2026 Keystone Resort Summer Tip Sheet

Mountain thrills and family connection come together at Keystone Resort, Summit County Colorado's destination for high-alpine adventure and signature events. As one of the first all-season resorts east of Denver on I-70, Keystone carries the energy of ski season stoke into summer with renowned biking, golf, concerts, festivals, and scenic mountain experiences.

From cruising the iconic Keystone Bike Park to playing 36 holes across two scenic mountain golf courses, Keystone offers unforgettable first-time experiences for every type of summer traveler. Guests can take in the alpine air and live music from Dercum Peak at 11,000 feet down to the base area all season long, along with a variety of new activity and lodging deals designed to make alpine getaways more accessible.

NEW! Keystone welcomes the debut of Kindred Resort, Colorado's newest luxury hotel and residence, located at the base of the River Run Gondola.

Key Summer Dates

• Open Thursday-Monday starting June 25 through Labor Day Weekend
• Open Friday-Sunday until September 20
• Golf open daily through October 5

NEW! Kindred Resort Introduces Campfire Luxury to Colorado

Located just steps from the slopes, Kindred Resort and RockResorts® hotel, redefines mountain comfort with a hotel and residence experience designed for elevated stays. Guests can enjoy premium amenities including valet parking, valet ski and bike storage, on-site dining, and a full-service spa.

A family-friendly atmosphere is complemented by an exclusive pool and hot tub area with unobstructed mountain views, while year-round dining ranges from elevated comfort food to sushi, positioning this newest development in Keystone as a vibrant hub steps away from the River Run Gondola.

Views Without the Climb

Take the easy way up to unforgettable alpine views aboard Keystone's Scenic Gondola Ride to the top of Dercum Mountain. Perfect for families and sightseers alike, the gondola offers sweeping views of Lake Dillon, the Continental Divide, and the Ten Mile Range. Once at the summit, spend time snapping photos, exploring nearby trails, or grabbing lunch at Summit House.

It's All Downhill from Here

From techy expert trails to blue lines and beginner flow, the Keystone Bike Park offers some of the West's best downhill mountain biking. With more than 30 miles of lift-serviced singletrack to explore, riders of all ability levels can experience the rush of cruising down Dercum Mountain on dirt instead of snow. Plus, Keystone's first new bike park trail in nearly a decade, WD-40, is greased up and ready to ride. This blue trail features jumps, three wooden features, and sustainable construction using reclaimed wood from the Bergman Bowl snow fencing. At the bottom of WD-40, riders can continue the adventure by connecting to Suz's Cruise, Jam Rock, or Paid-in-Full.

Two Championship Courses, One Great Resort

Keystone Resort is home to two incredible golf courses, delivering 36 holes of championship golf surrounded by some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Colorado. Open from mid-May through early October, these courses don't just look good; they play well.

The River Course challenges golfers of all ability levels with dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkers, water hazards, and six sets of tees on every hole, all framed by stunning Rocky Mountain views. Meanwhile, the Keystone Ranch Course offers a unique experience set on historic ranch land, where original structures and rolling fairways create an authentic Old West atmosphere beneath towering alpine peaks.

The best things in life are free! Lodging guests who book directly through Keystone Resort can enjoy FREE golf on their day of arrival at either course.

A Cool Summer Activity

Adventure Point snow tubing returns to Keystone this summer, bringing a refreshingly brisk twist to warmer-weather fun. Take the River Run Gondola to the top and enjoy the same tubing hill guests love during the winter season. Resort teams carefully preserve and farm snow from around the mountain to keep the lanes sliding, creating one of the coolest activities in the Rockies-literally. Grab a tube, race down the hill, and enjoy a little taste of winter under the summer sun. Open for as long as the snow lasts!

Slish, Splash, & Spa

Lakeside is the perfect place to spend a summer day in the mountains. Rent a canoe, pedal boat, or stand-up paddleboard from the Adventure Center, challenge friends to lawn games, or hop on a bike and explore miles of scenic riding along the Snake River recreation path.

After the adventure, unwind with a cold drink from the self-pour taps at Rathbone or relax at Alpenglow Spa at Keystone Lodge with massages, facials, and a unique saltwater float tank experience.

Summer Afternoon Club Returns!

Back by popular demand, Summer Afternoon Club returns to Keystone on select Thursdays this Summer. Held on the Key Top Deck at the top of Dercum Mountain, guests can access the summit via complimentary gondola, and purchase food and drinks while taking in the alpine atmosphere.

Join the Summer Afternoon Club on:

• Thursday June 25th
• Thursday July 2nd
• Thursday July 23^rd
• Thursday August 6^th
• Thursday August 20^th
• Thursday September 3^rd

The Sounds and Smells of Summer

Keystone's 2026 Summer Festival line-up offers live music, unique food and beverages, and events for the whole family! Plus, festival ticketholders can get same day scenic gondola ride tickets at 50%. Check out the full schedule and purchase tickets here.

Bacon and Bourbon Festival (June 28-29)

Calling all bacon enthusiasts! There are few better ways to kick off the summer than with the scent of bacon. Paired with bourbon, this is an event you don't want to miss.

Stars & Guitars (July 3)

Keystone kicks off Independence Day weekend with a family-friendly celebration on Friday, July 3rd! River Run Village will be decked out in its patriotic best with festive kids' swag, interactive entertainment from Salida Circus, free face painting, live music, and more!

