique, secluded setting.
A casual, grab and go restaurant in River Run Village. A must to visit!
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The crepe stand
219 River Run RdA casual, grab and go restaurant in River Run Village. A must to visit!
Sightseeing
Keystone Lake is surrounded by the amenities of a resort as well as breathtaking mountain views of the area. Visitors are welcome to stop by to feed the ducks, enjoy the lake’s scenery or else partake in a few available, seasonal outdoor activities.
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Keystone Lake Ice Rink
Decatur RoadKeystone Lake is surrounded by the amenities of a resort as well as breathtaking mountain views of the area. Visitors are welcome to stop by to feed the ducks, enjoy the lake’s scenery or else partake in a few available, seasonal outdoor activities.
Dercum Square is the heart of River Run Village. In summer, enjoy mini golf, and in the winter, it converts to a small ice skating rink.
Dercum Square
Dercum SquareDercum Square is the heart of River Run Village. In summer, enjoy mini golf, and in the winter, it converts to a small ice skating rink.
Dillon Reservoir, sometimes referred to as Lake Dillon, is a large fresh water reservoir located in Summit County, Colorado just ten minutes from Keystone. Boats are available for rent.
176 os moradores locais recomendam
Dillon Reservoir
Dillon Reservoir, sometimes referred to as Lake Dillon, is a large fresh water reservoir located in Summit County, Colorado just ten minutes from Keystone. Boats are available for rent.
A spectacular lakeside venue overlooking the majestic Rocky Mountains!
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Anfiteatro Dillon
135 W Lodgepole StA spectacular lakeside venue overlooking the majestic Rocky Mountains!
Skiing
Peru Express is the primary chairlift out of the Mountain House base area and brings skiers and riders from Mountain House to a junction with the Schoolmarm trail at mid-mountain as well as to the top of the A51 terrain park.
Peru express lift
1934 Jones Gulch RoadPeru Express is the primary chairlift out of the Mountain House base area and brings skiers and riders from Mountain House to a junction with the Schoolmarm trail at mid-mountain as well as to the top of the A51 terrain park.
The River Run Gondola at Keystone Resort is an 8-passenger car that takes riders from River Run Village (9,280-foot elevation) to the top of Dercum Mountain, located at 11,640 feet, in just 11 minutes. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Dillon, the Ten Mile Range, Adventure Point, and the Continental Divide.
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River Run Village
195 River Run RdThe River Run Gondola at Keystone Resort is an 8-passenger car that takes riders from River Run Village (9,280-foot elevation) to the top of Dercum Mountain, located at 11,640 feet, in just 11 minutes. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Dillon, the Ten Mile Range, Adventure Point, and the Continental Divide.
Fishing
The Snake River that flows through Keystone is a great place to do some fly-fishing and catch some trout. This pristine river offers stunning views and peaceful areas to practice your skills. Fishing in Keystone mainly catch-and-release. The nice thing about the Snake River in Keystone is that it is easily accessible. Oftentimes you can walk to the river from your condo and in the late spring you can ski/board at one of the local resorts and then head on over to the river for some fishing in the afternoon. Another nice bit about Keystone is that you can always walk over to the local restaurant or bar and enjoy some après fishing beverages or a nice dinner (if you didn’t catch anything). Keystone usually stocks the river with healthy Rainbow trout and the natural Brook Trout population makes this a great place to fish. Many of the areas throughout Keystone are quiet and seldomly used, allowing this peaceful area to be a little sanctuary. The river is generally lined with large trees making you feel isolated from civilization only if it is a short walk away.
Snake River
The Snake River that flows through Keystone is a great place to do some fly-fishing and catch some trout. This pristine river offers stunning views and peaceful areas to practice your skills. Fishing in Keystone mainly catch-and-release. The nice thing about the Snake River in Keystone is that it is easily accessible. Oftentimes you can walk to the river from your condo and in the late spring you can ski/board at one of the local resorts and then head on over to the river for some fishing in the afternoon. Another nice bit about Keystone is that you can always walk over to the local restaurant or bar and enjoy some après fishing beverages or a nice dinner (if you didn’t catch anything). Keystone usually stocks the river with healthy Rainbow trout and the natural Brook Trout population makes this a great place to fish. Many of the areas throughout Keystone are quiet and seldomly used, allowing this peaceful area to be a little sanctuary. The river is generally lined with large trees making you feel isolated from civilization only if it is a short walk away.
