The Keys to Keystone, Colorado
The Heidi Guide travels to Keystone for a summer adventure
Courtesy of Keystone Festivals
There are many reasons to be in the mountains during the summer, especially in Keystone, Colorado. Hummingbirds buzz through the air, colorful flowers blossom from pots around River Run Village and the Snake River runs through it all, bringing a refreshing coolness.
We have been enjoying Keystone for years. Once the car is parked, there is no reason to use it until leaving. The bus system is free and runs all year long. A free bus runs all the way to Dillon and Silverthorne, down the road. A lineup of festivals keeps the village lively all summer. There are six festivals in all, starting in June with Bacon & Bourbon Festival and ending with Keystone Oktoberfest on September 2. In July, toast to Wine & Jazz Festival featuring hundreds of varieties of wine and Dotsero, a much-loved Colorado jazz band. An Art Festival takes over the village the week after Wine & Jazz, and then in August it’s Bluegrass & Beer Festival and Mountain Town Music Festival. Many paved paths wind around Keystone.
Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival. Photo by The Heidi Guide
Keystone Wine & Jazz 2022. Photo by The Heidi Guide
In fact, from the village guests can walk the path near the Snake River to Lakeside Village, home to Keystone Lake. Rentals of paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards can be purchased at the Adventure Center. One of our favorite spots in River Run Village is Inxpot Coffeehouse. We always stop in for coffee and sometimes breakfast. Also, located in the village is Montezuma Roadhouse with great drinks and a full menu of items like steak and interesting fish dishes. If a burger is what is called for, head to Kickapoo Tavern. Or, for excellent pizza and beer specials, we always end up at Pizza on the Run.
Loveland Pass to Keystone Colorado. Photo by The Heidi Guide
Pool at Red Hawk Lodge Keystone Colorado. Photo by The Heidi Guide
SummitCove Lodging is the place to find excellent condominiums, townhomes, or houses to rent in Keystone this summer (or winter). There are a lot of options, including condos right in River Run Village. In fact, I’ve had one that looks right down on the main stage during the Wine & Jazz Festival. On our last trip to Bacon & Bourbon Festival earlier this summer we stayed at one of SummitCove Lodging’s one-bedroom condos at Red Hawk Lodge, just east of the village. The pool deck is slopeside with two hot tubs and of course, a large inviting swimming pool. Most of SummitCove Lodging’s rentals have pools, which is an especially nice touch in the summer. Also, staying with SummitCove comes with free bike rentals, so guests can explore the paved paths in the area.
Courtesy of SummitCove Lodging
Courtesy of SummitCove Lodging
Tip: If coming to Keystone from Colorado’s Front Range, take Loveland Pass. Not only are the views of the Continental Divide stunning, but it’s a relaxing way to reach Keystone and during the summer, it takes about the same amount of time as driving on Interstate 70.
