Best Hikes Near Keystone, Colorado

1. Sapphire Point Overlook

1 mile out-and-back · 100 ft gain · 15 min drive

This is the trail everyone should do at least once. A short, paved path leads to a stunning overlook of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range. It's wheelchair-accessible for most of the route, making it one of the most inclusive trail experiences in Summit County. The overlook is also a popular wedding spot — you'll see why when you get there.

Tip: Go at sunset for the best photos. The light on the Tenmile Range is incredible from this angle.

2. Lily Pad Lake

3.2 miles out-and-back · 300 ft gain · 5 min drive

One of the closest hikes to Keystone and one of the prettiest. The trail winds gently through aspen groves and evergreen forest before arriving at a serene alpine lake dotted with lily pads. In early summer the wildflowers are spectacular. In fall, the aspens turn gold and create one of the most photographed spots in the county.

Tip: The trailhead is on Swan Mountain Road, just minutes from River Run Village. Get there early on weekends — parking fills up by 10 AM in peak summer.

3. Tenderfoot Mountain Trail

2.5 miles loop · 400 ft gain · In Dillon (15 min drive)

A quick loop in the town of Dillon with surprisingly good views of Lake Dillon and the Gore Range. The trail climbs through a mix of pine forest and open meadow. It's a solid option when you want a short hike with a view but don't want to drive far or tackle anything technical.

4. Keystone Gulch

5.5 miles out-and-back · 800 ft gain · 5 min drive

The "locals' hike" right in Keystone's backyard. The trail follows the creek up a narrow gulch through dense forest, eventually opening to meadows with views of the Continental Divide. It's a solid workout without being punishing, and you'll see far fewer people than on the more famous trails.

Tip: The upper section can be snowy into mid-June. Microspikes are a good idea for early-season attempts.

5. Mohawk Lakes

7 miles out-and-back · 2,000 ft gain · 25 min drive (from Breckenridge)

One of the best alpine lake hikes in all of Colorado. The trail passes waterfalls, old mining ruins, and two pristine alpine lakes set in a dramatic cirque. The elevation gain is significant — starting around 10,400 feet — so take it slow and stay hydrated. Most hikers take 4–5 hours round trip.

Tip: Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline in July and August. Be below the exposed ridgeline by noon.

6. Blue Lakes Trail

6 miles out-and-back · 1,500 ft gain · 25 min drive

Starting from the Lower Blue trailhead near Breckenridge, this trail climbs through willows and subalpine meadows to reach the stunning turquoise-blue Lower Blue Lake at timberline. The color comes from glacial sediment, and it's as vivid in person as it is in photos. Upper Blue Lake adds another mile and 500 feet of gain above the lower lake for the adventurous.

7. Ptarmigan Peak

8 miles out-and-back · 2,600 ft gain · 15 min drive (Silverthorne)

A less-traveled trail that rewards you with 360-degree views of the Gore Range, Lake Dillon, and the Tenmile Range from the 12,498-foot summit. The trail starts in Silverthorne and climbs steadily through forest before breaking into alpine tundra. It's a full-day outing but rarely crowded.

8. Grays & Torreys Peaks

8.5 miles out-and-back (both peaks) · 3,600 ft gain · 20 min drive

Colorado's most accessible 14ers — and the closest to Keystone. Grays Peak (14,270 ft) is a class-1 hike on a well-maintained trail with no technical sections. Once you tag Grays, it's an optional 1-mile ridge walk to Torreys Peak (14,267 ft). These are serious mountain days — you're above 14,000 feet — but there's no scrambling or exposure on Grays.

Tip: Start by 5:30 AM, no exceptions. Afternoon lightning above treeline is dangerous. Bring layers — it can be 30°F at the summit even in July.

9. Quandary Peak

6.75 miles out-and-back · 3,450 ft gain · 25 min drive

Another popular 14er near Breckenridge. The East Ridge trail is the standard route — it's a sustained climb with no technical moves, but the altitude and relentless grade make it a significant challenge. The summit views sweep from the Tenmile Range to the Gore Range, and on clear days you can see all the way to Pikes Peak.

10. Herman Gulch to Herman Lake

6.5 miles out-and-back · 1,700 ft gain · 15 min drive

A gorgeous drainage hike that starts right off I-70 at the Herman Gulch trailhead. The trail follows the creek through wildflower meadows (peak bloom late June–July) before reaching Herman Lake at 12,000 feet, nestled below the Continental Divide. It's the best wildflower hike in the immediate Keystone area and a strong half-day option.