Summit County River Recreation Guide

Summit County is home to the highest chairlift in North America as well as the highest deep-water marina in the world. Summit County also has some of the highest rivers in Colorado. Three of the stunning rivers that flow through the high country of Summit County, the Blue River, the Snake River and the Swan River, offer residents and visitors some of the very best recreational opportunities for summer in the high country.

THE BLUE RIVER: The longest river in the county, running a distance of 65 miles, it originates near Quandary Peak in the Ten Mile Range and spills into the Dillon Reservoir just east of Frisco, resuming its northward run through Silverthorne and eventually joining the Colorado River in Kremmling.

Buried under tons of dredge rock during the mining era, the river was restored in 1988 to its current inviting state which is enjoyed by thousands each year. The Riverwalk Center, just behind our Main Street office in Breckenridge was designed to spotlight the beauty of the Blue River creating a town center for performing arts. Enjoy the pedestrian bridges, artwork, native alpine gardens and stone seating areas built into the banks along the Blue River.

Rafting: Just north of Silverthorne from May to early July is the only spot in Summit county for whitewater rafting with the Gore Range creating one of the most beautiful river backdrops in the state. The season is brief but at its peak, rapids can reach a Class III.

Kayaking Park: Adjacent to the Breckenridge Recreation Center is the 1,800 foot Breckenridge Kayak Park. Constructed in 2001, providing 15 water features for all level of boaters the park can be enjoyed May through August.

Fishing: Although there are a multitude of great fishing spots along the Blue River, the Colorado Wildlife Commission has awarded the Gold Medal to a designated 2.5 mile stretch of river starting just below the Dillon Reservoir heading north downstream. The Gold Medal Award is reserved for the highest quality of river water that produces at least 60 pounds of trout per acre at a minimum of 14 inches or larger. Reach out to one of our several full-service fly and angler shops around Summit County to enhance your fishing experience.

Biking/Walking/Running: The Recreation Path parallels the Blue River from downtown Breckenridge north towards the Dillon Reservoir connecting Breckenridge, Frisco and Dillon. This easy paved path is popular with bikers, runners, and walkers of all abilities due to its incredible views of the Blue River, the Dillon Reservoir and the Ten Mile Range. Once around the reservoir, you can utilize the water shuttles which run between the Frisco and Dillon marinas or you can use the Summit Stage buses which are equipped with bike racks to get you back to Breckenridge. There are many benches and smooth boulders along the path where you can stop to enjoy a scenic shoreline picnic.

THE SNAKE RIVER: The Snake River begins at Webster Pass descending through the mining town of Montezuma through the Keystone Resort where after 15 miles it flows into the Dillon Reservoir.

Biking: The recreational path along the Snake River is one of the best-kept-secrets in Summit County for an easy yet stunning bike ride the whole family can enjoy. The path goes from Keystone to the Dillon Reservoir with a decent along the Snake River with many scenic photo opportunities. Like all paths in Summit County this is a great path for walking and running too. Spend some time at the Keystone Pond and have a picnic or lunch.

Fishing: Due to the shallow banks, anglers can wade in at many points of the Snake River within the Keystone Resort and the inlet of the reservoir. (note: catch and release within the resort) The inlet attracts big Brook trout from the reservoir. Access and parking are easy.

THE SWAN RIVER: The Swan River starts in the Arapahoe National Forest east of Breckenridge. It descends through the valley running parallel to Tiger Road, joining the Blue River five miles north of Breckenridge. Dredge mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries left the river decimated. After a decade of planning, in 2016 and 2017 a half mile section of the river valley floor was restored creating a mile-long stream channel. The next phase of the restoration will be completed in 2021, restoring 4,800 feet of the Swan River that will support the Brook, Brown and Cutthroat trout population to the Colorado River watershed. The Swan River Restoration Project is comprehensive and ongoing with the goal of naturalizing the river and valley.

Hiking/Biking/Fishing: The first phase of the Swan River restoration projection is now open providing a natural surface trailhead between Browns Gulch trailhead and Rock Island Road. The site is open for hiking, biking, running and angling. While staying on the trail is always important no matter the location, users in this area are asked to be very mindful of the fragile vegetation, tread gently and keep dogs on a leash.