Keystone, CO Travel Guide
Keystone is one of my favorite places to snowboard, and while the city itself is small, I still have some recommendations of things to do!
Where to Stay
Anywhere in Keystone will work considering how small it is, however, vacation rentals in the ski village area are reasonably priced, so if you are going for a ski trip, I highly recommend trying to rent something in the ski village so that you can walk right to the mountain!
expedition Station
I would recommend getting one of the vacation rentals at Expedition Station. It’s in the back part of the ski village, but still ski in/ski out! The condo we rented was very nice, not a ton of sound, & great amenities! Make sure to use my tip of renting directly through the vacation rental site versus Airbnb/VRBO if that’s an option. It will save you some money!
Photo from Summit Cove
Jackpine & Black Bear lodge
Another ski in/ski out option is Jackpine & Black Bear Lodge. We’ve rented from Black Bear Lodge and it’s not as nice as Expedition Station. Noise travels through the walls, the jacuzzi wasn’t hot, and the specific condo we rented was very outdated. We would stay there again for the reasonable price of it being right in the ski village & steps away from the Gondola, but if you are deciding between that and Expedition Station, definitely go with Expedition Station.
Things to Do
#1 – Skiing/Snowboarding
Of all the mountains I’ve been to in Colorado, Keystone Resort is my favorite as a snowboarder. The runs are very long and there are plenty of different options. You can do a 3 mile Green run, or hike up past the chair lift to find some untouched Bowls. It’s also very easy to get around the mountain without having to deal with cat tracks.
#2 – Hiking
There are hikes everywhere in and around Keystone. Stay in Keystone for some Easier hikes or drive a little for some more challenging ones. Find some hiking options here.
#3 – indian Hot Springs
After a long day of snowboarding or hiking, drive 45 minutes East to Idaho Springs and check out Indian Hot Springs. You can swim in their Mineral Water Swimming Pool, check out the Men’s & Women’s Caves, take a mud bath and more. Depending on what you want to do, it will cost anywhere from $30 – $60. Find more info here.
Photo from Indian Hot Springs
#4 – Explore the ski village
Keystone’s ski village is one of the smaller ones in Colorado but it still has souvenir shops, restaurants, an ice rink, and more! It’s always fun to see what each ski village has to offer!
#5 – Visit Breckenridge
Breckenridge is only a 25 minute drive from Keystone, or there are plenty of shuttles options as well. They have a HUGE Main Street for a ski-town filled with adorable shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and more. You could spend a whole day exploring Breck’s Main Street!
more things to Do:
Restaurant/Bar/Coffee Recommendations
Lime
Mexican Food in the ski village. If you are in Keystone on a Tuesday, definitely go here for some great Taco Tuesday deals! 4 tacos, 1 beer, and 1 margarita cost us $19. That’s the price of a mediocre sandwich at a ski chalet!
Kickapoo Tavern
American Food in the ski village. This place is always busy around main lunch/dinner times so be prepared for a wait, but there’s usually spots open at the bar. I would recommend the pretzel bites and truffle fries. The main sandwiches and burgers aren’t anything special but after a day of snowboarding or hiking, they do the job.
Steep brewing & Coffee Co
Grab a cold beer or a warm coffee right after getting off the mountain. Steep has a location right next to the Gondola and another off the Highway.
Inxpot Cafe
This is my go-to spot for coffee before hitting a day on the slopes. They also have, sandwiches, burritos, & cocktails. Also books to read if anyone is hanging back while others are heading to the mountain! Since it’s located in the ski village, it gets really busy after 8am so get there early if you don’t want to be waiting in long line.
Rockin R Ranch Grocery store
Not a restaurant but a quick place to swing by and grab basic groceries located in the ski village. Everything costs about 3 times the amount you would pay at a regular grocery store but if you need something last minute or a quick snack, this place has plenty to offer!
