Escape to Summit County for a Mountain Adventure

Main Street, Frisco, Colorado, Summer. | Photo: Todd Powell

There’s a place, just a little over an hour from Denver that provides the total Colorado experience; including hiking, biking, brewery hopping, fantastic views, boating, and more. It’s a spot that’s perfect for an intergenerational getaway, to that couple looking for adventure, to the friends group who wants to spend a little quality time together on the water. 

Frisco, Colorado, located in Summit County, is best known for having access to eight ski resorts, making it a fabulous headquarters for those who want to explore winter options in the area. However, nestled on the banks of Lake Dillon, Frisco makes an excellent homebase for summer in Summit County.

A Comfy Spot to Crash

Interior. | Photo: Hotel Frisco

Frisco has diverse lodging options, from chain hotels to short-term rentals. Looking to stay in the heart of downtown? Hotel Frisco is a comfy and convenient choice. From a huge ADA room to a fully stocked apartment, Hotel Frisco is a pleasant departure from cookie cutter chain hotels. Pets are allowed in this purpose built hotel from 1936. Of course, it has been updated with all the newest amenities including cozy bedding. There’s a daily happy hour in the hotel lobby, which features a stone fireplace and provides space for laptop work, tabletop gaming or just relaxing with a glass of wine. 

Dine & Drink & Shop

Main Street, Frisco, Colorado, Summer. | Photo: Todd Powell

While Summit County is bursting with breweries, a staple of Colorado culture, there are two in Frisco. In downtown, Highside Brewery features beer and house made, mouth-watering barbecue. Just seconds from the Interstate, Outer Range Brewing Co. makes award winning IPAs. Of course, they have other styles too, but are known for the New England style and West Coast style IPAs.

From mixed market food concepts to much-loved breakfast diners and upscale dining at spots like the 5th Avenue Grille, Frisco has it all. It is also home to Deli Belly’s, a tiny cafe serving up some of the best sandwiches and breakfast burritos in Colorado. Many unique stores front Main Street in Frisco, for instance, Gatherhouse, a glass-blowing studio is not to be missed. For quintessential mountain wares such as stickers, art, ball caps and tea towels, Stay Sunny is the go-to.

Hike & Bike 

Frisco Rainbow Lake Trail. | Photo: Joe Kusumoto

One benefit of staying in downtown Frisco is the proximity to not only food and shopping, but also hiking and biking. Whether it’s an all day outing with a backpack and granola bars, or just a quick little jaunt with grandma in a wheelchair, it can be accomplished in Frisco. The Summit County Paved Recreational Pathways System features seven paved paths, some with bike lanes. Everyone from tourists snapping photos, to dog walkers to professional riders use these trails.

Visitors to downtown can hike to Rainbow Lake via the Peaks Trail—a hike that follows a creek in the summer, this 1.6 miles out and back trail gets busy, so an early morning start is advisable. The Sapphire Peak Loop Trail is a short drive away from downtown. On Swan Mountain Road, the trail provides sweeping views of the reservoir and mountains. At just over a half mile, the loop is a perfect one for those less acclimated to 9,500 feet above sea level.

Get on the Lake

Photo: Todd Powell

When people think of a Rocky Mountain vacation, they don’t often think of being on the water, but mere steps from downtown, the Frisco Bay Marina rents everything from standup paddle boards to pontoon boats. There are also sailboats, water taxis and a rowing center. While water activities abound, people must stay atop the water as it’s too cold for swimming, and in fact, swimming here is illegal. 

Frisco is a Colorado vacation option that while popular in the winter, sings in the summer.