My favorite place in the country is Colorado. Anyone else with me? Four true seasons, fresh air, nature for miles and miles, snow covering the ground in the winter that make you feel like you’re at the North Pole, and outdoor activities to keep you busy every minute of the day. Colorado is truly paradise.

I’m an adventure kid at heart who loves to be moving outdoors, and if I can travel somewhere in the summer that’s warm during the day and cool at night, I’m there. Growing up, my family would travel to Colorado a few times a year, so it feels like a second home to me. I hadn’t been in a minute, so I decided it was time for a vacay!

We flew American Airlines into the Denver International Airport and rented a Ford Escape from Airport Van Rentals for all of our vacation adventures. AVR had free shuttle service to and from the airport, had a quick check in/check out process, and was super affordable. Highly recommend for your next Colorado trip.

Straight from Denver, we drove into the Rockies to check-in to the cutest AirBnB for the next 3 days. We rented from Park Meadows Lodge, which was walking distance from Main Street Breck. It was the cutest little one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, tv in the living room, and public hot-tub access behind the complex. Perfect for a traveling couple!

played around in the cities of Keystone, Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. Here are some recommended things to do in each city in the summertime:

BRECKENRIDGE

• FOOD:
  • Downstairs at Eric’s – Pizza & Wings.
  • Gold Pan Saloon – Super fun bar scene with great food.
  • Kenosha – BBQ
  • Crepes A La Cart – Sweet/Savory Crepe Stand
  • Crown Coffee Shop – Coffee, Sweets, and Sandwiches
  • Fatty’s Pizza
  • Flip Side – Burgers
• OUTDOORS:
  • Spruce Creek Trail to Upper and Lower Mohawk Lakes – We loved this one! So beautiful!
    • Round Trip ~ 8 miles (3 hours up, 1.5 hours down)
    • Level: Medium/Moderate
    • What to bring:
      • Lots of water
      • Snacks
      • Camera
      • Light jacket/windbreaker – we caught a bit of rain towards the later afternoon.
      • Hiking Boots – Mine are theOboz Juniper Mid BDry Hiking Boots and they were great.
  • McCullough Gulch – Did not do the following, but they were highly recommended.
    • Round Trip ~ 3 miles
    • Level: Medium/Moderate
  • Black Powder Pass
    • Round Trip ~ 3.5 miles
    • Level: Medium/Moderate
  • Blue Lakes – Monte Cristo Gulch
    • Round Trip ~ 3 miles
    • Level: Easy/Medium

KEYSTONE, DILLON, SILVERTHORNE, FRISCO

• OUTDOORS:
  • Keystone Gulch Road
    • Duration ~ 1.5 hours round trip
    • Scenic drive out of Keystone
    • Get ready to see some wildlife!
    • Park and walk trails along a beautiful stream coming down the mountain.
    • I’ve been driving this trail since I was a kid! One of my favorites.
  • Montezuma
    • Duration ~ 2 hours round trip
    • Drive past Keystone up to the city of Montezuma deep in the mountains
    • Stop
    • Along the way, check out Peru Creek scenic drive for hiking/mountain biking trails, views of beautiful streams, and some wildlife!
    • *Fill up on gas before heading up the mountain!
  • Kayak Lake Dillon
    • Rent single/double kayak or paddle boards out of Dillon Marina to explore the gorgeous Lake Dillon shorelines. A MUST in the summertime!
  • Mountain Bike
    • Ride the Keystone gondola up the mountain for the ultimate mountain biking experience!
    • Bikes rentable in just about any of the above cities mentioned.
    • Trails are all over and around Summit County. Click here for a list!
• FOOD:
  • Sunshine Cafe Silverthorne
    • My all time favorite breakfast spot in the mountains!
    • Affordable, large menu, big portions.
    • Fill up on a delicious meal before your outdoor summer adventures.
  • Log Cabin Cafe Frisco
    • Great breakfast indoor/outdoor spot in the adorable town of Frisco located on Main Street.
  • Dillon Marina Tiki Bar
    • Located right on Lake Dillon
    • Delicious Frozen Pina Colada!
    • Food menu is small and a bit pricey – fish tacos, burger, etc.; but worth the view!
    • We waited for our kayak rental here and had a few drinks.
  • Kickapoo Tavern Keystone
    • Located in River Run Village
    • Fun atmosphere, great food.

 

These are only a few of places I’ve been to in the past. Summit County villages of Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco are each about 15-20 minutes apart, and all so much fun. Lots to do anywhere you go in the summertime! Next up…. WINTER ACTIVITIES! Can’t wait to visit the winder wonderland in the mountains this year.

 

Enjoy!

XOXO, Cail