Keystone is best known for skiing, but summer opens up gondola-served ridgetop trails and quiet valley hikes in the historic mining country just beyond the resort.
Hiking in Keystone at a glance
| Signature trails | Keystone Gulch, gondola-served summit trails, Montezuma-area routes |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Lift-assisted strolls to long valley climbs |
| Trailhead notes | Gondola access in summer; free trailheads nearby |
| Best season | Late June–September |
Best trails in and around Keystone
- Gondola-served summit trails — ride up and hike the ridgelines with big views for a fraction of the climbing.
- Keystone Gulch — a long, gentle valley road-trail that climbs as far as your legs want.
- Montezuma & Peru Creek (nearby) — historic mining basins east of Keystone with wildflower-lined routes toward the Continental Divide.
Conditions change fast up here — check current trail status, closures, and parking before you head out, and carry the day-hike essentials.
Planning your hike
Most trails around Keystone run roughly mid-June through September, with the highest routes melting out by mid-July. New to the altitude? Start with an easy lake or valley walk on day one to acclimate before a bigger climb. Want to turn a hike into an overnight? See our camping & backpacking guide; chasing a summit instead? Our 14ers guide covers the nearby fourteeners, and the rest of the county’s trails are a short drive via the other Summit County towns.
Before you go
Colorado afternoons build thunderstorms fast, so start early and be off high, exposed terrain by early afternoon. Carry the day-hike essentials, add the alpine pieces from our 14er gear list for summit days, layer up (our base layers work three seasons), and read up on the altitude before your trip.
Hiking in Keystone FAQ
Can you hike at Keystone in the summer?
Yes — the gondola serves ridgetop trails with big views, and valley routes like Keystone Gulch climb into the backcountry. The historic Montezuma area just east adds more.
Do I need a lift ticket to hike Keystone?
Only if you want to ride the gondola up; plenty of nearby trailheads are free. Check current summer gondola operations and pricing.
Are there easy hikes near Keystone?
Gondola-served ridge walks and the lower sections of Keystone Gulch are approachable, and the rest of Summit County's easy trails are minutes away.
When is hiking season in Keystone?
Roughly mid-June through September. The highest trails hold snow into July, and Colorado afternoons build thunderstorms fast — start early and aim to be below treeline by early afternoon. The lower valley and lakeshore walks open earliest.
What should I pack for hiking in Keystone?
Carry the day-hike essentials — plenty of water, layers, sun protection, and the ten essentials. Add the alpine pieces from our 14er gear list for summit days, and read up on altitude sickness before your trip.