Wine and Jazz Festival (July18-19)

Sip and savor hundreds of varietals of wines while enjoying the accompaniment of renowned jazz musicians. Come for the wine, stay for the delectable cuisine and charming music.

Keystone River Run Art Festival (July 24-25)

Join over 80 artists from around the country as they convene to showcase their art works in the heart of River Run Village. From ceramics, to jewelry, paintings and more, take something home that reminds you of the magic of the mountains.

Bluegrass and Beer Festival (August 1-2)

The start of August marks the return of one of Colorado's longest running beer festivals! A Keystone classic, the Bluegrass and Beer Fest invites you to fill your cup with craft beers and good company in the mountains.

Oktoberfest (September 5)

It's time to raise your Stein! Prost to oompah bands and German fare this Labor Day Weekend. Welcoming to families, Kinderfest invites the little ones to make crafts and learn traditional polka dances while their parents enjoy craft beers.

Summertime Savings

Take advantage of these summer-specific deals to spend less cash for more adventure:

• Festival & Fly - Receive 50% discount on scenic rides for guests that have purchased a festival wristband.
• Adventure Pass 4 Pack - Access to unlimited tubing, bungee and scenic rides, plus 30-minute watersports rental, single-use gem panning, fish feed and miniature golf for $316 for 4 guests (15% discount compared to purchasing individual Adventure Passes). Bike Haul is not included.

• Golf Stay & Play - Enjoy up to 15% off lodging when packaged with your round of golf at the Keystone River and Ranch Course.

• Summer Picnic Pack - Enjoy a mountaintop picnic for four with this $60 grab-and-go bundle including entrees, sides, and four bottled beverages.
• Family Bike Bundle - Receive 20% off DH or Enduro Bike Rentals for a family of four.
• Lightning Hold Happy Hour - $2 off drip coffee and hot coco during all lightning holds.
• Peak Sweet Deal - Available daily - buy one get one 50% off Ice Cream Cones (cone or cup).

Additional Lodging

Keystone offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every style and budget, including traditional hotel stays and spacious multi-bedroom vacation rentals perfect for families and groups. The Keystone Lodge & Spa makes an ideal summer home base, conveniently located in the heart of Lakeside Village near Lakeside activities.

Alpine Eats

Big views and even bigger flavors define dining in Keystone, where every meal comes with a mountain backdrop. Summit House is the perfect place to enjoy great food paired with unforgettable scenery at the top of Dercum.

For a more refined dining experience, the historic Ski Tip Lodge offers a fine-dining setting unlike anywhere else in Keystone-don't miss the signature apple strudel a la mode by the fireplace for dessert.

Summer Facts & Information

Summer Operations: Thursday - Monday through Labor Day Weekend, then Friday - Sunday until Sept. 20.

Activities Hours of Operation: 10 am to 5 pm

Elevation

• River Run Base Area Elevation: 9,280 feet
• Dercum Peak: 11,640 feet

River Run Base Area, Gondola & Mountain Activities

• Keystone Stables: Experience the Rockies on horseback at Keystone Stables, where guided trail rides wind through scenic mountain terrain. Perfect for families and riders of all experience levels. In true cowboy fashion, the dinner wagon ride pairs vistas with barbecue at a historic homestead dating back to the 1800s.
• Base Area Mini Golf: A fun, family-friendly course right at the base of River Run-perfect for a relaxed round surrounded by mountain views.

• Scenic Gondola Rides on the River Run Gondola: Effortless access to sweeping alpine views and high-altitude adventures at the top of Dercum.

• Bungee Trampolines and Gemstone Panning at Dercum: Jump, bounce, and discover at the summit with high-energy bungee trampolines and hands-on gemstone panning for families.

• Keystone Downhill Bike Park: Ride lift-served terrain across 30+ miles of legendary downhill trails.

• Adventure Point Snow Tubing: Side down real snow lanes at the summit for a uniquely cool alpine experience.

• Hiking: Access the Dercum Summit Hiking Trail via the River Run Gondola and follow signs near the KeyTop Overlook Deck to begin your journey. This scenic 2.3-mile route gently climbs 180 feet, offering an accessible alpine hike with rewarding summit views along the way.

Lakeside Village & Adventure Center

• Pedal Boats, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes: Discover Keystone Lake with a variety of on-the-water rentals perfect for relaxing or active family fun.

• Bike Rentals: Cruise miles of scenic paths along the Snake River and beyond with easy, accessible bike rentals.

Climate

Average summer temperatures in Keystone range from the 70s during the day to the 50s or lower at night. Be sure to pack sunscreen and light layers to stay comfortable in the strong alpine sun-remember, the Dercum Summit sits above 11,000 feet and closer to the sun. It's also a good idea to bring a rain jacket and keep an eye out for afternoon showers and thunderstorms that can move through the mountains.

High Altitude Preparedness

High elevation can affect people in different ways. Visitors should be mindful of the effects of altitude and make sure to always wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. If symptoms such as headache, nausea, lethargy or shortness of breath persist, seek immediate medical attention.

Media Link - Credit Keystone

Media Contacts:

Jake Marquardt, [email protected]

Emily Kowalenko, [email protected]