A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Recreation in Summit County

Summit County is known for its skiing, but there’s so much more to experience throughout the year. Each season brings its own mix of activities. Below is a curated look at a few standout ways to enjoy each season, along with everything you need to plan ahead with ease.

Summer Recreation: Warm-Weather Activites

Golfing

Summit County’s golf courses combine elevation, sweeping mountain views, and thoughtfully challenging design, with thinner air adding distance to each shot and creating a distinctly high-alpine playing experience.

Where to Play: Breckenridge Golf Club, Keystone Resort Golf Courses, The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks in Silverthorne, and Copper Creek Golf Club at the base of Copper Mountain.
Lessons: Private and group instruction available through each club’s pro shop.
Dress Code: Standard golf attire, more casual items like gym wear, cut-offs, or sweats are generally not allowed.
Weather Conditions: Mountain weather shifts quickly. Afternoon storms, wind, and temperature swings are common, so early tee times are ideal and wearing layers is recommended.
Wildlife & Surroundings: It’s not unusual to see moose or fox on or near the course. Stay aware and give any wildlife space.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Dillon Reservoir becomes a centerpiece of summer activity, offering paddlers beautiful views in every direction.

Rentals: Alpine Sports in Breckenridge or at the Frisco and Dillon Marinas.
Best Time to Go: Early mornings for calmer conditions, winds pick up in the afternoon and can cause strong currents.
Life Jacket Use: US Coast Guard-approved life jackets (PFD) are required on Lake Dillon. Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted PFD and anyone over 13 must have one readily accessible for each person on the SUP or in the kayak. Inflatable PFDs are allowed for adults only and must be worn to qualify as an acceptable device. Acceptable types are typically Type I, II, III or V PFDs.
What to Wear: Sun protection is essential when out on the water at high altitude. Sunscreen, sun shirts, and hats are always recommended, along with additional layers in case of any quick weather changes.
Guided Options: Intro lessons and guided paddles available with Adventure Paddle Tours.
Need to Know: Please note that swimming is not permitted at the Dillon Reservoir. Full rules and regulations can be found on the Town of Dillon website or by clicking here.

Fall Recreation: Peak Season Experiences

Fly Fishing

Cooler temperatures and heightened fish activity make fall one of the most rewarding seasons for anglers in the high country. Summit County is home to some excellent Gold Medal waters.

Where to Go: The Blue River and Tenmile Creek offer some of the most consistent fly fishing in the region.
Target Species: In the fall, anglers can expect healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout, often more active as they feed ahead of winter, with browns becoming especially aggressive during their spawn.
Guides & Gear: Summit County’s oldest and most established outfitter, Mountain Angler, pairs deep local expertise with a long-standing reputation, while Cutthroat Anglers in Silverthorne offers a true local favorite feel. For Orvis-endorsed credibility and a centrally located shop, Breckenridge Outfitters is another strong option.
Licensing: A valid Colorado fishing license is required and can be purchased online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or at any of the local fly shops.

Leaf Peeping

Aspen season transforms the Summit landscape into a vibrant display of gold, as entire mountainsides glow with shifting hues of yellow and amber, creating one of the most striking displays of fall in Colorado.

Where to Go: Boreas Pass offers one of the most iconic leaf-peeping drives in Summit County, with several hiking trail options available. Rainbow Lake in Frisco provides a short, scenic hike through golden groves for a quieter experience.
When to Go: Typically, mid-September through early October (timing varies based on elevation and summer moisture levels).
Timing Tip: Weekday mornings offer the best light for photography and often fewer crowds.

Winter Recreation: Cold-Weather Pursuits

Outdoor Ice Skating

What makes Keystone Lake stand out is its scale and setting. Keystone Lake is one of the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rinks in North America, framed by alpine views and the village atmosphere of Keystone Resort. As the sun sets, the rink takes on a quieter, more intimate feel, making evening skating particularly memorable.

Location: Located in the heart of Keystone Resort’s Lakeside Village.
Timing: Timing and hours can vary, usually from 11 am or 1 pm to 8 pm, November through early spring. Conditions are typically best from late December through February.
Rentals: Range in pricing, hockey sticks and equipment available for rental.
Need to Know: Make sure to wear or pack insulated layers, gloves, and warm socks, temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Reservations are not required.

Snowmobiling

For a more adventurous outing, guided snowmobile tours through areas like the Swan River Valley and Georgia Pass offer access to expansive backcountry terrain.

Where to Go: Outfits such as Good Times Adventures and High Country Tours offer guided snowmobile tours through scenic backcountry terrain.
What to Expect: Guided tours range from beginner-friendly rides on wide, groomed trails to more advanced, high-alpine routes with more technical terrain.
What to Wear: Waterproof outerwear, goggles (often provided), and insulated boots.
Booking Tips: Reserve in advance during peak season. Private tours are available for a more tailored experience.

Spring Recreation: Early Season Exploration

Mountain Biking

Early-season riding typically begins in Frisco and Silverthorne, where lower elevations and sunnier exposures allow trails to dry out first, offering some of the earliest accessible dirt riding in Summit County.

Where to Ride: Frisco Peninsula Trail System and the Peaks Trail from Breckenridge to Frisco are great go-to areas, especially in early spring.
Trail Conditions: Check for current conditions and updates via local trail organizations like Summit County Mountain Bike Alliance at www.scomba.org and the B Like Breck app (available for free download in Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store for Android users).
Rentals & Service: Mountain Wave & Carvers Ski + Bike Rentals.
Bike Racks on Summit Stage Buses: May through October, the Summit Stage is equipped with bike racks for use between sunrise and sunset. Racks can transport up to 3 bikes at a time, and bikes are not allowed inside the bus. For more information on Summit Stage routes and bike racks, visit the Public Transit section of the County’s website under the Community drop-down menu.
Trail Etiquette: In Summit County, most trails are multi-use, so ride in control and yield to hikers and uphill traffic. Always check trailhead signage, stay on designated routes, and avoid riding muddy trails to protect conditions. Note that e-bikes are generally not allowed on singletrack mountain bike trails.

Disc Golf

Disc golf offers a relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors in a typically high-energy mountain town, with scenic courses emerging as the snow melts and providing a fun, approachable activity for all skill levels, supported by a strong local disc golf scene.

Where to Play: The Peak One Disc Golf Course at the Frisco Adventure Park.
Equipment: Discs can be purchased at Podium Sports or Pioneer Sports in Frisco, DiscIn in Silverthorne, or at the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge.
Course Updates & Leagues: Visit the Summit Disc Golf Collective’s website for information on events, leagues, and tournaments at www.udisc.com.
Insider Tip: Morning rounds tend to be less windy and more enjoyable.

Find Your Home Base for Every Season

At its core, Summit County living is about access; access to the outdoors, to a lifestyle that evolves with the seasons, and to experiences that naturally become part of your routine year after year. The brokers at Breckenridge Associates Real Estate are long-time locals who understand both the market and the lifestyle, and can help you find a property that aligns with how you want to experience the mountains. If you’re considering a home in Summit County, call us today at 970-453-2200 to connect with a Breckenridge Associates Broker and start the conversation.