History of Keystone, Colorado

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Summit County, Keystone, Colorado is a purpose-built alpine resort town known for its skiing, scenic beauty, and year-round recreation. While it may lack the centuries-old history of Colorado’s mining towns, Keystone has made its own mark as a premier mountain destination with a distinctive character rooted in community, outdoor adventure, and environmental harmony.

Early Beginnings and the Rise of Summit County

The area that is now Keystone was originally part of the high-alpine wilderness roamed by Ute tribes, who hunted and migrated through the mountains for generations. With the Colorado Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, nearby Summit County towns like Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillon sprang up as mining hubs, and the region experienced an influx of settlers, prospectors, and railroad builders.

While Keystone itself didn’t develop into a mining center, it remained relatively untouched and pristine—a secluded part of the Snake River Valley surrounded by towering peaks like Keystone Mountain and Dercum Mountain.

Birth of the Resort

The modern history of Keystone began in 1970, when brothers Max and Ed Borgen—businessmen from Denver—founded Keystone Resort. Their vision was to create a family-friendly, four-season destination that offered skiing in winter and festivals, golf, and mountain recreation in summer.

With its base village at a lower elevation than many other Colorado ski towns, Keystone quickly gained popularity for its accessibility from Denver (just under 2 hours away) and for its reputation as a ski area that catered to beginners and experts alike.

In the decades since, the resort expanded to include three separate peaks—Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback—with more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. Keystone also made history by being one of the first ski resorts in the U.S. to offer night skiing on a large scale.

Keystone Today

Today, Keystone is a well-rounded mountain village offering skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, golfing, biking, hiking, festivals, and family-friendly events year-round. Though it remains unincorporated, the resort community features a mix of upscale lodges, cozy cabins, restaurants, and scenic gondola rides—all set within the natural majesty of the Rockies.

Now operated by Vail Resorts, Keystone continues to be a popular choice for Colorado families, weekend warriors, and visitors seeking a more laid-back alternative to some of the more crowded mega-resorts nearby.

Top 25 Attractions in Keystone, Colorado

1. Keystone Resort (Ski & Snowboard Area)
The centerpiece of the town, this expansive resort offers 3,000+ acres of terrain across three peaks, with everything from groomers to back bowls.

2. River Run Village
A charming pedestrian village at the base of the mountain, home to shops, ski rentals, restaurants, après-ski spots, and live music.

3. Keystone Gondola
Ride to the summit in summer or winter for panoramic views, hiking access, and mountaintop dining at 11,640 feet.

4. Night Skiing at Keystone
One of the few resorts in Colorado to offer night skiing—lighted trails make for magical evening turns.

5. Keystone Lake Ice Rink
Colorado’s largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink, surrounded by mountain views and twinkling lights.

6. Keystone Nordic Center
Explore miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skate skiing with rentals and lessons available.

7. Kidtopia Snow Fort
A massive snow playground built annually at the top of Dercum Mountain, with tunnels, slides, and snowy adventures for families.

8. The Outback
Advanced skiers love this remote-feeling area of Keystone, with tree skiing and powder stashes.

9. Summit Express Scenic Lift Rides
In summer, ride to the top of the mountain for hiking, picnicking, or a mountaintop yoga class.

10. Keystone Ranch Golf Course
An 18-hole mountain course offering high-elevation play, meadows, and rustic-chic clubhouse dining.

11. The River Course at Keystone
A spectacular mountain golf course following the Snake River, known for dramatic elevation changes and alpine scenery.

12. Keystone Bike Park
Downhill and lift-accessed mountain biking trails for all levels, including jumps, berms, and technical descents.

13. Snake River Greenbelt
A beautiful, paved trail system ideal for walking, running, or biking along the babbling Snake River.

14. Keystone Science School
Offers family programs, kids camps, and hands-on outdoor education amidst the surrounding wilderness.

15. Keystone Stables & Horseback Rides
Take a scenic horseback ride through aspen groves and meadows in summer or a sleigh ride in winter.

16. Keystone Festivals (Wine & Jazz, Bluegrass, Oktoberfest)
Enjoy seasonal events in River Run Village featuring music, tastings, games, and mountain vibes.

17. Alpenglow Stube
A mountaintop fine dining restaurant at 11,444 feet—accessible via two gondola rides for a memorable evening.

18. Der Fondue Chessel
A festive Swiss-style dining experience atop North Peak with live music and multi-course fondue meals.

19. Keystone Lake in Summer
Enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relaxing lakeside with a book.

20. Keystone Spa at Keystone Lodge
A full-service spa offering massages, body treatments, and a tranquil indoor pool and sauna.

21. Loveland Pass Scenic Drive
Just outside Keystone, this high-altitude mountain pass offers breathtaking views and a favorite spot for photos or backcountry skiing.

22. Dillon Reservoir and Marina
A short drive away, this lake offers boating, fishing, sailing, and paddle sports with mountain backdrops.

23. Montezuma Ghost Town
Take a scenic drive to this semi-abandoned mining village tucked in the mountains—a piece of 19th-century history.

24. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (“The Legend”)
Only 15 minutes from Keystone, this neighboring resort is famous for its late-season skiing and challenging terrain.

25. Scenic Wildflower Hikes (e.g., Keystone Gulch, Lenawee Trail)
Alpine meadows and high-mountain vistas make Keystone a hiking paradise in late spring and summer.

Conclusion

Keystone, Colorado, may be young in comparison to the state’s gold rush towns, but it has carved out a proud identity as a family-friendly, four-season playground. With alpine peaks, star-filled skies, snow-covered trails, and warm summer festivals, it offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re carving down moonlit slopes, dining above the treeline, or wandering wildflower meadows, Keystone invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the high country.