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Winter
Activities in Breckenridge Colorado
Aspen
Colorado - A Travelers Guide
Family
Adventure in Keystone, Colorado
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Family Adventure in Keystone, Colorado
Suggestions
for families interested in active travel in the Keystone, Colorado area.
Does
your family dream of vacationing with thousands of other families,
standing in the hot sun for up to an hour in each line for rides that
might be fun for the kids, and then going through buffet lines with the
rest of the crowd at your expensive all-inclusive hotel at a destination
amusement park? For some families, this is an enjoyable way to spend that
precious one or two weeks per year when the kids are out of school and
Mom and Dad have managed to take some vacation time after working for a
solid year. For others, there is a vacation out there with more variety,
flexibility and value.
Families
are now considering options besides the typical amusement park trip over
the summer. Mountain vacations are gaining in popularity over the
historically popular destination vacations. With so many recreational
options, families can now choose activities that range from rest and
relaxation to physically challenging. No two days will ever be the same.
 
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In
Keystone, Colorado, the sky is the limit! With an elevation of 12,000,
you can plan a hike that will allow your family to feel as though they
can actually touch the sky. One of the most enjoyable trails is near the
ghost town of Montezuma. Radical Hill is about 6 miles long and has an
elevation gain of about 1500 ft. Drive past Keystone Ski Resort on Hwy 6
and right in the middle of town you will see an old grater that probably
has been parked on the road for the last twenty years. Turn left at the
sign for Webster Pass and drive another 1.3 miles. On the left side of
the road there is a parking lot.
Although
this trail is marked intermediate, it is wide and not technical, so even
the younger children can feel successful. If you have a small child, a
Kelty backpack, will allow your young child to experience a great view
while you do all of the work in Keystone Colorado. Make sure you bring
lunch so that you can pull over on the trail and re-charge. The views of
this hike are stunning. Be sure to take a peek into the old mining cabin
near the top of the trail. With the altitude, you will require more water
than you think, as well as a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. This hike can
be as long or as short as you want to make it, but preparation can mean
the difference between a terrific day out, or a challenging experience.
This region is also known for afternoon thunderstorms, so heed the
general rule in Colorado that earlier in the day is better. Regardless of
what time you head out, it is smart to be prepared with a light rain
jacket, a hat, and a portable blanket. If you have ever experienced a
blister from hiking, you know that mole skin will make the hike down much
more comfortable.
 
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If
hiking is not your thing, you might be inclined to try mountain biking.
Beware, this sport is addictive not only for you, but for the entire
family. Don’t be surprised if for some unknown reason, you come to
enjoy the pain of skinned knees, sore pelvic muscles and strained
shoulders. You can rent a bike and helmet from Mountain View Sports in
Keystone for $25.00 for the day. Many people like to sample mountain
biking by paying for a lift ticket, riding the gondola and having their
bike handed to them at the top of the hill. If downhill speed is what you’re
after, by all means, give this a try. You will experience several rides
in one day and have ample opportunity to experience a spectacular crash
that will gain you a few "badges of honor." Watch out for the
true downhill bikers as they are not opposed to taking a 30 foot jump off
of the log stacks at the edge of the trail. You can spot them easily
because all the heavy: chest shields, wrist guards, knee guards, mouth
guards, and more.
The
other way to try mountain biking is by doing some of the real work
yourself. Find a nice trail and work those muscles until they are
screaming in pain and you find that you can go no further. Chihuahua
Gulch trail is a nice way to test your endurance and enjoy views of both
Grays and Torrey’s Peaks. From Keystone, continue on Hwy 6, veer
right on Montezuma Rd. At the fork, take a left and drive another 4.5
miles to Peru Creek Road and take a left, driving another 2 miles to
Chihuahua Rd. Park and unload your bike. Be prepared to cross several
streams on this trail and remember that with the 12,200 foot altitude,
you might be starved for oxygen. If you feel lightheaded, take a break
and drink water and take in the views. Although riding the trail without
stopping is commendable, altitude sickness is painful, so take care of
your body and drink plenty of water.
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The
third and final way to enjoy biking is for those of you who want the tour
without so much pain. Many rental shops offer shuttle service, driving
your group and your bikes from Keystone Resort to the summit of Vail
Pass, and allowing you to coast down the paved trail to Frisco. They will
pick you up and take you back to their shop where you left your car.
Although you might not ever need to pedal, you still will enjoy the legendary
Colorado sunshine and what a Colorado summer vacation is all about.
Although
ski resort vacations can be top dollar in the winter, summertime is whole
different story. In Keystone Resort, Colorado, for example a family of
four can rent a modern, upscale condo in the heart of River Run Village
for the entire July 4th week for a total of $754.00 including all taxes
and cleaning fees from SummitCove.com. Fully equipped kitchens allow you
to prepare your own meals, cutting out the cost of restaurant meals
altogether. Many of the complexes include amenities such as swimming
pools, hot tubs, and play areas for the kids. Hiking trails are entirely
free to the public and mountain biking only requires bike rental and
possibly a lift ticket for the gondola. So, pack up the family and head
out west to enjoy a truly active summer vacation in Keystone Colorado!
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