Another great place to fish on the Snake River is the inlet to Dillon Reservoir (just off Highway 6) and up in Montezuma. The high altitude and naturalistic isolation attracts fishermen and lovers of nature. There are loads of ponds, some fairly large, which contain Brook Trout. You’ll need a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle. The roads follow the Snake River and Deer Creek a good part of the way. It’s not difficult to hike up to the various ponds. There are even some higher-altitude lakes. One, Chihuahua, has Colorado River Cutthroats and they’re a pretty healthy size. This does demand a hike as the lake sits at over 12,000 feet in elevation. The Natural Forest Lands are up here and provide some bountiful catches and beautiful scenery.
176 os moradores locais recomendam
Dillon Reservoir
Another great place to fish on the Snake River is the inlet to Dillon Reservoir (just off Highway 6) and up in Montezuma. The high altitude and naturalistic isolation attracts fishermen and lovers of nature. There are loads of ponds, some fairly large, which contain Brook Trout. You’ll need a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle. The roads follow the Snake River and Deer Creek a good part of the way. It’s not difficult to hike up to the various ponds. There are even some higher-altitude lakes. One, Chihuahua, has Colorado River Cutthroats and they’re a pretty healthy size. This does demand a hike as the lake sits at over 12,000 feet in elevation. The Natural Forest Lands are up here and provide some bountiful catches and beautiful scenery.
Hiking
Experience this 18.1-mile loop trail near Dillon, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 5 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
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Keystone Gulch Trailhead
22 Keystone Gulch RdExperience this 18.1-mile loop trail near Dillon, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 5 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Try this 11.5-mile out-and-back trail near Silverthorne, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 50 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
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Tenderfoot Trailhead
Try this 11.5-mile out-and-back trail near Silverthorne, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 50 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
Enjoy this 1.7-mile loop trail near Dillon, Colorado. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
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Old Dillon Reservoir Trailhead
Dillon Dam RoadEnjoy this 1.7-mile loop trail near Dillon, Colorado. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
Activities
A festival designed just for kids, Keystone Kidtopia is now ALL SEASON LONG! There are both daily and weekly events happening from November through April. Be sure to check out the weekly fireworks show on Saturday evenings throughout ski season at Keystone! Movie matinees, super snowy science, the Ripperoo parade, cookie time, family snowshoeing and more are all of the schedule of free events offered with Kidtopia!
The Keystone Kidtopia Snow Fort is located at the top of Dercum Mountain and is free to explore, it just requires a lift or gondola ticket to get to the top of the mountain. The kids will enjoy exploring the kids-themed castle, complete with tunnels and lookouts- the largest snow fort in the country! Have a snowball fight or get lost exploring!
Keystone Childrens Center
140 Ida Belle DriveA festival designed just for kids, Keystone Kidtopia is now ALL SEASON LONG! There are both daily and weekly events happening from November through April. Be sure to check out the weekly fireworks show on Saturday evenings throughout ski season at Keystone! Movie matinees, super snowy science, the Ripperoo parade, cookie time, family snowshoeing and more are all of the schedule of free events offered with Kidtopia!
The Keystone Kidtopia Snow Fort is located at the top of Dercum Mountain and is free to explore, it just requires a lift or gondola ticket to get to the top of the mountain. The kids will enjoy exploring the kids-themed castle, complete with tunnels and lookouts- the largest snow fort in the country! Have a snowball fight or get lost exploring!
The River course at the 36-hold Keystone Ranch golf facility is a new millennium offering from Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. The front nine is routed around the Snake River, with the back nine carved through a dense pine forest.
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Keystone Ranch Golf Course
1239 Keystone Ranch RdThe River course at the 36-hold Keystone Ranch golf facility is a new millennium offering from Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. The front nine is routed around the Snake River, with the back nine carved through a dense pine forest.
Known for its raw and technical riding, Keystone Resort's bike park is one of the biggest in the US, offering 55 inter-connected trails with aggressive descents, drops, berms and anything else that can be ridden on a bike. Featuring rock gardens, jumps, and creative wooden features, riders of all levels can find challenging terrain among Keystone’s 100 miles of lift-serviced singletrack.
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Keystone Bike Park
100 Dercum SquareKnown for its raw and technical riding, Keystone Resort's bike park is one of the biggest in the US, offering 55 inter-connected trails with aggressive descents, drops, berms and anything else that can be ridden on a bike. Featuring rock gardens, jumps, and creative wooden features, riders of all levels can find challenging terrain among Keystone’s 100 miles of lift-serviced singletrack.