We all know the Rocky Mountains offer incredible skiing in winter. On the other hand, summer in Summit County, Colorado offers a bounty of natural activities for everyone. Leave behind the electronic gadgets and get back to nature. This makes a great long mountain weekend vacation getaway.
Lake Dillon is the predominant image of Summit County. At 9,017 feet in elevation, the lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. World class sailing is significant on the lake, with frequent regattas. Motorboats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boats are all available for rental at Frisco Bay Marina. The marina also offers a bar and grill with a live band on Friday evenings and a children's play area.
Dillon Marina offers boat rentals as well, and offers a water taxi from Dillon Marina to Frisco Bay Marina. Fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout are popular with fishermen on Lake Dillon. Have a drink and dinner at the Tiki Bar after a day of fishing or boating on the lake. Dillon Marina is also home to the Dillon Yacht Club, the highest club in North America.
Bike trails run abundantly throughout Summit County. Pick one of the many trails based on your physical ability and time frame.
- Frisco to Keystone trail runs along Lake Dillon, then along the Snake River into Keystone Village.
- Frisco to Breckenridge is an easy going route with moderate grade.
- Copper Mountain to Frisco is a downhill experience with river and mountain views.
- Try out Ride the Rockies for the passionate rider, created by the Denver Post in 1986, a six day event, about sixty-five miles per day.
The towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne all offer plenty of choices of restaurants and lodging, with a laid back atmosphere. Find some bargains at the Outlets at Silverthorne, open daily, year round. The Summit Stage is a free bus service between the summit towns. Service animals are welcome and they offer bike racks from April to October.
- Enjoy the activities at the base of Copper Mountain, about fifteen minutes further west on I-70. The Summer Activity Pass provides daily enjoyment with go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, a climbing wall, and kicked up with lively background music. Enjoy a round of alpine golf at Copper Creek.
- Breckenridge, the oldest town in the summit, acts as the county seat, about 15 minutes south of I-70 on Highway 9. This bustling town is filled with shops and restaurants along Main Street. Peak 8 Fun Park is a popular way for families to spend their vacation.
- The BBQ Challenge is a huge event on Main Street in Frisco, CO, held annually around mid June. The contest is Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned, and includes a kick off concert, barbecue and other good eats for sale.
- Visit the resort area of Keystone for summer concerts,golf, Taste of Keystone, a beer festival, culinary galas and yoga classes. Try your hand at fly fishing on the river.
- Volunteer for the ongoing forest seedling plantings, to restore forest areas in Summit County, if you are looking for an eco friendly vacation.
Summit County, Colorado is less than a two hour drive from Denver, west on I-70. Air, hotel and car rental packages are available, or condominiums are available through tour operators or management companies. Accommodations range from locally owned motels to upscale resorts and condominiums, or there are ample camping areas, depending on your idea of a mountain vacation.